CERTIFIED Principal at an Alternative High School

Big Picture Philadelphia challenges systemic inequities in education by providing transformative learning experiences at two public high schools in North Philadelphia — El Centro de Estudiantes (El Centro) and Vaux Big Picture High School (Vaux). As proud members of the network, we build on students’ strengths, help them identify their interests, and connect them to their passions-- within and outside the school building. Our integrated, community-focused approach to education and personal development ensures students build the skills, confidence, networks, and credentials needed to achieve their personal, academic, and career goals.

Position Summary:

The Principal of El Centro Big Picture is the instructional and operational leader, driving the school’s mission to provide a safe, inclusive, and academically enriching environment. Reporting to Big Picture Philadelphia’s Executive Academic Officer, the Principal establishes a clear vision for student learning, promotes high-quality instructional practices, and fosters a positive school culture.

This role involves strategic planning, operational management, and cultivating strong relationships with students, staff, families, and the community. Key responsibilities include staff recruitment and development, enhancing leadership capacity, and supporting differentiated professional growth. The Principal will analyze and leverage multiple data sources to guide continuous improvement in student achievement and school operations.

Collaborating with diverse stakeholders, the Principal ensures that students are well-prepared for academic and personal success while upholding the school’s commitment to equity and excellence.

Key Responsibilities:

• Develop and implement a school improvement plan, setting measurable goals for academic achievement and school climate.
• Articulate a clear vision for student learning that is aligned with Big Picture Philadelphia's mission.
• Foster a culture of continuous improvement with high expectations for learning and growth.
• Promote high-quality instructional practices school-wide and provide timely, constructive feedback to teachers through regular observations and professional development.
• Collect, analyze, and use data to guide improvements in student achievement, staff development, and school climate.
• Coordinate standardized testing, data analysis, and reporting to meet district and state requirements.
• Collaborate with teachers to develop and implement targeted strategies that address the diverse needs of students.
• Ensure a safe, secure, and orderly learning environment.
• Build a culture of collegiality, reflection, shared accountability, and continuous improvement among staff and students.
• Promote systems that encourage peer feedback, collaboration, and professional growth.
• Recruit, assign, and retain staff while supporting differentiated professional development and deliberately building leadership capacity among staff members.
• Develop and sustain strong partnerships with families, addressing concerns and fostering their involvement in student success.
• Foster strong connections between the school and the community by building relationships with business, cultural, and nonprofit organizations, creating meaningful student opportunities, and enhancing community engagement.
• Oversee the school budget, requisitions, and facility management to ensure efficient operations.
• Work collaboratively with the School District of Philadelphia Opportunity Network to ensure compliance with all district policies, regulations, and guidelines.
• Perform additional responsibilities as assigned by the Executive Academic Officer and Executive Director.

Qualifications and Requirements:

• Demonstrated ability to lead and inspire transformational change within a school community, fostering innovation, equity, and excellence
• Proven success in promoting creativity, collaboration, and high-quality instruction to drive continuous school-wide improvement
• Experience in creating a culturally responsive learning environment that honors students' identities and leverages diversity as a strength
• Commitment to building a culture of empowerment, collaboration, and continuous improvement while actively engaging students, staff, and families in the school’s vision and decision-making processes
• Strong commitment to student empowerment, emphasizing academic rigor, real-world engagement, and preparing students for post-secondary success
• Passion for coaching, mentoring, and developing staff to enhance instructional practices and leadership capacities
• Exceptional communication skills for engaging and motivating diverse audiences, including students, staff, families, and stakeholders
• Proven ability to analyze data, identify trends, and implement evidence-based strategies that lead to continuous improvement in both academic outcomes and operational efficiency
• Strong organizational abilities demonstrated to prioritize and manage multiple competing priorities effectively
• Exemplary work ethic, modeling professionalism and accountability for personal and organizational growth
• Self-aware and reflective, committed to ongoing professional development and the ability to take responsibility for actions and outcomes

Educational Credentials:

• A Master's degree in Education or a related field is required, complemented by Teacher and Principal Certification, to ensure a comprehensive understanding of and adherence to educational standards and practices
• Minimum of 3-5 years of school leadership experience with a track record of driving transformational change and elevating student achievement
• Minimum of 3-5 years of teaching experience
• Minimum of 2-3 years of certified leadership experience in a school setting preferred

Required Clearances

Successful applicants will be required to complete and submit the following as a condition of hire:

• PA State Police Background Check (EPATCH)
• Childline Clearance
• FBI Fingerprinting
• Act 71
• Act 126
• Act 168

Compensation

The Principal is a full-time employee eligible for a comprehensive benefits package that includes health, vision, dental, short and long-term disability insurance, and a 401k retirement plan with employer matching. Salary is commensurate with experience. Big Picture Philadelphia provides equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, age, genetic information, disability, or veteran status.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $125,000.00 - $150,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• 401(k) matching
• Dental insurance
• Employee assistance program
• Flexible spending account
• Health insurance
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Parental leave
• Retirement plan
• Vision insurance

Schedule:

• 8 hour shift

Work Location: In person

Salary : $125,000 - $150,000