2025-2026 Principal-in-Residence (Orange County)

Principal-in-Residence

Join a dedicated team that fosters autonomy and creativity, while receiving a competitive salary, opportunities for career and personal growth, and the gratification that comes from creating positive multi-generational change.

Ednovate Background

Ednovate launched its first school in 2012. Since then, we’ve grown to eight schools and are on a trajectory to reach 11 schools in just the next few years (you can read more about our schools here). Ednovate is committed to serving areas where students traditionally lack access to a quality college-prep education by building tuition-free, safe, high-performing public schools driven to create positive multi-generational change.

We are made up of world travelers, nacho connoisseurs, KPOP business owners, and Beyonce fans. We love LA and OC, and we're our students' biggest cheerleaders. We are looking to hire innovative changemakers who aim to continue our goal of becoming the high school experts across Southern California. Sound like you? Keep reading.

Position Overview

As a Principal-in-Residence (PIR) at Ednovate, you will participate in a two-year residency that prepares current and rising leaders to open a new Ednovate school in Orange County. In your first year of the residency, you will serve as a full-time member of the school leadership team at an Ednovate high school while experiencing the job embedded learning, professional development, and mentorship and coaching opportunities needed to lead a high-performing school aligned with Ednovate’s model, mission and values.

In your second year, you will design and build your Ednovate school - engaging stakeholders both inside and outside the network to bring your vision to life, building student recruitment pipelines and leading on-the-ground brand building for your school. This role is an exciting opportunity for an aspiring school leader with a strong track record of driving excellent outcomes for high school students looking to create positive multigenerational change in a collaborative, results-oriented environment. This is a full-time, exempt role that reports to the Senior Director of Principal Leadership.

What You'll Do

• Be an instructional leader. Support instructional coaching cycles for a cohort of teachers, including lesson observation, feedback, and data analysis. Co-lead professional development sessions focused on curriculum implementation, instructional best practices, and data-driven instruction. Analyze student performance data (interim assessments, academic plans, quarterly grades) to inform instructional adjustments and target interventions.
• Drive caring and accountable student culture. Co-lead initiatives to build and maintain a positive school culture aligned with Ednovate's values and approach. Support the implementation of school-wide behavioral systems and restorative justice practices. Lead or co-lead student support interventions, including attendance meetings, discipline conversations and student leadership groups. Manage specific school-wide projects or initiatives (ex. family engagement nights).
• Develop principal skills and competencies. Actively engage in on-the-job opportunities to develop the leadership skills and competencies needed to thrive as a school leader at Ednovate. Participate in coaching and feedback cycles with the mentor and network leaders. Participate in formal professional development sessions, completing all pre- and post-work and contributing meaningfully to the team. Develop a comprehensive understanding of all school operations and finances and develop a readiness to manage a school budget.
• Prepare to launch a high-performing Ednovate high school. Draft new school vision and translate vision into actionable school-level strategies. Play a lead role in staff recruitment, hiring, onboarding, and ongoing professional development. Lead and support student recruitment and enrollment activities to ensure the school is fully enrolled and incoming families are engaged. Represent the school within the local community and at network events. Prove the ability to cultivate a high-achieving, positive school culture and ensure student academic success across all subgroups.
  
  

Who You'll Be

• Mission-driven professional passionate about increasing college attainment for historically under-represented students
• Social justice champion committed to promoting educational opportunity for all students and families
• Entrepreneurial spirit who thrives in a workplace characterized by autonomy, flexibility, transparency and accountability
• Collaborative team player who works well with others from diverse backgrounds, uplifts and celebrates our teammates and engages in healthy debate and feedback to get the best results for students and families
• Resourceful, persistent learner with a growth mindset, constantly seeking to “find a way or make one” to master your craft and improve results.
  
  

We're Looking For

• Bachelor degree, required
• 2+ years of K-12 school leadership experience with a strong track record of improving student outcomes in academics, culture, and engagement, required; experience working in charter schools and/or high school, highly preferred
• 2+ years of experience managing and coaching adults towards ambitious results, required
• Experience teaching, leading or performing in visual or performing arts, highly preferred
• Clear and compelling connection to Orange County, preferred
• A California Administrative Credential, Single Subject Teaching Credential or Out of State Teaching Credential, preferred
  
  

We're Committed To Giving You

• A competitive and transparent salary ($100,000 to $125,000, depending on background and experience)
• Medical, dental and vision coverage - including a fully-paid medical and dental option for employees and their families - and flexible spending account options
• Paid family leave, short-term disability and life insurance benefits
• Fitness and entertainment discounts
• Generous paid time off and holidays
• 403b retirement savings plan, with company match
• A place to grow, learn and be a part of the Ednovate family
  
  

We Believe in Inclusion

We aim to intentionally develop a schoolwide culture in which every student and teammate feels a sense of belonging. Ednovate does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, gender, handicap, age, religion, sexual orientation, or national or ethnic origin. Employees must be able to perform the essential functions of the position satisfactorily and, if requested, reasonable accommodations will be made to enable employees with disabilities to perform the essential functions of their job, absent undue hardship.

We know applying for a new job can be daunting, and studies have shown that individuals from historically underrepresented communities may only apply to roles when they meet 100% of the qualifications. We encourage all interested candidates to apply. You may be just the person we need! If you have any questions about your application or interview process, do not hesitate to email [email protected]. We are here to help.