Interim Principal

Position Summary:

The Principal of West Town Academy (WTA) is the key leader responsible for managing the school's day-today operations and ensuring a supportive, result-driven learning environment for at-risk youth. Reporting to the Chief Education Officer, the principal is responsible for the maintaining a proficient rating on the School Quality Rating Policy (SQRP) while overseeing curriculum development, student management, staff supervision, and compliance with state and local regulations. The principal will also guide and support teachers and staff and ensuring the school meets its educational and operational goals. The principal also plays a crucial role in budgeting which includes writing parts of the budget and ensuring dollars are spent.

Position Responsibilities:

Data Tracking & Budgeting & Performance Monitoring:

Track, monitor, and be responsible for all data related to the School Quality Rating Policy. Work collaboratively with the Chief Education Officer and the fiscal department to support with the required information and meetings for different budgets for the school. Ensure all budget monies are spent accordingly and are spent in full. Work collaboratively with the Chief Education Officer and the Academic Dean to provide ongoing academic improvement through professional staff development and regular curricular upgrades. Implements a collaborative planning process at the school, engaging all stakeholders in the continuous improvement of educational outcomes (CIWP - Continuous Improvement Work Plan). Regularly meets with the management team to report on WTA's outcomes, providing insights and recommendations for program enhancements.

Instruction & Curriculum Support & Leadership:

Work collaboratively with the Chief Education Officer and the Academic Dean to oversee curriculum planning, development, and evaluation to ensure alignment with educational standards and the specific needs of an at-risk youth student population. Ensures the provision of appropriate instructional materials, diagnostic tools, and assessment strategies to meet the diverse needs of students. Work collaboratively with the Chief Education Officer and the Academic Dean to provide ongoing academic improvement through professional staff development and regular curricular upgrades. Implements a collaborative planning process at the school, engaging all stakeholders in the continuous improvement of educational outcomes. Regularly meets with the management team to report on WTA's outcomes, providing insights and recommendations for curriculum and program enhancements.

Student Management & Development:

Responsible for implementing and managing student management strategies, including the development and enforcement of student and staff codes of conduct and disciplinary procedures. Oversees all aspects of student educational achievement and placement outcomes, establishing a discernible school culture with appropriate routines, protocols, and social-emotional supports Communicates regularly with parents and legal guardians regarding the academic and social progress of their children, ensuring a supportive and transparent educational environment. Ensures that agreed-upon funder outcomes are met, providing timely reports to funders as contractually required.

Administrative Compliance & Reporting:

Work collaboratively with the Chief Education Officer and the Academic Dean to oversee curriculum planning, development, and evaluation to ensure alignment with educational standards and the specific needs of an at-risk youth student population. Ensures the provision of appropriate instructional materials, diagnostic tools, and assessment strategies to meet the diverse needs of students. Work collaboratively with the Chief Education Officer and the Academic Dean to provide ongoing academic improvement through professional staff development and regular curricular upgrades. Implements a collaborative planning process at the school, engaging all stakeholders in the continuous improvement of educational outcomes. Regularly meets with the management team to report on WTA's outcomes, providing insights and recommendations for curriculum and program enhancements. Serves as a member of GWTP's Leadership Team, collaborating with other senior leaders to align WTA's goals with broader organizational objectives and contributing to agency-wide strategic planning.

Staff Management & Community Engagement:

Primarily responsible for the supervision of all WTA staff, providing guidance and support to ensure program effectiveness. Worked collaboratively with the Chief Executive Officer with the hiring of all WTA staff, ensuring the selection of qualified and dedicated individuals. Provides leadership to enhance the visibility, enrollment, and resources of the school within the community, fostering strong partnerships and support networks Supervises WTA's middle management team including, but not limited to, the Academic Dean, the Dean of Students, and the Contracts and Grants Manager. Other duties as assigned.

