Assistant Principal of Culture

Originally founded in 1991 as Harlem RBI, DREAM has grown to annually serve more than 2,500 youth across East Harlem and the South Bronx through a network of seven PreK-12, extended-day, extended-year DREAM Charter Schools and community sports-based youth development programs. Through our commitment to rigorous academics, social-emotional learning, deep family and community engagement, and health and wellness, we create lifelong learners who are equipped to fulfill their vision of success in and out of the classroom. We dream big, as well, with an aggressive five-year plan to expand to serve 3,500 students across seven schools—growing our organization’s impact and leveling the playing field for all children. To learn more, visit wearedream.org.

Reporting to the Managing Director of High School, the High School Principal is the academic and culture leader of the school. The High School Principal is responsible for setting and driving strategic priorities, ensuring excellent instruction and equitable outcomes for all students, creating the conditions for all students to thrive, facilitating the growth and development of all staff members, and shaping the day-to-day management of the school and its culture. The High School Principal should be passionate about excellence and equity, champion DREAM’s Grow the Whole Child Model, care deeply about the communities we serve, and work relentlessly to create and sustain transformational outcomes for all students.

The ideal candidate for this role will demonstrate an unwavering commitment to the mission and values of DREAM and should have substantial expertise in all areas of responsibility. Candidates must also value DREAM’s comprehensive approach to education and desire to make a lasting impact in underserved communities as part of a growing organization.

Responsibilities School Culture Leadership

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Manage, develop, and sustain a school culture that reflects high expectations, achievement, and student support;

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Develop, implement, and monitor a school-wide discipline system aligned with responsive and restorative practices and positive reinforcement;

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Lead the Culture Team to provide multi-tiered support for students facing academic, behavioral, or emotional challenges;

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Oversee investigations of disciplinary issues and maintain accurate records, ensuring transparency, equity, and alignment with the school’s Code of Conduct and DREAM’s Staff Handbook;

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Manage the creation and implementation of Tier 2 and Tier 3 behavior interventions;

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Plan and lead return-from-suspension meetings with families, students, and staff to promote accountability and reintegration;

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Supervise the implementation of school attendance and dress code policies;

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Monitor and improve key school systems such as student arrival, lunch, dismissal, and transitions to ensure safety and efficiency;

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Analyze behavioral and attendance data to guide interventions and school-wide planning.

Leadership

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Supervise and coach the School Culture Team, including Deans of Culture, Assistant Deans of Culture, and Dean of SEL and Community, and Family and Community Engagement Manager, fostering professional growth and excellence;

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Collaborate with the School Leadership Team to ensure the effective implementation of DREAM model and strategic initiatives;

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Plan and lead professional development for staff, focusing on behavior management, classroom culture, and responsive practices;

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Conduct classroom observations, provide feedback, and support teachers in implementing effective management strategies;

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Work closely with the Assistant Principal of Instruction to ensure alignment on coaching plans, feedback, and support for teachers;

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Build a collaborative culture among staff, promoting continuous improvement and shared responsibility for the school’s culture;

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Serve as a key member of the School Leadership Team and strategic partner to the Principal;

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Additional duties related to the running of the school as assigned.

Qualifications •

Bachelor’s degree, required, Master’s degree in education, curriculum and instruction, or school leadership, preferred;

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Minimum of five (5) years of school culture or teaching experience and two (2) years of school leadership experience with a record of strong student academic and culture achievement;

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People Management and Collaborative Leadership: Able to create and sustain a highly functioning team; demonstrated effectiveness in coaching and developing new and experienced teachers; strong teaching and classroom culture building skills and the ability to coach others on these skills.

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Communication and Collaboration: Able to work on a team, collaborating with other leaders and external stakeholders; strong communication, de-escalation, and problem-solving skills; expertise in partnering with families to support all students.

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School Culture and Systems Leadership: Experience creating, monitoring and maintaining sustainable school culture systems that enhance organizational efficiency; strong organizational skills; extremely careful attention to detail and follow-through.

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Critical Thinking and Growth Mindset: Adaptable, flexible, great at problem-solving and poised in crisis; able to thrive in a fast-paced, entrepreneurial environment; able to work autonomously as well as take direction as needed; strong judgement and high levels of discretion; demonstrated ability to act as a servant leader.

Benefits and Paid Time Off

• We offer comprehensive benefits including:
• Flexible Medical Health Plans, subsidizing the majority of costs for the employee, their spouse/domestic partner and children;
• The ability to select between a variety of medical plans according to what best suits the employee’s needs;
• Dental and vision plans;
• Disability benefits;
• Life insurance;
• Up to 12 weeks fully paid of Parental Leave;
• Flexible spending account options;
• Pre-tax commuter benefits (parking and transit);
• Fitness and entertainment discounts;
• A variety of support through our employee assistance program (EAP);
• 403(b) retirement plan with employer match starting at 4% after one year, with increases tied to DREAM tenure;
• Referral, performance, and tenure milestone bonuses;
• Discounted school meals through our in-house Scratch Food Program;
• Tuition reimbursement support;
• Access to a professional development fund;
• School-based 12-month employees have approximately 48 days off throughout the school year including holidays, school breaks, personal days, and wellness days.
• Benefits are subject to change.

Compensation

• DREAM offers a competitive salary commensurate with relevant experience with the potential for an annual performance-based increase. The expected salary for this position is $125,000 to $135,000 per year.

Our Commitment to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion

At DREAM, diversity, equity, and inclusion are a matter of mission.

From our schools to our playing fields, DREAM is committed to building a team where each individual can bring their full identity and experience to work because representation matters—it enriches our team culture, enhances our ability to innovate, and strengthens our impact in and out of the classroom. DREAM engages staff that represent and appreciate the diversity of our majority Black and Hispanic student body, while working to ensure that our practices are equitable, welcoming, and productive. We are dedicated to creating a world where youth, especially youth of color, have permission to dream—along with the tools and opportunities to make their dreams reality.

Come dream with us.

DREAM Maxims

All Kids Can. This Kid Can. DREAM is Family. Fun is a Serious Value. Teamwork Makes the DREAM Work. Fail. Persist. Exceed. DREAM Big.

Applying to DREAM

We know applying for a new job can be a daunting process. In addition, studies have shown that historically underrepresented individuals often only apply to roles if they meet 100% of the qualifications. We encourage all applications! You may be just the person we need. If you have any questions about your application or interview process, do not hesitate to ask your recruiter; we are here to help!

DREAM provides reasonable accommodations for qualified individuals with disabilities in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act and applicable state and local laws. If accommodation is needed to participate in the job application or interview process, please contact your recruiter.

If you are a current DREAM employee, please click here to review our Internal Selection Process before applying.