Position Description and Application Process
Creativity CoLaboratory Charter School (C3) is in search of a dynamic Principal for New
Jersey’s first ever arts-integrated, STEAM curriculum focused, 5 th -8 th grade middle
school. C3 opened in September, 2019 and is now in its second year. The school’s
mission is to create a nurturing and compelling learning community that engages young
people to be their best selves. We believe that children’s natural gifts are best
developed when they are encouraged to connect with other students through hands-on,
creative learning opportunities within an inclusive, emotionally and physically safe
environment. Using the arts as a tool to foster empathy, collaboration and problem
solving skills, the students of Creativity CoLaboratory will be prepared to achieve
academically and socially, to become the future leaders. The Founders of the school,
now lead by the Board of Trustees, created a unique approach that focuses on the core
values of safety, personal growth, community, and fun. Students will benefit from a
robust middle school curriculum that is aligned with NJ standards along with additional
STEAM focused classes in the serene 175 acre campus of Appel Farm Arts & Music
Campus in Elmer, New Jersey, where the school is housed. More information about the
school can be found at www.creativitycolaboratory.org.
The Principal serves as a collaborative leader uniting the students, families, teachers
and partner organizations to create a thriving learning community. The Principal is
responsible for developing and maintaining the mission and culture of the school. They
must embrace the vision of C3 and embody its ideals through personal example.
Through intentional, collaborative leadership, the Principal will lead the success of the
school by developing an inclusive environment with open communication.
The Principal reports to the Board of Trustees and is held accountable for the
management of the daily operations of the school, the development and implementation
of policies, managing financial operations, evaluating plant and facility issues,
overseeing all aspects of faculty, and the coordination of all school activities. The Board
of Trustees values a data-driven environment and will rely on the Principal to gather,
track and use data effectively to ensure the intended outcomes for all stakeholders
including student achievement, parent participation, and community impact.
The Principal attends all Board of Trustee meetings, home and school meetings, and is
responsible for representing the school in all meetings with other stakeholders in the
community, state, and other professional engagements.
With the core value of personal growth as a cornerstone of the school, the Principal is
also responsible for ensuring professional development of all staff, beginning with a
summer training program prior to the start of the academic year. The Principal is
responsible for creating and maintaining an effective professional learning community.
The Principal must engage in the teaching as a way of participating in the educational
activities in the school. The Principal must be involved empathetically with all teaching
concerns.
Performance of this job will be evaluated annually in accordance with the provisions of
state law, administrative code, and the Board’s policy on evaluation of the Principal.
Reports to: Creativity CoLaboratory Board of Trustees
Terms of Employment: This position will begin full-time at a date this is mutually
agreeable no later than July 1, 2021. Contract terms and salary/benefits to be
determined by the Board of Trustees. Salary will be regionally competitive with similar
positions in and will be commensurate with education and experience.
Key Responsibilities:
● Develop a thriving school culture aligned with the Founder’s beliefs and mission
and the charter.
● Oversee all aspects of the educational program to ensure student achievement
● Interview, hire, supervise, and evaluate faculty and academic administrative staff
as a mentor, coach and manager.
● Analyze performance metrics/measures using data-driven processes
● Offer guidance, emotionally intelligent and collaborative leadership and
accountability for all facets of the school’s operations.
● Evaluate adherence of the School program to its charter and ensure that all
aspects of the school operation comply with the Board of Trustees policy and
New Jersey law.
● Coordinate and communicate with outside organizations also supporting the
operations and curriculum of the school including leaders and staff from Appel
Farm Arts & Music Campus and Camden Promise Charter School Network.
Minimum Qualification and Requirements:
● Belief and passion in the power of the arts for thriving individuals and
communities
● Five years of experience in the field of education
● Experience leading an organization
● Experience with Start-up and Growth Organizations
● New Jersey Supervisor certification, Principal certification or Chief School
Administrator certification
● Belief in the Goals and Mission of Creativity CoLaboratory Charter School
● Desire to effect positive change
● Ability to communicate effectively to all Stakeholders through excellent oral and
written professional and collaborative language.
Ideal Candidates will have:
● Enduring positivity and charisma
● Values aligned with those of the school, including that all children have innate
talent
● Experience and appreciation in one or more fields of the fine and performing arts
● Experience with STEAM education initiatives
● Have experience in creating authentic Arts Integrated curriculum, project-based
experiential learning environments and student-engaged assessment models.
● Have understanding of collaborative problem solving and restorative justice
approaches to youth development.
● Familiarity with alternative education philosophies including Montessori, Reggio
Emilia, Waldorf, etc.
● Have experience leading in a charter school environment
● Have business experience to support a start-up initiative
Additional Responsibilities:
● Ensure that all aspects of the school operation comply with the Board of Trustees
policy, State law, and school contracts, N.J.S.A. 18A:17-20b;
● Report to the Board of Trustees on the needs of the school, N.J.S.A. 18A:17:17-
20b;
• Advise the Board of Trustees of any changes or additions that should be made to
its policies;
• Provide the Board of Trustees with such information as may be needed to ensure
the making of informed decisions, N.J.S.A. 18A:17-20; and
• Perform such other duties as may be assigned by the Board of Trustees,
N.J.S.A. 18A:17- 20b.
• Prepare, disseminate, and maintain a manual of administrative regulations;
• Evaluate the future needs of the district and recommend a school action plan
including goals, objectives, and priorities of the Board of Trustees;
• Maintain written objectives to implement the school’s goals and objectives
adopted by the Board of Trustees, N.J.A.C. 6:8-2.4;
• Evaluate progress toward the attainment of the school’s goals and objectives and
report thereon to the Board of Trustees, N.J.A.C. 6:8-2.4; and
• Report to the Commissioner and the county Superintendent on or before August
1st of each year matters relating to the school in the manner and form prescribed
by the commissioner, N.J.S.A. 18A:17-21.
• Establish and maintain a written instructional plan for the school consistent with
the educational goals adopted by the Board of Trustees, N.J.A.C. 6:8-2.5;
• Coordinate the proper implementation of the instructional plan as it applies to the
school.
• Evaluate at least annually the effectiveness of the program of studies and
recommend such changes and additions as may be required to improve the
effectiveness, N.J.S.A.18A:7 A-llb.
How to Apply:
Creativity CoLaboratory Charter School will be approaching education in a unique way
and likewise will be seeking a Principal who can handle thinking outside of the box.
All interested candidates should send a video introduction, accompanied with a cover
letter that addresses your educational philosophy and resume to:
Dr. Loren Thomas, Interim CSA/Principal, lthomas@c3school.org
Video introductions are an opportunity for candidates to share a small glimpse of their
individuality, talents, and passions. Videos should be no more than 5 minutes long and
at least answer the following questions:
- Why do you want this position?
- Why are you the best person for this important position?
Videos can be sent as a link to an online site or shared through a file sharing system.
Applicants will be reviewed on an on-going basis until the right candidate is found.
