Detroit Early Middle College Principal (Founding Principal)

Department: School Leadership

Location: Detroit Academy of Arts and Sciences

Compensation: $105,000 / year

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.