Uplift Education: Middle School Academic Director

Uplift Education: Middle School Academic Director (Principal) Pool (26-27) Mission Statement Uplift's mission is to create and sustain public schools of excellence that empower each student to reach their highest potential in college and the global marketplace and to inspire in students a life‑long love of learning, achievement, and service in order to positively change their world. Primary Purpose The Middle School Academic Director is the leader of the school and, in conjunction with the Operations Director, is responsible for all aspects of running the school. The Director sets the instructional and academic vision for the school, aligned with Uplift's IB vision for excellence. The Director establishes and maintains a supportive, respectful learning environment and guides the school leadership team to develop campus talent for strong academic and cultural outcomes, partnering with campus and network leaders to realize Uplift's mission. Campus Leadership Develop and execute a strategic vision for the school that aligns with network priorities Establish and maintain a culture of continuous improvement Outline clear goals and strategies to improve scholar outcomes through teacher and staff effectiveness Maintain a shared vision of success for staff members and scholars Serve as a visible campus leader in the community with families, partners, and board members Instructional Leadership (Coaching, Planning & Management) Establish and implement systems to assess school-wide instructional practice regularly and effectively Coach and develop Deans, teacher leaders, and a portfolio of teachers Observe staff regularly and provide targeted feedback Monitor progress of teams through debriefs, observations, and data reviews Create, deliver, and manage professional development aligned with campus priorities Facilitate data meetings and action planning with leadership and key teams Analyze and synthesize data to plan effective course corrections People Management & Development Establish school norms for people management and development Recruit, hire, mentor, and retain high‑quality staff Define expectations and goals to ensure operations and goals are fulfilled Provide day‑to‑day coaching and feedback Guide professional development planning for direct reports Conduct rigorous performance evaluations and observe employee performance Supervise discipline situations and make decisions on termination or suspension Scholar Culture & Family Partnership Ensure student handbook and Code of Conduct are published and applied in compliance with guidelines Enforce consistent discipline and restorative practices Support Deans in meetings with parents, scholars, and teachers Facilitate high‑priority meetings for violations, including expulsion recommendations Create systems for scholar services and management Encourage strong family relationships and community involvement Professional Growth & Learning Model high ethical standards, integrity, and professional conduct Engage in learning opportunities for holistic leadership development Attend network leadership meetings, academies, and conferences Apply learned practices and share findings with network leaders Administrative Functions Manage people and financial resources to support school goals Use funds in compliance with guidelines to achieve objectives Establish structures and systems for scholar and teacher management Coordinate daily school activities with leadership and staff Qualifications Education, Experience, and Certification Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university required. Master’s degree desirable. Valid teaching or principal certificate in Texas preferred. Minimum five years of educational experience, with at least two at the middle school instruction level. Minimum three years as a Dean or Assistant Principal. Teaching or leadership experience at an IB World School preferred. Prior experience leading a school through IB authorization or evaluation preferred. Required Skills and Abilities Excellent oral and written communication, able to present to management, public groups, and boards. Bilingual (Spanish) preferred. Proficiency in Microsoft Office, Google Suite, and common educational technology. IB digital platforms preferred. Commitment to Uplift's mission, values, and operating norms. Thorough knowledge of public education principles, methods, and objectives. Strong interpersonal, leadership, and motivational skills. Organizational and execution abilities for school operations. Analytical, problem‑solving, and creative solution skills. Sensitivity and fairness toward diverse cultural backgrounds. Knowledge of student discipline laws and rights. Ability to handle multiple priorities and interruptions. Work Environment Maintain emotional control under stress. Long, irregular hours may be necessary. Regular duties include sitting, speaking, and hearing. Frequent use of hands and fingers to handle or reach. Activities require standing, walking, and using stairs. Occasional lifting of up to 30 pounds. Specific vision abilities required: close, distance, depth perception, and focus adjustment. Occasional travel between campuses; reliable transportation within the DFW area required. This document describes the general purpose and responsibilities assigned to this job and is not an exhaustive list of all responsibilities and duties that may be assigned or skills that may be required. I attest that I can complete all of the essential duties of this role with or without an accommodation. Uplift Education is an equal employment opportunity employer and will not discriminate against any employee or applicant on the basis of age, color, disability, gender, national origin, race, religion, sexual orientation, veteran status, or any classification protected by federal, state or local law. #J-18808-Ljbffr