Mission and Vision
At Digital Pioneers Academy (DPA), our mission is to develop the next generation on innovators. We prepare scholars to meet and exceed the highest academic standards while cultivating the strength of character necessary to graduate from four-year colleges and thrive in the fast-changing careers of the 21st century.
Why This Role Matters
Principalship at DPA is not just a job — it is a calling. We are searching for leaders ready to take on one of the most urgent and exciting challenges: ensuring that every student has access to the education, opportunities, and future they deserve.
Being a Principal at DPA means:
- Inspiring adults and students to reach beyond what they think is possible.
- Leading with courage, clarity, and conviction—even when the work is hard.
- Building a culture where rigor and joy go hand in hand.
- Driving results that open doors to college, careers, and lifelong success.
Our Principals believe their work is the most important job in the world. They are humble and self-reflective, relentless in pursuit of excellence, and deeply committed to continuous growth.
About the Role
The Middle School Principal serves as the visionary instructional, cultural, and inspirational leader of a 6th–8th grade college preparatory school. Reporting to and supported by the CEO of DPA, the Principal works alongside the Director of Operations to ensure that 100% of DPA students graduate from college and/or secure high-demand, high-paying jobs. This is a role for a bold leader who thrives at the intersection of instructional excellence, school culture, and transformational leadership.
Key Responsibilities
Organizational Leadership
- Model DPA’s values and mindsets to inspire and strengthen a thriving adult culture.
- Set a powerful vision for student achievement and design a strategy to reach it.
- Manage change with courage, adaptability, and a solutions-oriented mindset.
- Demonstrate resilience in the face of setbacks while keeping the team focused on goals.
Instructional Leadership
- Lead with an unwavering commitment to outstanding student achievement.
- Build and implement systems that ensure rigorous, standards-aligned instruction.
- Use data strategically to inform decisions and accelerate results.
- Oversee curriculum, assessment, and instructional practices to ensure excellence.
Teacher Coaching & Evaluation
- Conduct daily observations and give real-time, high-impact feedback.
- Recruit, coach, and retain top-tier educators committed to our mission.
- Lead professional development that is hands-on, rigorous, and transformative.
- Hold teachers accountable for exceptional student learning outcomes.
School Culture
- Create a school environment that is both academically rigorous and joy-filled.
- Build systems of consistency in academic and behavioral expectations.
- Celebrate traditions and rituals that reinforce our college-going mission.
- Foster a sense of belonging by engaging in the life of the school community.
Managing Teams & Adult Culture
- Build and develop highly effective teams of educators.
- Expand the capacity of instructional leaders to drive schoolwide impact.
- Lead adult learning with the same rigor and urgency expected for students.
Family Engagement
- Build strong, transparent relationships with families rooted in accountability and care.
- Keep families informed, involved, and invested in their children’s success.
- Respond to concerns with urgency, empathy, and effectiveness.
Qualifications
- 4+ years teaching experience
- 2+ years school leadership experience (e.g., Assistant Principal, Dean, Department Chair)
- Bachelor’s degree required; Master’s degree preferred
- Proven track record of driving exceptional student outcomes
- Deep commitment to college and career success for all students
- Strong instructional coaching skills and ability to give high-leverage feedback
- Relentless drive, humility, and resilience
Additional Characteristics of DPA Leaders
- Strategic thinker with strong execution skills
- Skilled communicator with excellent interpersonal abilities
- Knowledge of urban education, student needs, and family engagement
- Self-motivated, solutions-oriented, and results-driven
- Passionate about innovation in education and building the next generation of leaders
