School Principal
Location: St. Joseph’s School for the Blind – Jersey City, NJ
Employment Type: Full-Time, 12-Month Position
Reports To: Assistant Director
Salary range: $100,000-$120,000
Schedule: Monday to Friday; 8:00 am to 4:00 pm
About St. Joseph’s School for the Blind:
St. Joseph’s School for the Blind is a private, non-profit school serving students with visual impairments and multiple disabilities. We are committed to providing a safe, supportive, and highly individualized learning environment where each student can reach their full potential. Our team of dedicated professionals works collaboratively to meet the academic, therapeutic, and social-emotional needs of our students.
Position Overview:
We are seeking a compassionate and results-driven School Principal to oversee daily school operations and instructional leadership. This individual will collaborate closely with the Assistant Director and other school leaders to ensure a safe, effective, and inclusive educational environment. The Principal will provide supervision and mentorship to staff, support student development, and ensure compliance with IEPs, state regulations, and school policies.
Qualifications:
- NJDOE Professional Certificate with an endorsement as Principal.
- Master’s degree in education, Special Education, Educational Leadership, or a related field.
- Have at least five (5) years excellent administrative experience as a Principal, Assistant Principal or Central Office Administrator and a minimum of seven (7) years of excellent experience in teaching and working with children with special needs.
- Knowledge of IEP compliance, behavior management, and instructional leadership.
- Strong communication, organization, and team leadership skills.
Key Responsibilities:
- Lead and manage day-to-day school functions, ensuring operational efficiency and educational excellence
- Supervise and support instructional staff through classroom walk-throughs, lesson plan reviews, and regular coaching
- Oversee student arrival and dismissal procedures with a focus on safety and organization
- Monitor student attendance and intervene in cases of chronic absenteeism or tardiness
- Coordinate classroom coverage and staff assignments in response to absences and shifting student needs
- Serve as a key point of contact for families, addressing academic, behavioral, and general concerns
- Respond to student behavioral incidents, ensuring proper de-escalation and Safety-Care practices are followed
- Conduct staff evaluations and provide ongoing feedback and professional development
- Address staff performance and attendance concerns in collaboration with HR and the Assistant Director
- Ensure accurate implementation and documentation of IEP services and goals
- Attend and contribute to IEP meetings, team conferences, and district case manager sessions
- Maintain consistent, professional communication with families, staff, and external partners
- Review and approve timesheets, supply requests, and school-related reimbursements
- Organize school schedules (e.g., special subject rotations, staff meetings) and maintain accurate class rosters
- Support emergency preparedness efforts, including drills and crisis response planning
- Represent the school at conferences and events as needed.
Salary commensurate with credentials and experience. Compensation package includes: Health and dental benefits covered at 100% for individual, optional vision, 403b plan (2% of salary contributed), free $10k life insurance policy, and paid time off (PTO).