Concept Schools
Elementary School Principal at Horizon Science Academy Cedar Rapids (Expected Sp
Concept Schools, Chicago, Illinois, United States, 60290
Position Type: Administration/ Principal
Date Posted: 12/12/2025
Location: CS Concept Schools Iowa Region (High-Needs School)
Full job description Reports to: Superintendent
Department: School Leadership
Location: Horizon Science Academy, Cedar Rapids, Iowa
Employment Type: Full-Time, Exempt
ABOUT CONCEPT SCHOOLS Concept Schools is a high-performing charter management organization (CMO) committed to providing rigorous, STEM-focused, college-preparatory public education in underserved communities. We believe in high expectations, data-driven instruction, student-centered learning, and strong school culture rooted in respect, responsibility, and community partnership.
POSITION OVERVIEW The School Principal for a startup-year Concept Schools charter campus leads the planning, opening, and first year of operations. This role requires entrepreneurial leadership, strategic planning, strong instructional capacity, and a relentless commitment to student success.
The Principal is responsible for:
Establishing the instructional vision
Building all systems, structures, and teams
Creating a positive, inclusive culture
Managing startup operations and community engagement
Ensuring academic excellence and compliance
This role requires adaptability, innovation, and resilience.
CORE RESPONSIBILITIES I. Founding Responsibilities & School Launch
Facility Preparation & Operational Readiness
Collaborate with Concept Schools’ Operations and Facilities teams.
Participate in on-site readiness tasks.
Problem-solve startup-related issues.
Ensure operational structures meet CMO standards.
Financial Leadership
Partner with Superintendent and Treasurer to manage budget.
Maintain strict fiscal oversight.
Coordinate grants and financial reporting.
Student Recruitment & Enrollment
Lead outreach to meet enrollment targets.
Organize family events and community engagement.
Use Concept Schools recruitment tools and branding.
Founding Staff Recruitment & Development
Recruit and onboard founding staff.
Facilitate induction and PD aligned with curriculum and culture.
Establish collaborative structures (PLCs, coaching cycles).
Culture Building & Vision Setting
Build a strong, mission-aligned culture from day one.
Implement routines, rituals, and SEL supports.
Model transformational leadership through collaboration and empowerment.
II. Instructional Leadership
Promote high expectations for achievement and character.
Implement research-based instructional practices.
Conduct observations, coaching, and feedback cycles.
Analyze NWEA/MAP and state assessment data.
Monitor SIP goals and adjust strategies.
Build teacher leadership capacity.
III. Staff Supervision, Evaluation & Professional Growth
Supervise and evaluate teachers and staff.
Provide coaching and feedback.
Foster collaboration and continuous improvement.
Ensure compliance with evaluation frameworks.
IV. Organizational Leadership & Compliance
Implement district, state, federal, and CMO policies.
Maintain accurate documentation.
Liaise with board, authorizer, and CMO departments.
Oversee safety, crisis response, discipline, and student services.
V. Family & Community Engagement
Serve as the face of the school.
Communicate regularly with families.
Facilitate family engagement opportunities.
QUALIFICATIONS
Master’s Degree in Educational Leadership
State Administrative Certification
Experience in school leadership; startup experience preferred.
Strengths in relationship building, outreach, operational leadership.
Strong instructional coaching skills.
Ability to lead in a culturally diverse environment.
Elementary school teaching/leadership experience required; special education endorsements preferred.
CONCEPT SCHOOLS VALUES
High Expectations
Student-Centered Decisions
Integrity & Accountability
Innovation
Collaboration
Community Partnership
ADDITIONAL NOTES This job description outlines essential functions but may evolve based on organizational needs.
Pay: $80,000.00 - $110,000.00 per year
Benefits
Dental insurance
Employee assistance program
Health insurance
Health savings account
Life insurance
Paid time off
Parental leave
Professional development assistance
Relocation assistance
Retirement plan
Tuition reimbursement
Vision insurance
Application Question(s)
Briefly describe your relevant experience, successful track record, and professional background that demonstrate your readiness to lead a start-up school. Please highlight specific accomplishments that align with the responsibilities and challenges of this position.
