Principal

Position Type:
Administration

Date Posted:
3/6/2026

Location:
Various Locations


POSITION ANNOUNCEMENT


March 6, 2026

POSITION: Principal

LOCATION: Various Locations

JOB SUMMARY:
The Principal serves as the instructional, operational, and cultural leader of the school and is responsible for ensuring high levels of academic achievement, positive school culture, and effective school operations. The Principal provides strategic vision and leadership to staff, students, and the community while implementing district priorities and school improvement initiatives. This role requires a dynamic leader who can develop people, lead data-driven instructional practices, manage resources effectively, and foster a safe, inclusive, and engaging learning environment where all students can succeed. The Principal collaborates with district leaders, staff, families, and community partners to ensure alignment with the district's strategic plan and to promote continuous improvement in teaching, learning, and school performance.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

1. Master's Degree in Education or related field required; advanced degree preferred;
2. Valid Georgia Leadership Certification in Educational Leadership or eligibility for certification;
3. Three (3) years of successful school leadership or administrative experience;
4. Five (5) years of successful experience as a certified educator,
5. Demonstrated record of improving student achievement and leading instructional improvement initiatives preferred;
6. Such alternatives to the above qualifications as the Superintendent and the Board may find appropriate.

SKILLS AND ABILITIES:

1. Strong knowledge of curriculum, instruction, and assessment practices that support high levels of student achievement;
2. Ability to analyze and use data to guide instructional decision-making and school improvement;
3. Knowledge of effective coaching practices to support teacher development and instructional growth;
4. Ability to effectively manage school operations including staffing, scheduling, budgeting, and resource allocation;
5. Knowledge of school improvement planning, strategic implementation, and performance monitoring;
6. Ability to align systems, processes, and resources with school and district priorities;
7. Ability to build and sustain a collaborative, high-performing school leadership team;
8. Skill in building positive relationships with staff, students, families, and community partners;
9. Ability to foster a culture of shared accountability and continuous improvement;
10. Strong written and verbal communication skills;
11. Ability to address complex challenges with sound judgment and strategic problem-solving;
12. Skill in conflict resolution and navigating sensitive issues with professionalism and discretion;
13. Ability to integrate instructional technology and digital learning tools to enhance teaching and learning;
14. Knowledge of emerging educational practices and innovative strategies that improve student outcomes.

PERFORMANCE RESPONSIBILITIES:

Visionary and Strategic Leadership

• Develops and communicates a clear vision for student achievement and school improvement aligned with district priorities;
• Leads the development, implementation, and monitoring of the School Improvement Plan;
• Establishes measurable goals and monitors progress to ensure continuous improvement.

Instructional Leadership

• Provides strong instructional leadership focused on improving teaching and learning;
• Conducts frequent classroom observations and provides actionable feedback to teachers and instructional staff;
• Leads data analysis and instructional planning processes to improve student performance;
• Supports instructional coaches and teacher leaders to ensure high-quality professional learning and coaching;

Staff Development and Talent Management

• Recruits, hires, develops, and retains highly effective educators and staff;
• Supervises and evaluates all faculty and staff in accordance with district evaluation systems;
• Builds leadership capacity among staff and promotes ongoing professional growth.

School Culture and Climate

• Establishes and maintains a positive, inclusive, and student-centered school culture;
• Promotes high expectations for student achievement, behavior, and engagement;
• Implements systems that support student well-being, safety, and positive behavior.

Operational Leadership

• Oversees the daily operations of the school including scheduling, staffing, safety, and facility management;
• Manages school budgets and ensures responsible use of financial and material resources;
• Ensures compliance with district policies, state and federal regulations, and Board policies.

Family and Community Engagement

• Builds strong partnerships with families and community organizations to support student success;
• Communicates regularly with stakeholders regarding school initiatives, student progress, and school performance;
• Serves as a visible and engaged leader within the school community.

Data and Accountability

• Monitors student achievement and growth data to guide instructional improvements;
• Ensures systems are in place for continuous monitoring of academic and operational performance;
• Communicates progress toward goals with staff, district leadership, and stakeholders.

Professional Growth

• Engages in ongoing professional learning to strengthen leadership practice;
• Participates in district leadership initiatives and collaborates with other school leaders;
• Models a commitment to continuous improvement and lifelong learning.

Other Responsibilities

• Performs other duties as assigned by the Superintendent or designee.

PHYSICAL AND WORK ENVIRONMENT REQUIREMENTS

• Ability to move throughout the school campus and supervise various school activities;
• Ability to stand, walk, and sit for extended periods;
• Ability to use technology, including computers and communication devices;
• Occasional lifting of materials up to 25 pounds;
• May require attendance at evening meetings, school events, or community functions;
• Requires frequent interaction with students, staff, families, and community partners.

REPORTS TO: Superintendent

SALARY RANGE: Competitive salary and excellent benefits package, in accordance with the DCSS Compensation Guide

APPLICATION DEADLINE: Applications will be reviewed upon submission. To ensure consideration, please submit all required application materials by March 20, 2026.

INTERESTED APPLICANTS SHOULD APPLY ONLINE.


THE DOUGHERTY COUNTY SCHOOL SYSTEM DOES NOT DISCRIMINATE ON THE BASIS OF RACE, COLOR, RELIGION, AGE, SEX, NATIONAL ORIGIN, OR DISABILITY.


The System reserves the right to waive any qualifications or other provisions of this advertisement by statute or regulations.


Dougherty County School System uses Frontline Education to manage employment applications online.

About Us:
The Dougherty County School System is a leading catalyst and advocate for public education in Southwest Georgia. It's the largest school system in the second congressional district. The school district has 21 schools (13 elementary, 4 middle, 3 high schools, and 1 alternative middle/high school), 3 learning centers, and the Commodore Conyers College & Career Academy. All schools are accredited by Cognia. The DCSS offers a competitive salary and benefits package.

Dougherty County is recognized for its quail and duck hunting, fishing, the Flint River, and many cypress swamps. The County has a population of approximately 90,000. Our County has two institutions of higher education, Albany State University and Albany Technical College. Notable points of interest include the Albany Museum of Art, the Flint RiverQuarium, the Albany Civil Rights Institute, the Parks at Chehaw, Radium Springs Gardens, and Thronateeska Heritage Center, which includes the Museum of History, Wetherbee Planetarium, and the Science Discovery Center. Dougherty County is a short drive to Atlanta, the Georgia coast, as well as the Florida Gulf Coast beaches.

Important Note:
This document provides descriptive information about the above Dougherty County School System position. Work actually performed by incumbents in this position may vary. Although this document may be used for recruiting, staffing, or career planning, the information contained herein should only be used as a guideline or recommendation for the content of and qualifications for this position. The Dougherty County School System reserves the right to make changes to this document as deemed necessary without providing advance written notice.