Position Overview
Palmetto Scholars Academy (PSA), a high-performing public charter school serving approximately 500 middle and high school students, is seeking a dynamic and experienced Principal & Head of School to lead the organization into its next chapter of growth, excellence, and impact.
This is a unique leadership opportunity that extends beyond the traditional role of a principal. As the lead administrator, the Principal & Head of School helps shape the school’s vision, supports day-to-day operations, and works collaboratively with staff and the Board of Directors to ensure continued success across academics, culture, and organizational effectiveness.
The ideal candidate is a proven school leader who brings together strong executive functioning, people leadership, and operational discipline, along with a deep understanding of the needs of all learners, including gifted students. This individual is both strategic and hands-on—someone who builds trust, leads with integrity, makes thoughtful decisions, and is energized by a fast-paced, mission-driven environment.
Our Mission: To discover, nurture, and optimize the full potential of intellectually gifted 6th-12th grade students.
Key Responsibilities
1. Executive Leadership & School Culture
- Sustain a high-performance, mission-aligned school culture rooted in academic rigor and respect
- Build trust across the school community through visible, consistent, and collaborative leadership
- Lead and develop a cohesive leadership team while fostering an environment that supports gifted and talented learners
2. Instructional Leadership & Academic Excellence
- Lead the design, implementation, and continuous improvement of PSA’s academic program
- Ensure instructional practices and curriculum meet the advanced needs of gifted learners
- Support teacher development,evaluation, and high expectations for student achievement
3. Talent Management & Organizational Leadership
- Recruit, develop, and retain high-performing faculty and staff while building leadership capacity across the organization
- Address performance concerns with clarity and professionalism, including terminations when necessary
- Promote accountability while maintaining a collaborative and team-oriented environment
- Build systems that support long-term staff retention and engagement
4. Operations & Business Management
- Oversee all day-to-day school operations, including budgeting, staffing, student services, facilities, and safety
- Ensure effective use of resources and compliance with all applicable policies, procedures, and regulations
- Support systems related to enrollment, student information, payroll, facilities, and overall school operations
- Oversee vendor contracts, procurement, and service agreements
- Collaborate with the Board on capital improvement planning
5. Board Relations & Governance
- Serve as the primary liaison to Board of Directors, providing regular updates on academic, operations, and personnel
- Partner closely with the Board Chair, including regular check-ins, particularly during the initial transition period
- Support governance, compliance, and long-term strategic planning
6. External Relations & Community Engagement
- Ensure consistent messaging to families, staff, and community partners as the primary spokesperson for the school
- Represent PSA with the South Carolina Public Charter School District (SCPCSD) and other regulatory bodies
- Build and maintain partnerships with higher education institutions, businesses, and community organizations
- Maintain and strengthen PSA’s relationship with Joint Base Charleston and military families
Qualifications & Experience
- Prior experience as a Principal, Head of School, or equivalent senior school or district leader with responsibility for academics, operations, and personnel
- Demonstrated success leading a school with measurable academic and operational outcomes
- Proven ability to build trust, drive accountability, and lead through change
- Experience hiring, developing, and managing staff, including difficult personnel decisions
- Strong experience managing budgets and operational functions
- Excellent organizational and executive functioning skills
Preferred:
- Experience in a charter school environment and familiarity with South Carolina public charter school regulations
- Background or experience in gifted and talented education (endorsement or the ability to obtain strongly preferred)
- Prior work with military-connected student populations
- South Carolina principal certification or ability to obtain
Leadership Profile
The successful candidate will demonstrate:
- Operational & Strategic Acumen: Executes effectively while managing competing priorities
- People Leadership: Builds strong teams, develops talent, and earns trust
- Cultural Stewardship: Creates a cohesive, mission-driven environment with high expectations
- Judgment & Integrity: Makes sound decisions and adapts in a fast-paced, mission-driven environment
Reporting Structure
The Principal & Head of School reports directly to the Board of Directors and partners closely with the Board Chair and committees to ensure strong governance, clear communication, and alignment on school priorities.
Evaluation & Performance Management
- Set annual goals aligned with school priorities and Board expectations
- Participate in mid-year and end-of-year performance reviews through PADEPP
- Maintain ongoing feedback and collaboration with the Board Chair and Executive Committee
Compensation & Benefits
- Salary Range: $130,000 - $165,000, commensurate with experience and qualifications
- Eligibility for performance-based increases aligned with Board-established goals
- Benefits include access to health coverage, along with additional employee benefits
- Participation in the South Carolina Retirement System may be available for the selected candidate, if required
Why Join Palmetto Scholars Academy
Palmetto Scholars Academy offers a unique opportunity to lead a mission-driven, academically rigorous school where gifted learners are challenged, supported, and inspired to excel and grow. This is a high-impact leadership role with the ability to shape both the culture and long-term success of the school.
Founded in 2010, PSA has grown into one of South Carolina’s top public charter schools, known for its strong academic outcomes and innovative approach to gifted education. Located on Joint Base Charleston, the school maintains a strong partnership with military families and serves a diverse and engaged community.
With strong Board engagement, a dedicated staff, and a distinctive student population, this role provides the opportunity to make a meaningful and lasting impact on student outcomes, organizational excellence, and the future of a highly respected public charter school.
Pay: $130,000.00 - $165,000.00 per year
Benefits:
- Dental insurance
- Health insurance
- Life insurance
- Paid time off
- Vision insurance
Application Question(s):
- Do you have experience in a charter school environment and/or with gifted and talented education?
- How many years of experience do you have serving in a Principal, Head of School, or equivalent senior leadership role with full accountability for academics, staff, and operations?
- Have you directly managed a school or organizational budget and overseen operational functions such as staffing, facilities, or vendor management?
Work Location: In person
