Job Description

About North Lawndale College Preparatory Charter High School

Since its founding over 25 years ago, North Lawndale College Preparatory Charter High School’s (NLCP) mission is to equip scholars from under-resourced communities for graduation from high school with the academic skills and personal resilience necessary for successful completion of college. NLCP has graduated nearly 2,000 alumni, 99% of whom have been accepted to college. NLCP has built a proud legacy of empowering scholars to graduate, matriculate to college, and become productive citizens and innovators in the community.

The community of North Lawndale is a vibrant and historically significant neighborhood on Chicago's west side, with roots dating back to the civil rights movement and Great Migration. This community has been home to transformative leaders, cultural innovators, and generations of families who have built a strong foundation of resilience and hope. Today, North Lawndale is home to nationally and internationally recognized elementary and high schools that reflect the community's commitment to educational excellence.

About the Principal Role

The Principal of North Lawndale College Prep will lead the school’s academic vision and strategy to improve student outcomes and create the conditions for students and staff to thrive. This Principal will be the face of the school for students, parents, and the broader community, and will take the lead on implementing the school's Comprehensive Improvement Work Plan (CIWP) and strategic priorities, as well as planning for enrollment growth. The ideal candidate will be energized by the opportunity to independently envision and shape the future of the school, while collaborating closely with network leadership on what's possible.

What You’ll Do (“Key Responsibilities”)

Drive Instructional Excellence and Student Achievement

• Drive student achievement by measuring individual growth and ensuring every student has a clear pathway to college or post-secondary education.
• Lead the transformation of the school by designing and implementing strategic, data-informed approaches that elevate and accelerate student outcomes.
• Use real-time data and research to drive instructional decisions, including early warning systems, quarterly data reports, and school improvement plan progress.
• Oversee curriculum design and ensure alignment to standards, assessments, and instructional resources through the SAS platform.
• Assess the efficacy of academic programs through coaching conversations, regular observations, and classroom walkthroughs.

Build and Develop a High-Performing Team

• Recruit, develop, and retain a high-performing staff and leadership team through coaching, meaningful evaluation, and professional development.
• Implement a rigorous, fair, and transparent staff evaluation system that uses student improvement and growth data as a factor.
• Build and sustain a positive school culture and climate that supports the whole child and fosters high expectations for all.
• Transform academic and student culture while managing change and holding high expectations for adults.

Champion NLCP’s Mission to Attract and Retain Students

• Serve as the primary liaison between the school, families, colleges, community organizations, and the broader public.
• Champion NLCP's mission and serve as an ambassador for the school, building awareness of its impact and value within the community.
• Develop and implement strategies to strengthen enrollment by cultivating relationships with prospective students, families, feeder schools, and community partners.
• Collaborate with parents, community members, senior leadership, board members, and external stakeholders to accelerate student achievement through innovative strategies.

Build Systems and Support for Accountability and Transparency

• Manage core school operations including but not limited to budget, facilities, discipline, attendance, scheduling, records, grade reporting, and extracurricular programs, in alignment with the organization’s policies and priorities.
• Administer programs for students with special needs, English language learners, and other specialized populations, including coordination of Title I and other grant funding.
• Establish performance management processes to evaluate the effectiveness of programs, school safety, and operational efficiency.
• Create proactive systems that garner feedback from parents, educators, and students to inform school progress, performance, and safety.
• Identify and advocate for appropriate resources to ensure alignment in implementation.

Requirements

Skills You’ll Need to be Successful (“Core Competencies”)

Visionary Instructional Leadership

• Holds an unwavering belief that all students, regardless of background, can achieve at a high level.
• Exhibits forward-thinking and strategic decision-making, aligning real-time instructional choices with anticipated long-term outcomes.
• Balances urgency for results with patience for how adults actually change practice.
• Brings a deep understanding of school improvement and how to achieve accelerated growth for students.
• Deep knowledge of curriculum development, instructional best practices, and data-driven decision making.

Team Leadership, Coaching and Management

• Assesses team and individuals’ skills, identifies development needs, and provides support to improve practices and build capacity.
• Possesses the emotional maturity to deliver feedback directly and kindly.
• Promotes professional learning and collaboration and utilizes effective adult learning techniques.
• Operates with integrity and discretion, maintains confidentiality when trusted with sensitive information, accepts responsibility, maintains transparency, and leads by example.

Decision Making, Problem Solving and Accountability

• Analyzes complex, nuanced data from multiple angles and exercises judgment in making critical decisions, and communicates the implications to diverse audiences.
• Leads effectively even in times of ambiguity and adapts and responds to unexpected challenges.
• Exhibits a strong focus on goals, accountability, and results; set clear metrics for success.
• Monitor progress and demonstrate persistence to overcome obstacles to achieve goals.

Clear and Authentic Communication and Interpersonal Skills

• Communicates a clear and compelling vision that builds shared commitment to student success.
• Adapts messaging, tone, and approach to effectively engage diverse audiences, including students, families, staff, board members, and community partners.
• Listens first to understand, demonstrating genuine curiosity and fostering open, two-way communication.
• Serves as a visible and accountable leader during challenging decisions, communicating with clarity and integrity.
• Builds trust and credibility through consistency, transparency, and follow-through.

Minimum Qualifications

• A minimum of 5 years of teaching experience, preferably in an urban, turnaround, and/or high-needs environment.
• A minimum of 3 years of school administrative experience, principal experience a plus, ideally in an urban, turnaround, and/or high-needs environment.
• Advanced degree in education with a concentration in one or more areas of specialization, i.e. curriculum and instruction, mathematics education, elementary education, secondary education and/or inclusive education.
• A clear, verifiable track record of improving academic outcomes at historically underserved schools.
• Eligible for or currently hold Illinois Principal Certification.
• Satisfactory work record and criminal/child abuse clearances.

Benefits

Salary and Benefits

Salary range for this integral leadership position is $100,000 to $150,000 and commensurate with prior experience. In addition, a comprehensive benefits package will be included in the ultimate offer for the identified sole finalist. We look forward to discussing details with you as the interview process progresses.

NLCP is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. We prohibit discrimination based on race, color, religion, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, national origin, disability, or age. We provide reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities in all aspects of the employment process, including the application, interview, and hiring stages.