_Principal (WAKJA)

Job Summary:

WAKJA is seeking a principal for the upcoming school year (beginning July 2026) who is passionate about Adventist education and committed to excellence. The principal’s role involves coordinating with the school board, two constituent churches, and the Florida Conference Office of Education to advance the school’s vision and mission. The principal is responsible for fostering a well-balanced environment that promotes spiritual and academic growth while providing opportunities for service, social development, and physical activity. They will also evaluate and modify the strategic plans to meet the current needs of WAKJA.

The ideal candidate will demonstrate exceptional management and leadership abilities, strong interpersonal skills, and a proven capacity to build and maintain positive relationships with students, families, staff, and other stakeholders. They will uphold the school’s mission and model the highest standards of professional and collegial conduct. The principal may also be responsible for other school duties as assigned.

Skills, Education, and Experience Required:

Applicant must be a tithe-paying Seventh-day Adventist church member in good standing and have the legal right to work in the United States, providing evidence if employed. A minimum of a bachelor's degree with North American Division (Denominational) Teacher Certification is required and must be maintained (or must agree to work towards obtaining NAD Certification). Holding a master's degree in an education-related field is preferred. A minimum of five years of successful administrative experience is preferred. Must be a team player; have a service-oriented attitude; be an effective communicator - possessing excellent verbal and written communication skills; and be able to positively engage with students and families of diverse backgrounds, regardless of language, ethnicity, race, or socioeconomic status. Possessing competent technology skills using current educational software and hardware is essential. Additional traits should include organization, attention to detail, self-directed, and motivated. Absolute confidentiality is required. Curriculum familiarity, content knowledge, as well as knowledge of proficiency in instructional delivery are crucial. Most importantly, the applicant must possess a love for God, a love for working with children, and a desire to see each child in Heaven.

Job Responsibilities:

The principal will be expected to:

• Promote the Seventh-day Adventist philosophy, ensuring that all subject matter is taught from a Seventh-day Adventist perspective based on curriculum guidelines and requirements of the North American Division, Southern Union Conference, and Florida Conference.
• Be the public voice of the school representing WAKJA to the school family, constituent churches, the community, and other stakeholders. Ensure that appropriate communication is shared that continues to meet the Mission and Strategic Plans of WAKJA while meeting the needs of our greater school family.
• Supervision instruction, including formal and informal evaluations of all teachers and employees.
• Use a variety of evaluation techniques to provide feedback and communicate progress, providing opportunities for employees to learn from mistakes as well as successes. Ensure that instructional practices and delivery are academically and developmentally appropriate for diverse abilities and interests. Ensure that appropriate classroom management routines facilitate student engagement and that continuity is utilized. Coach employees in utilizing effective behavior management techniques which promote student self-discipline and respect.
• Ensure that WAKJA is compliant with all denominational and state requirements.
• Manage WAKJA’s Strategic Plan and ensure that each strategic goal fulfills aspects of the mission of WAKJA.
• Work with the School Board Chairperson to facilitate School Board meetings and ensure that policies and actions of the school and the school board meet the expectations of the Florida Conference Board of Education, the Southern Union, and the North American Division.
• Assist the School Board Chairperson with the implementation of the WAKJA Constitution and Bylaws.
• Work with the School Treasurer to maintain and ensure the fiscal strength of the school. Ensure that the school follows sound financial practices and that the School Board receives timely and accurate financial information.
• Work in conjunction with the Personnel Committee and the Florida Conference Office of Education to hire effective personnel for the needs of WAKJA.
• Assist daily with the supervision of student arrival and dismissal as needed.
• Coordinate the discipline process across all grade levels and address major discipline for all grades.
• Work with students and families who need support for academic, behavioral, spiritual, and/or social-emotional well-being.
• Participate as a member of the Admissions Committee (Student Review).
• Maintain confidentiality and accuracy of records and related information.
• Provide management and security of student records.
• Oversee the school's Student Information System and ensure that accurate records (teacher, student, and class) are kept, organized, and maintained (including attendance, grades, etc.) in compliance with Florida Conference and NAD requirements.
• Communicate with staff, parents, and students regularly, keeping them well-informed.
• Participate in professional growth activities on an annual basis and help your faculty and staff members to grow professionally.
• Perform other duties as necessary.