PRINCIPAL (PSA, Opt. 8T) Lincoln

Position Overview:

The Department of Juvenile Justice is seeking a motivated candidate to serve as the principal for their assigned facility. The ideal candidate for this role will possess previous administrative experience in an education setting, have a positive mindset, and be passionate about making a difference in the lives at at-risk youth in our care. The incumbent in this position will serve as a leader and main point of contact for the school within their assigned facility and will be tasked with ensuring an environment that fosters growth and opportunity for both youth and staff. The principal will plan and direct the elementary and secondary education program for their facility, develop curriculum, keep abreast of changes and requirements as required by the State Board of Education. DJJ encourages all interested and qualified individuals to apply.

Essential Functions:

• Plans and directs educational program including elementary/secondary education career and technical programs special education curriculum approval work/shift assignments etc.
• Maintains a personal program of professional development to include learning theory effective leadership and curriculum development.
• Serves as full line supervisor.
• Serves on call and available for crisis situations.
• Prepares and monitors budgetary needs and expenditures.
• Attends/participates/leads staff meetings, workshops, and development programs designed to improve/expand educational offerings.
• Monitors preparation/submittal of reports required by State Board of Education, School District Contracts, Affirmative Action, Personnel, etc.
• Performs other duties as required or assigned which are reasonably within the scope of the duties enumerated above.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Requires a Master's Degree with graduate credits as specified by the Illinois State Board of Education and possession of a valid Professional Educator License (PEL) with a Type 75 or Administrative Endorsement as a Principal.

Preferred Qualifications: (In Order of Significance)

• Prefers at least four (4) years of experience working with policies and directives relative to educational leadership and the Illinois Learning Standards for School Leaders.
• Prefers at least three (3) years of experience serving in a professional supervisory role assigning work, approving time off, conducting employee performance reviews, implementing discipline, and reassigning staff to meet day to day operational needs.
• Prefers at least five (5) years of experience developing curriculum used for elementary and/or secondary educational needs.
• Prefers at least five (5) years of experience assisting with budgetary needs in an educational setting with limited resources.
• Prefers at least five (5) years of experience developing, monitoring, and submitting reports in an educational setting.
• Prefers at least five (5) years of experience meeting deadlines in a high-pressure environment.
• Prefers at least three (3) years utilizing computerized equipment and software to conduct assigned duties and tasks as required.

Conditions of Employment:

• Requires the ability to travel in the performance of duties, with overnight stays as appropriate.
• Requires the ability to attend seminars, conferences, and trainings to stay current on methods, tools, ideologies, or other industry related topics relevant to the job duties.
• Requires the ability to pass an IDOC/IDJJ background check.
• Requires the ability to pass a drug screen. The use of unauthorized drugs by an employee, regardless of position held, is prohibited.

The conditions of employment listed here are incorporated and related to any of the job duties listed in the job description.

About the Agency:

The mission of the Illinois Department of Juvenile Justice (IDJJ) is to build youth skills and strengthen families by promoting community safety and positive youth outcomes. Over 900 staff members from across various departments—security, programming, education, mental health, and more—collaborate with the understanding that youth are physically, emotionally, and cognitively different from adults. The department provides extensive services to young people through a developmental, treatment-focused model of care that builds youth resiliency, engages families, and promotes community safety at the five youth facilities it operates across the state. IDJJ serves and houses approximately 150 youth and is responsible for approximately 500 youth on Aftercare in various Illinois’ communities.