2025-26/2026-27 Principal (TK- 12) Irvine, CA bei MAGNOLIA EDUCATIONAL & RESEARCH FOUNDATION

Description

ABOUT MAGNOLIA PUBLIC SCHOOLS 

Magnolia Public Schools (MPS) is a network of 11 tuition-free charter schools established in 1997. With campuses throughout Southern California that focus on Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Math (STEAM) we serve over 3,500 students and house over 450 educators. Together with MPS families and our communities, our mission is to ensure students are well-rounded and college-ready from day one. 

WHY WORK FOR MAGNOLIA PUBLIC SCHOOLS?

​​We provide a culture of accountability, challenge, and opportunity that encourages our teachers, faculty, and staff to develop and reach their full potential. We invite you to build and advance your career with Magnolia Public Schools and help contribute to the future success of our mission and vision.

ONE OF OUR LONG-TERM COMPETITIVE ADVANTAGES IS THE CALIBER OF OUR PEOPLE:

​​Magnolia Public Schools bring together smart, talented people from a diversity of backgrounds, where they can bring their “whole self” to work as well as their PASSION for teaching and learning.

HERE IS WHAT WE HAVE TO OFFER:

• Premium free Medical/Dental and Vision Benefits (Employee + Dependents)
• Competitive Salaries
• Signing Bonus (If Applicable)
• Organizational sponsored benefits programs
• Generous paid time off banks, including two floating holidays
• Tuition Reimbursement
• Professional Development Programs for Teachers, Administrators and support personnel
• Robust career development and talent management process
• Leadership and admin development programs
• Small Class Sizes
• Professional Development and Coaching Support 
• Induction Support (B.T.S.A)

MSA-OC Irvine Principal Job Overview

Magnolia Public Schools (MPS) seeks an exceptional and mission-driven Founding Principal to lead the launch of Magnolia Science Academy–Orange County (MSA–OC Irvine)—a new TK–12 public charter school focused on STEAM education, innovation, and whole-child development.

The Founding Principal serves as the main instructional and operational leader, responsible for establishing a strong academic culture, assembling the founding team, building community trust, and ensuring the successful opening of the school. This role requires visionary leadership, entrepreneurial drive, and the ability to manage multiple work streams during the critical pre-opening and inaugural operational year.

Cover Letter Guidance

We are seeking a transformational leader to guide MSA-OC Irvine  as we go into our second year of operation. In your one-page cover letter, please speak to the heart of your leadership journey by addressing the following:

• Your Why:  What motivates you to take on the unique challenges and opportunities of launching a new school?
• Your Impact: Share one powerful example of how your leadership has transformed a school or team—especially in instruction, equity, or culture.

Feel free to briefly share your vision for building on MPS’s recent charter petition approval and deepening its long-term impact.

Founding Year Leadership Responsibilities

In addition to all standard Magnolia Principal duties, the Founding Principal will lead all planning and execution related to opening a new charter school, including but not limited to:

• School Launch & Site Development
  • Support or lead the identification, preparation, and setup of the school site.
  • Collaborate with Facilities, Operations, and Finance teams to ensure timely readiness for occupancy, compliance, and classroom setup.
  • Participate in facilities walk-throughs, inspections, and site readiness planning with the Orange County Department of Education (OCDE) and authorizing district partners.
• Organizational Development & Systems Building
  • Establish foundational school policies, procedures, and programs aligned with MPS standards and state requirements.
  • Develop and implement systems for attendance, discipline, data reporting, student support, and safety prior to opening.
  • Work closely with the MPS C-Team to ensure that all charter requirements, reports, and authorizer deliverables are completed accurately and on time.
• Staff Recruitment & Onboarding
  • Lead the hiring, onboarding, and coaching of founding teachers and staff.
  • Cultivate a collaborative and mission-driven team culture focused on continuous improvement and student success.
• Community Engagement & Enrollment
  • Lead family recruitment and outreach efforts to meet or exceed enrollment targets.
  • Coordinate with the MPS Impact (Enrollment & Marketing) Department to execute local marketing, community events, and partnerships.
  • Serve as the face of the school in community forums, advocacy meetings, and outreach events.
• Instructional & Cultural Foundation
  • Establish a rigorous, student-centered academic program aligned with MPS’s STEAM mission.
  • Launch key instructional and cultural frameworks including PBIS, MTSS, and data-driven instruction.
  • Create an inclusive, respectful, and high-expectation learning environment.
• Collaboration & Reporting
  • Maintain open, frequent communication with the Chief Schools Officer and Home Office departments.
  • Provide regular updates on enrollment, staffing, facilities, compliance, and student readiness milestones.
  • Support or assist at other MPS campuses as needed during the pre-opening phase.

Core Responsibilities (Ongoing Principal Duties)

Student Performance

• Set and enforce rigorous standards for student achievement aligned with MPS goals and California accountability measures.
• Monitor and report student outcomes to MPS and the charter authorizer.

Organizational Leadership

• Develop and execute goals consistent with the MPS mission and vision.
• Foster a culture of excellence, collaboration, and mutual respect among staff, students, and families.
• Oversee all programs, services, and operations to ensure compliance and effectiveness.
• Ensure safety, order, and a positive learning environment for all students.

Instructional Leadership

• Direct and manage the instructional program, ensuring high-quality, research-based teaching practices.
• Supervise, coach, and evaluate teachers to support continuous professional growth.
• Lead data-driven discussions and implement interventions that support student mastery and growth.

Operational Leadership

• Oversee site-level budgeting, resource allocation, and compliance with local, state, and federal requirements.
• Maintain accurate records and reporting in accordance with MPS and authorizer policies.
• Ensure the facility remains safe, clean, and conducive to learning.

Personnel Management

• Hire, supervise, and evaluate faculty and staff in partnership with MPS HR and Schools Office.
• Implement approved personnel policies, maintain legal compliance, and foster professional collaboration.

Community Relations

• Serve as liaison between teachers, parents, and the broader community.
• Model professionalism and represent MPS with integrity in all communications and partnerships.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in a STEAM-related field required; Master’s degree in Education preferred.
• Minimum 5 years of successful classroom teaching experience (STEAM or charter setting preferred).
• Minimum 2 years of school leadership or administrative experience.
• Clear California Administrative Services Credential (required or in progress).
• Clear California Teaching Credential (preferred).
• Demonstrated experience managing or expanding a growing school or program.

• Proven ability to lead teams, manage complex operations, and drive academic improvement.
• Strong understanding of California charter school accountability and compliance requirements.
• Excellent communication, organizational, and interpersonal skills.
• Deep commitment to Magnolia’s mission of STEAM-focused, college-preparatory education and whole-child development.

Position Details & Work Environment

• Reports to: Principal Manager and/or Chief Schools Officer
• Location: Irvine, California
• Schedule: Full-time, exempt, 12-month position
• Environment: Requires ability to lead and supervise across a school campus for extended periods
• Physical Demands: Able to lift up to 50 lbs., escort students, and respond to physical/emotional student needs
• Support: Reasonable accommodations available to support individuals with disabilities

Qualifications