Principal

The Gersh Organization is dedicated to changing the lives of children on the autism spectrum. Our team of professionals is committed to providing opportunities, inspiration, and guidance for every child to reach their full potential, regardless of the challenges they face. With our family of programs in various locations on Long Island, NY, Washington and in Puerto Rico, Gersh is the leading provider of educational and support services for children on the autism spectrum and their families.

The priorities of this role are to serve as the chief administrator of the school and to be the local face and voice of Gersh Academy. As the chief administrator, you will be expected to implement our established best practices across policies, programs, curriculum, and activities as well as develop new and innovative ways to leverage your surroundings to promote the educational development and therapeutic program of our students. As the local face and voice of Gersh Academy, you will be expected to understand, support and promote our culture and philosophy inside and outside the school. You will help drive enrollment and create a network of meaningful relationships with the community, autism organizations, staff and parents/families.

Duties and Responsibilities

Administrative Responsibilities:

• Implement effective and clear procedures for the operation and functioning of the school consistent with the mission, values and goals of Gersh Academy

• Implement and communicate new and innovative ways to work based on the local school environment

• Ensure compliance with all laws, policies and civil regulations

• Manage the school budget

• Ensure the maintenance of an attractive, organized, functional, healthy, clean and safe facility, with proper attention to the visual, acoustic and thermal environments

• Ensure that class records including attendance and school policies are followed and any audit exceptions are corrected immediately

• Develop and disseminate a schedule ensuring classrooms and program activities are supervised as assigned

• Ensure personnel and student record keeping procedures comply with state and federal law

• Develop clearly understood procedures and provide regular drills for emergencies and disasters

• Staff Leadership and Management:

• Define the responsibilities, accountabilities and professional development of all staff

• Supervise and appraise staff performance and facilitate professional growth of staff

• Establish a professional rapport with students and staff. Serve as a role model for teachers and students, dressing professionally, demonstrating the importance and relevance of learning, accepting responsibility and demonstrating pride in the education profession

• Display the highest ethical and professional behavior and standards when working with students, parents and school staff. Assume responsibility for the health, safety and welfare of students, employees and visitors.

• Meet regularly with staff to discuss the operation of the school, identify needs and report on success.

Education / Clinical Focus:

• Supervise instructional programs, evaluate lesson plans, observe classes and encourage the use of a variety of instructional strategies and materials consistent with research on learning and child development

• Ensure instructional programs address each student’s needs, interests and skill levels and encourage the student to define individual goals and accept responsibility for learning while providing a variety of methods for the student to demonstrate performance and accomplishments

• Analyze and report student performance data and utilize as a basis for curriculum improvement and staff development needs

• Oversee implementation of Individual Education Plans

• Continue to develop curriculum, program evaluation, allocation of instructional materials and resources, and coordination of activities, ensuring the curriculum is current and addresses the Learning Standards

• Keep abreast of new information, evidence-based practices and innovative ideas

Community Liaison:

• Establish meaningful relationships and trust and rapport with families and other adults in the lives of the students

• Develop collaborative relationships with other private and public school leaders

• Attend professional conferences in support of school administration and autism

• Represent the school at community and state events and professional meetings

• Schedule open houses for the community

• Liaise with fundraiser to promote events and activities

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s Degree in Education or Related Field

• Master’s Degree preferred

• At least 10 years’ experience in special education preferred

• Certified as a School Building Leader (SBL) preferred

• Experience in special education preferred

• Experience with children on the Autism Spectrum preferred

• Demonstrate excellent leadership and organizational skills

• Demonstrate the ability to motivate people

• Experience as building leader preferred

• Working Knowledge of Applied Behavioral Analysis (ABA)

• Experience in admissions, sales and/or marketing of a school or program required

• Intermediate experience with MS Office required

• Highly organized and strong follow-through with tasks and promises

• Highly developed communication skills

• Ability to manage budgets and implement spending procedures and monitoring

• Ability to handle competing priorities and able to solve problems independently

• Ability to develop curriculum and lead instructional programs

• Ability to lead a diverse group of employees

• Ability to think creatively and out of the box for both program and student development

• Entrepreneurial spirit and ability to create, implement and measure success

Working Conditions:

Location: Queens/Long Island Border

• Monday – Friday / 8:00am – 4:00pm

• Must have flexibility to work evenings and weekends as needed based on school events

• School Office environment

Physical Requirements:

• Ability to sit for long periods

• Ability to move freely throughout building with no restrictions

• Ability to handle aggressive children

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $18.00 - $63.00 per hour

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• Dental insurance
• Health insurance
• Paid time off
• Vision insurance

Schedule:

• Monday to Friday

Ability to commute/relocate:

• Queens, NY: Reliably commute or planning to relocate before starting work (Preferred)

Application Question(s):

• What are your expectations in regards to an annual salary?

Education:

• Master's (Required)

Experience:

• Principal: 2 years (Preferred)
• special education: 2 years (Preferred)
• IEP: 2 years (Preferred)

License/Certification:

• SBL (Preferred)

Work Location:

• One location

Work Remotely:

• No

Work Location: One location