Qualifications/Requirements:

7+ years educational leadership experience Bachelor's degree, graduate degree preferred A strong commitment to community service, and familiarity with community education issues and challenges Educational regulations experience, charter school experience a plus Bi-lingual Spanish a plus Type 75 Certification a plus

Skills Staff Management:

Works with subordinates to prepare clear goals and expectations; communicates performance standards; measures and rewards achievement; evaluates staff performance. Takes disciplinary action as required. Delegates to and empowers staff. Removes obstacles and provides needed resources. Responsible for implementing and managing student management strategies, including the development and enforcement of student and staff codes of conduct and disciplinary procedures. Oversees all aspects of student educational achievement and placement outcomes, establishing a discernible school culture with appropriate routines, protocols, and social-emotional supports.

Student Management & Development:

Program Management:

Demonstrates a leadership quality that supports Change Management to address the needs and requirements of our programs as they grow and develop.

Communication:

Demonstrates attention to and conveys understanding of the comments and questions of others. Speaks clearly and expresses self well in groups and in one-to-one conversations. Composes written materials so they are clear, detailed and concise. Creates an atmosphere in which timely and high-quality information flows smoothly between self and others. Encourages open expression of ideas and opinions. Strong communication and problem-solving skills are required.

Integrity:

Demonstrates principled leadership and sound business ethics. Shows consistency among principals, values and behaviors. Builds trust with others through authenticity and follow through on commitments.

Community Commitment:

Candidates should possess a commitment to community service and experience working with low-income, disadvantaged populations.

Personal Organization:

Utilizes personal time effectively; tracks and prioritizes work to ensure that tasks are completed according to their priority; remains aware of and plans for upcoming activities. Able to handle multiple tasks at the same time.

Work Commitment:

Sets high standards of performance; pursues aggressive goals and works hard to achieve them without close supervision.

Stress Tolerance:

Maintains stability of performance under pressure or opposition; reacts well to emergencies; maintains positive composure and confidence in crisis or adverse situations.

Flexibility:

Ability to adapt to and work effectively within a variety of situations and with various individuals or groups. Can understand and appreciate different and opposing perspectives and adapt approach as required.

Teamwork/Collaboration:

Works cooperatively with others to be part of a team rather than separately or competitively. Advocates for the success of the organization by balancing own interests and needs with those that will serve the needs of participants/clients.

Innovation:

Generates new ideas; goes beyond the status quo; recognizes the need for newer or modified approaches.

Automation:

Ability to use computer equipment, Microsoft office applications (e.g. Word, Excel, and Outlook) and demonstrated ability to navigate/learn agency selected systems for program management.

To Apply:

Qualified candidates should submit a detailed cover letter and resume demonstrating how they meet or exceedeach qualification/ requirement. Submit your materials via e-mail or mail to : jobs@gwtp.org . Please clearly indicate which position you are applying for in the subject line of the e-mail. If you prefer, you can mail your application materials to us at: Human Resources Greater West Town Community Development Project 500 N Sacramento Blvd. Chicago, IL 60612

About Greater West Town:

Greater West Town Community Development Project (GWTP) is a community-based economic development organization dedicated to expanding educational and employment opportunities in Chicago's low-income communities. GWTP is a pro-active and effective advocate for unemployed community residents and at-risk and dropout youth in Chicago's economically distressed neighborhoods. We provide practical, on-the-ground solutions to our communities' complex challenges through hands-on vocational skills training, comprehensive job placement, and alternative education for students that have been unsuccessful in traditional schools. For over 30 years, GWTP has successfully linked expanded educational and employment service for community residents to community development initiatives and the needs of small-mid-size local employers. GWTP is an equal opportunity employer and seeks to employ and assign the best qualified personnel for all our positions in a manner that does not unlawfully discriminate against any person because of race, color, religion, gender, marital status, age, national origin, physical or mental disability, sexual orientation, veteran/reserve national guard status, or any other status or characteristic protected by law. GWTP is an Equal Opportunity Employer that does not discriminate on the basis of actual or perceived race, creed, color, religion, alienage or national origin, ancestry, citizenship status, age, disability or handicap, sex, marital status, veteran status, sexual orientation, genetic information, gender identity, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state or local laws. Our management team is dedicated to this policy with respect to recruitment, hiring, placement, promotion, transfer, training, compensation, benefits, employee activities and general treatment during employment.

Job Type:

Full-time Pay:

$88,500.00 - $94,000.00 per year

Benefits:

401(k) Dental insurance Health insurance Paid time off Tuition reimbursement Vision insurance

Work Location:

In person