Education
Master's (Preferred)
License/Certification
Principal Certification (Required)
Ability to Commute
Cedar Rapids, IA 52408 (Required)
Work Location In person
Application Instructions Please ONLY apply through Indeed. Here
#J-18808-Ljbffr
Date Posted: 12/12/2025
Location: CS Concept Schools Iowa Region (High-Needs School)
Full job description Reports to: Superintendent
Department: School Leadership
Location: Horizon Science Academy, Cedar Rapids, Iowa
Employment Type: Full-Time, Exempt
ABOUT CONCEPT SCHOOLS Concept Schools is a high-performing charter management organization (CMO) committed to providing rigorous, STEM-focused, college-preparatory public education in underserved communities. We believe in high expectations, data-driven instruction, student-centered learning, and strong school culture rooted in respect, responsibility, and community partnership.
POSITION OVERVIEW The School Principal for a startup-year Concept Schools charter campus leads the planning, opening, and first year of operations. This role requires entrepreneurial leadership, strategic planning, strong instructional capacity, and a relentless commitment to student success.
The Principal is responsible for:
Establishing the instructional vision
Building all systems, structures, and teams
Creating a positive, inclusive culture
Managing startup operations and community engagement
Ensuring academic excellence and compliance
This role requires adaptability, innovation, and resilience.
CORE RESPONSIBILITIES I. Founding Responsibilities & School Launch
Facility Preparation & Operational Readiness
Collaborate with Concept Schools’ Operations and Facilities teams.
Participate in on-site readiness tasks.
Problem-solve startup-related issues.
Ensure operational structures meet CMO standards.
Financial Leadership
Partner with Superintendent and Treasurer to manage budget.
Maintain strict fiscal oversight.
Coordinate grants and financial reporting.
Student Recruitment & Enrollment
Lead outreach to meet enrollment targets.
Organize family events and community engagement.
Use Concept Schools recruitment tools and branding.
Founding Staff Recruitment & Development
Recruit and onboard founding staff.
Facilitate induction and PD aligned with curriculum and culture.
Establish collaborative structures (PLCs, coaching cycles).
Culture Building & Vision Setting
Build a strong, mission-aligned culture from day one.
Implement routines, rituals, and SEL supports.
Model transformational leadership through collaboration and empowerment.
II. Instructional Leadership
Promote high expectations for achievement and character.
Implement research-based instructional practices.
Conduct observations, coaching, and feedback cycles.
Analyze NWEA/MAP and state assessment data.
Monitor SIP goals and adjust strategies.
Build teacher leadership capacity.
III. Staff Supervision, Evaluation & Professional Growth
Supervise and evaluate teachers and staff.
Provide coaching and feedback.
Foster collaboration and continuous improvement.
Ensure compliance with evaluation frameworks.
IV. Organizational Leadership & Compliance
Implement district, state, federal, and CMO policies.
Maintain accurate documentation.
Liaise with board, authorizer, and CMO departments.
Oversee safety, crisis response, discipline, and student services.
V. Family & Community Engagement
Serve as the face of the school.
Communicate regularly with families.
Facilitate family engagement opportunities.
QUALIFICATIONS
Master’s Degree in Educational Leadership
State Administrative Certification
Experience in school leadership; startup experience preferred.
Strengths in relationship building, outreach, operational leadership.
Strong instructional coaching skills.
Ability to lead in a culturally diverse environment.
Elementary school teaching/leadership experience required; special education endorsements preferred.
CONCEPT SCHOOLS VALUES
High Expectations
Student-Centered Decisions
Integrity & Accountability
Innovation
Collaboration
Community Partnership
ADDITIONAL NOTES This job description outlines essential functions but may evolve based on organizational needs.
Pay: $80,000.00 - $110,000.00 per year
Benefits
Dental insurance
Employee assistance program
Health insurance
Health savings account
Life insurance
Paid time off
Parental leave
Professional development assistance
Relocation assistance
Retirement plan
Tuition reimbursement
Vision insurance
Application Question(s)
Briefly describe your relevant experience, successful track record, and professional background that demonstrate your readiness to lead a start-up school. Please highlight specific accomplishments that align with the responsibilities and challenges of this position.
Education
Master's (Preferred)
License/Certification
Principal Certification (Required)
Ability to Commute
Cedar Rapids, IA 52408 (Required)
Work Location In person
Application Instructions Please ONLY apply through Indeed. Here
#J-18808-Ljbffr