School Principal (Long Island City)

Academy for Young Minds (AYM), powered by Gersh, is seeking an experienced School Principal to join our team and work in our state-of- the-art School in Long Island City, NY. You will play a pivotal role in shaping the future of our students and the school. We are looking for a candidate who believes in our core values, values collaboration, and thrives in a culture of continuous improvement. The School Principal will be responsible for driving academic excellence, fostering a safe and inclusive environment, and leading a multidisciplinary team in delivering highly individualized instruction and support services.

This is a unique opportunity for a collaborative and data-driven educational leader who is passionate about supporting students with varying abilities and committed to continuous improvement.

*Please note, this is a year-round school.

Key Responsibilities:

• Provide strategic leadership in the development and execution of school-wide goals, systems, and procedures
• Oversee instructional programs, ensuring alignment with best practices and student-centered methodologies
• Use data analysis to monitor student progress, inform decisions, and communicate outcomes to stakeholders
• Manage school operations including staffing, scheduling, and budget oversight
• Recruit, develop, and retain high-performing staff; provide ongoing coaching and performance feedback
• Foster a positive, safe, and inclusive school culture for students, staff, and families
• Ensure compliance with all applicable local, state, and federal regulations
• Oversee individualized student programming, including IEP implementation and progress monitoring
• Collaborate with families and external professionals to support student success
• Represent the organization in community partnerships, professional forums, and regulatory engagements

Requirements:

• Master’s degree or higher in Education, Educational Leadership, or related field
• Valid New York State School Building Leader (Principal) certification (or ability to obtain)
• Minimum of 3–5 years of leadership experience in an educational setting
• Minimum of 3 years experience working with students with specialized learning needs
• Strong knowledge of special education practices, compliance, and instructional strategies
• Demonstrated ability to analyze data and lead through measurable outcomes
• Excellent communication, interpersonal, and organizational skills

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience leading within a specialized or therapeutic educational program
• Background in multidisciplinary or integrated student services environments
• Training in crisis prevention, de-escalation, or behavioral support frameworks
• Track record of building strong teams and improving school performance

Physical Requirements:

• Must be able to keep students safe from themselves and others and, in some cases, may need to implement CPI (therapeutic holds) procedures
• Must be able to remove oneself from potentially harmful situations and, in some cases, be able to lift a child
• Ability to stand, walk, bend, kneel, and move throughout the workday
• Ability to lift (at least 50–65 pounds), assist, and/or physically support students, which may include lifting or guiding students of varying sizes
• Ability to physically intervene when required to ensure safety (per CPI training)
• Ability to remove oneself and/or others from unsafe situations quickly
• Ability to maintain attention and focus in a dynamic, high-stimulation environment
• Ability to multi-task and shift priorities quickly
• Ability to exercise sound judgment and decision-making, particularly in high-pressure or safety-sensitive situations
• Ability to work effectively as part of a team and maintain professional relationships
• Ability to perform duties under stress, including during behavioral escalations

Why Join Us:

• Make a meaningful impact on students' lives.
• Collaborate with a dedicated and passionate team.
• Work in an environment that values growth, innovation, and excellence.
• Competitive compensation and bonus opportunities.

Benefits

Gersh Autism offers a competitive compensation package, including comprehensive health and retirement benefits, professional development opportunities, and a supportive work environment committed to your personal and professional growth.

• Health Care Plan (Medical, Dental & Vision)
• Retirement Plan (401k matching)
• Life Insurance (Basic, Voluntary & AD&D)
• Family Leave (Maternity, Paternity)
• Short-Term & Long-Term Disability
• Training & Development