• March 12: Application Due Date

• March 13: Phone Screens End

• March 18 - 21 : Project Phase

• March 31 & April 1: Semi-Finalist Round

• April 15 & 16: Final Interview Day (in-person in Washington, DC with up to $600 reimbursement for travel)

Candidate Profile

▶️ The STEM Catalyst: A visionary leader who views Mathematics and Science not just as subjects, but as a toolkit for equity. They are obsessed with inquiry-based pedagogy, computational thinking, and real-world problem-solving, ensuring students aren't just consumers of technology, but creators and entrepreneurs.

▶️ The University-Adjacent Executive: A sophisticated diplomat capable of navigating the unique intellectual ecosystem of Howard University. They bridge the gap between a middle school classroom and an HBCU campus, leveraging university resources to inspire college-bound identities in every student.

▶️ The Restorative Culture Guardian: A leader who understands the "middle school mind." They are committed to a "warm and firm" environment where adolescent developmental needs are met through inclusive practices, sensitivity to diversity, and restorative justice rather than punitive measures.

▶️ The Precision Operator: A data-driven manager who treats the "work of the school"-from Saturday enrichment to facilities and budgeting-as the essential infrastructure for academic excellence. They use analytics to solve instructional gaps and ensure every graduate is ready for high school rigor.

Summary

The Principal of Howard University Middle School of Mathematics and Science (MS)² functions as the Chief Academic and Cultural Officer of a specialized, university-partnered learning environment. Reporting to the Executive Director, this leader is responsible for the holistic development-intellectual, social, and emotional-of a diverse student body. The mission is precision-focused: providing a foundational excellence in STEM to ensure that underserved students in Washington, DC, are prepared to thrive in elite high schools and eventually lead in STEM careers.

Unlike a traditional principalship, this role requires a "dual-horizon" perspective: managing the daily instructional and operational complexities of a middle school while strategically aligning with Howard University’s broader legacy of HBCU excellence. Success is measured by the ability to recruit and develop an elite staff, implement a rigorous blended-learning curriculum, and build deep, trusting partnerships with families. By merging high-stakes STEM instruction with an equity-centered, restorative culture, the Principal ensures that (MS)² serves as a national model for how a middle school can transform the life-trajectories of future scientists and engineers.

About Howard University Middle School of Mathematics and Science (MS)²

Howard University Middle School of Mathematics and Science (MS)² is a small-sized public charter school dedicated to excellence, innovation, and impact. Operating in one location on the Howard University campus in Washington, DC, our mission is to provide a sound foundation in all academic subjects, with a concentration in mathematics and science; the intellectual, social and emotional growth of each student will be nurtured, while an appreciation for diversity and sensitivity of all individuals will be encouraged in an enriched educational environment that will prepare students to succeed in high school and beyond. We prioritize fostering a high-performing workplace that empowers employees to achieve organizational goals while growing professionally.

Vision of Excellence

The School Principal is a visionary leader who drives STEM-focused academic excellence, cultivates a positive, inclusive, and restorative school culture, and ensures operational efficiency to support holistic student achievement and staff development. Reporting to the Executive Director, the Principal sets the strategic direction for inquiry-based STEM instruction, oversees blended learning integration, and strengthens partnerships with Howard University, families, and the community. This role is pivotal in creating a high-performing, equity-centered environment where every student thrives intellectually, socially, and emotionally; educators are empowered to innovate; and graduates are inspired to lead in STEM careers, equipped for high school rigor and post-secondary success at colleges, including HBCUs like Howard University.

What You Will Do

• Drive high-quality, interdisciplinary STEM instruction and curriculum alignment, emphasizing computational thinking, real-world problem-solving, and career/entrepreneurship preparation to ensure student academic success and high school readiness.

• Establish a school-wide vision rooted in (MS)²'s mission, fostering a positive, inclusive culture that nurtures adolescent development, appreciates diversity, and promotes sensitivity among all stakeholders.

• Recruit, coach, and develop a high-performing staff team committed to STEM excellence, equity-focused practices, and restorative approaches to support instructional and operational goals.

• Build partnerships with families, Howard University, community organizations, and STEM networks to enhance student opportunities, including college exposure and leadership programs.

• Oversee budgeting, facilities, and compliance-including extended day programs, Saturday enrichment, and safety protocols-to maintain a safe, efficient, and university-adjacent school environment.

• Use data to monitor student and staff performance, driving continuous improvement in STEM outcomes, high school preparation, and whole-student growth.

• Align school goals with organizational priorities and Howard University collaboration to advance the mission of high-quality, accessible STEM education for underserved students.

The Ideal Candidate

• Visionary Leader: You articulate and implement a clear, inspiring vision aligned with (MS)²'s STEM mission and Howard University partnership, preparing students for high school, college, and STEM careers.

• Collaborative Manager: You build trust and foster teamwork among diverse staff, students, families, and Howard University stakeholders, emphasizing restorative justice and equity.

• Data-Driven Decision Maker: You leverage data to drive instructional, operational, and cultural improvements in a blended STEM learning environment.

• Change Agent: You lead with resilience, adapting to challenges and driving innovation in inquiry-based pedagogy and real-world STEM applications.

• Mission-Driven: You are passionate about fostering STEM academic excellence, inclusive communities, and whole-student development (intellectual, social, emotional) in an HBCU-partnered setting.

