Principal - Denver, Colorado

The ACES Campus Leader / Principal

Campus: Denver Metro Area

Reports To: Superintendent

Direct Reports: Coordinators & Teachers, Paraprofessionals, and Administrative staff

In-Direct Reports: Related Services, Maintenance, Transportation Coordinator

Work Location: In person

Organization

The Austin Centers for Exceptional Students (The ACES) is a K-12 Specialized Day School network serving students with significant behavioral, emotional, and developmental needs across Arizona and Colorado. Guided by the Austin Centers mission, values, and The ACES Way, the organization is committed to high quality standards, strong partner relationships, and a firm belief in student success. The culture is built on trust, student-centered practices, accountability, and making a meaningful difference in the lives of students, families, and employees.

Position Summary

The Principal is the senior instructional, operational, and administrative leader responsible for the success of a campus. The Principal ensures a safe, effective, and student-centered learning environment aligned with the mission, philosophy, and values of The ACES. This role oversees programming, special education compliance, personnel management, school culture, enrollment, and community partnerships while maintaining high expectations for students and staff.

Essential Duties/Responsibilities Include:

Instructional Leadership & Student Achievement

• Develop high academic, behavioral, and ethical standards for all students and staff; monitor student progress; and ensure completion of necessary reports

• Oversee curriculum implementation aligned to Colorado Standards, IEP goals, and ACES programs

• Nurture students and staff to achieve their highest potential

Special Education & Program Oversight

• Ensure full compliance with CDE, federal, and state special education laws and ACES policies

• Monitor and manage IEP timelines (w/support of teachers), referrals, evaluations, METs, progress monitoring, and documentation with required review timelines

• Oversee k-12 programs serving students with autism, emotional disabilities, and intellectual disabilities

School Climate, Safety & Operations

• Ensure a safe, orderly, and positive campus environment that promotes responsibility, respect, and high morale

• Review incidents, attendance, supervision, and behavior management systems and data

• Establish and conduct emergency procedures and regular drills; assume responsibility for the health, safety, and welfare of students, staff, and visitors

Personnel Management & Professional Development

• Interview applicants, ensure effective on-boarding, provide on-going professional development, and supervise certified and non-certified personnel

• Maintain appropriate staffing ratios and organize staffing assignments to meet program/classroom needs

• Build a team and culture of quality, outcomes, and accountability while promoting mission and values

Family, District and Community Relations

• Establish and maintain positive, professional relationships and serve as a visible, accessible leader to students, families, referring districts, and community partners

• Communicate regularly with families and districts regarding student progress, behavior, and program updates.

Compliance, Reporting and Records Management

• Ensure compliance with all federal, state, CDE, and ACES regulations

• Complete and submit required campus and student reports related to school safety plans, attendance, behavior, safety, interventions, and schedules

Financial and Resource Management

• Manage campus budgets, checkbooks, student funds, and enrollment

• Maintain accurate financial records, supplies and equipment inventory

Qualifications

• K-12 administrator experience with a strong performance record and documented results

• Master’s degree in Education, Special Education, or related Master’s field of study

• Valid administrative certification as required by state regulations

• Minimum 5 years of leadership experience in special education

Leadership Competencies

• Proven ability to build and lead high performance teams of education professionals and staff

• Effective written, verbal, and presentation communication skills

• Strong coaching and mentorship mindset

• Performance accountability and personal integrity

• Ability to navigate in a fast-paced, growth-oriented, and mission-driven environment

• Data-driven decision-making with strong operational and financial skills

Performance Metrics and Success Indicators

• Instructional Quality and Student Outcomes

• Culture and Accountability

• Enrollment and Growth

• Leadership Development and Staff Retention

• Compliance and Operational Health

Physical Requirements

Regularly required to sit, stand, walk, talk, hear, operate a computer and other office equipment, reach with hands and arms, and must occasionally lift, move and/or support up to 50 pounds (and/or to adult size body weight with two-to-three-person lift).

Position can require some degree of physical interaction with students who have difficulty controlling physical behavior. Usage of CPI.