Detroit Early Middle College Principal (Founding Principal)

Job Description

Description

The Detroit Academy of Arts and Sciences (DAAS) is seeking a dynamic and visionary leader to serve as the founding Principal of the Detroit Early Middle College. This standalone high school will provide scholars with the opportunity to earn both a high school diploma and college credits or career certifications. The Principal will be responsible for establishing and leading a high-quality Early Middle College program that ensures academic excellence, postsecondary readiness, and a strong partnership with Post Secondary Partners and other stakeholders. They will join a dedicated team to support this critical pre-operational year of planning, laying the groundwork for a successful launch. The 2025/26 school year will serve as a pre-operational year, key in laying a strong foundation before the inaugural class of 9th graders starts in Fall 2026, with the plan to grow one grade each subsequent school year.

Qualifications:

Master’s degree in Educational Leadership, School Administration, or a related field.

Must hold a valid Elementary & Secondary Administration K-12 (ES) with Michigan Department of Education, or be eligible to obtain one.

Minimum of five (5) years of experience in school leadership, preferably at the high school level.

Experience in Early Middle College, dual enrollment, or similar programing (strongly preferred)

Physical Requirements: Light Work: Exerting up to 50 pounds of force occasionally and/or up to 10 pounds of force as frequently as needed to move objects; Frequent standing, stooping, bending, pushing and pulling.

Terms of Employment: The salary for this position is $105,000. Salary and benefits shall be paid consistent with the District's approved compensation plan. Length of the work year and hours of employment shall be those established by the District.

Evaluation: Performance of this job will be evaluated by the Chief Academic Officer in accordance with provisions of the Board’s policy on evaluation of personnel.

Key Responsibilities

Leadership and Vision:

Establish and implement the vision, mission, and strategic goals of the Early Middle College in alignment with DAAS’s commitment to scholar success from birth to career.

Develop and implement articulation processes leading to 13th grade certification and/or Associate’s degree.

Develop a strong college-going culture and ensure that scholars are prepared for postsecondary education and careers.

Build and foster relationships with Wayne State University, community partners, and industry stakeholders to support scholar success.

Lead faculty and staff in creating a collaborative, inclusive, and high-performing educational environment that leads to post-secondary success.

Develop and maintain strong working relationships with district counselors, post-secondary admissions, department chairs, and instructors.

Academic Excellence and Program Development:

Oversee curriculum development to align with Michigan high school graduation requirements, early college programming, and postsecondary expectations.

Ensure instructional best practices and data-driven decision making to support student achievement.

Work closely with postsecondary partners to design pathways for students to earn college credits, associate degrees, and/or industry certifications.

Develop Program of Studies (POS) paths and review existing paths to verify their value and effectiveness.

Monitor and evaluate program effectiveness, making adjustments as needed.

Staff Development and Supervision:

Support with recruiting, hiring, and retaining highly qualified teachers and staff committed to the success of an Early Middle College model.

Lead professional development to ensure staff are equipped with the skills necessary for student success.

Support and evaluate teachers in instructional effectiveness and student engagement.

Family and Community Engagement:

Foster strong relationships with students, families, and the community to create a welcoming and inclusive school environment, including conducting community engagement sessions.

Communicate regularly with parents and guardians about student progress, school events, and college readiness opportunities.

Partner with local businesses, organizations, and postsecondary institutions to enhance student learning experiences.

Take an active role in the Michigan Early Middle College Association (MEMCA).

School Operations and Compliance:

Ensure compliance with all state and federal regulations, including Michigan Department of Education (MDE) standards for Early Middle College programs.

Oversee student enrollment, scheduling, and student support services.

Manage school budgets and resources effectively to support instructional goals.

Develop and implement policies and procedures for a safe and supportive learning environment.

Lead student recruitment efforts and the admission process with key district personnel.

Other duties as assigned.

Skills, Knowledge and Expertise

Demonstrated experience with college and career readiness frameworks, curriculum development, and instructional leadership.

Demonstrated ability to build partnerships with higher education institutions and industry leaders.

Commitment to providing high-quality educational opportunities for all students.

Exceptional communication, organizational, and problem-solving skills. Ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously. Familiarity with project management tools or systems is preferred.

Strong technology proficiency, including Google Suite, video conferencing tools (Zoom, Microsoft Teams, etc.), and student information systems.

Full-time