• Strategic Planner: You align school operations with broader priorities to maximize impact, including workforce preparation and diversity appreciation.

Leadership Competencies

Strategic Vision

• Skills & Behaviors: Articulate and implement a clear, inspiring vision aligned with organizational goals.

• Application: Develop a school-wide strategic plan to drive STEM excellence, student success in high school and beyond, and Howard University collaborations.

Collaborative Leadership

• Skills & Behaviors: Build trust and foster teamwork among a wide range of staff, students, and stakeholders.

• Application: Engage educators, families, Howard University partners, and community members to create a cohesive, inclusive school culture that values diversity and restorative practices.

Data-Driven Decision-Making

• Skills & Behaviors: Leverage data to drive instructional, operational, and cultural improvements.

• Application: Analyze student and staff performance data to inform STEM strategies, high school readiness, and equity initiatives.

Change Management

• Skills & Behaviors: Lead with resilience, adapting to challenges and driving innovation in dynamic environments.

• Application: Implement new initiatives, such as blended STEM curriculum enhancements or restorative behavior systems, with stakeholder buy-in.

STEM Instructional Expertise

• Skills & Behaviors: Champion interdisciplinary STEM integration, inquiry-based learning, and real-world applications.

• Application: Guide blended learning models to prepare students for STEM careers and college pathways, addressing workforce gaps in engineering and science.

Equity and Restorative Leadership

• Skills & Behaviors: Promote equity-focused practices, diversity appreciation, and sensitivity in all interactions.

• Application: Foster a nurturing environment for adolescent growth, supporting special needs students and parent involvement for holistic success.

Role Responsibilities Description

Instructional Leadership (40–50%)

• Drive high-quality, interdisciplinary STEM instruction and curriculum alignment to ensure student academic success.

• Oversee teacher development and classroom observations to maintain rigorous, inquiry-based instructional standards.

• Lead rigorous, standards-aligned STEM instruction emphasizing computational thinking and real-world problem-solving to prepare students for high school and STEM college pathways.

Vision and Culture Leadership (20–30%)

• Establish a school-wide vision and foster a positive, inclusive culture for all stakeholders.

• Implement traditions, restorative justice initiatives, and enrichment programs to promote student engagement, staff morale, and appreciation for diversity.

• Foster a culture addressing adolescent developmental needs, transitions, and whole-student nurturing (intellectual, social, emotional).

Leadership Development and Team Management (20–30%)

• Recruit, coach, and develop a high-performing staff team to support STEM instructional and operational goals.

• Foster professional growth through feedback, evaluations, and targeted professional development in blended learning and equity practices.

• Develop teachers and deans for discipline, academic growth, and restorative approaches in a middle school STEM context.

Community and Stakeholder Engagement (10–20%)

• Build partnerships with families, Howard University, community organizations, and STEM networks to support school objectives.

• Engage stakeholders through events, communication, and strategic collaborations, including parent involvement for student transitions and leadership programs.

• Partner with families and HBCU resources to enhance high school preparation and college exposure in STEM fields.

Operations and Risk Management (15–25%)

• Oversee budgeting, facilities, and compliance to maintain a safe and efficient school environment.

• Ensure adherence to state regulations and safety protocols, including emergency preparedness and extended day/Saturday programming.

• Oversee schedules and safety protocols tailored to middle school dynamics in a university-partnered setting.

Data and Analytics (10–20%)

• Use data to monitor student and staff performance, driving continuous improvement.

• Analyze assessment and operational data to inform school priorities and decision-making.

• Analyze assessment data to ensure high school readiness, STEM proficiency, and post-secondary outcomes.

Experience and Qualifications

Education

• Bachelor’s degree in Education, Educational Leadership, or a related field required.

• Master’s degree in Educational Leadership, STEM Education, or a related field preferred; advanced degrees in STEM fields highly valued.

Experience

• 3–5 years in education, including 2+ years as a principal or equivalent leadership role in a charter or STEM-focused setting.

• Hands-on experience with STEM instructional leadership, inquiry-based curriculum implementation, blended learning, and holistic student support.

• Familiarity with community engagement, restorative justice, and basic operational management in urban, underserved environments.

• Middle school experience required, with demonstrated knowledge of adolescent development, advisory programs, and transitions to high school/college STEM pathways.

Qualifications

• Strong organizational, communication, and leadership skills to manage diverse staff, students, and Howard University stakeholders.

• Comprehensive expertise in STEM instructional best practices, curriculum development, state/federal compliance, and equity-focused education.

• Proficiency with data tools and student information systems (e.g., Excel, PowerSchool, STEM analytics platforms).

• Preferred:

  • Experience in K-12 charter or public school leadership, particularly in HBCU-partnered or DC urban settings.

  • Familiarity with restorative justice, extended enrichment programs, and parent involvement strategies.

  • Entrepreneurial mindset for advancing STEM innovation and workforce preparation.

  • Bilingual proficiency (e.g., Spanish) where relevant to DC communities.

  • Minimal travel willingness for professional development or partnerships.

Salary and Benefits

• Salary Range: Competitive and commensurate with experience.

• Benefits: Comprehensive package including medical, dental, vision insurance; 403(b) retirement plan with employer matching; generous paid time off; parental leave; and professional development opportunities.

• Work Arrangement: On-site in Washington, DC.