Los Angeles Adventist Academy: Principal, Full-Time, Exempt

JOB SUMMARY

Support the Southern California Conference (“SCC”) in accomplishing its mission, “to exalt Christ by cultivating healthy churches and schools” and its core values of integrity with transparency, engagement, stewardship, unity in diversity, and relationships & team.

Our thriving school is looking for a dynamic, Christ-centered, SDA Principal who is passionate about leading students to Jesus. The successful candidate is committed to encouraging students to achieve academically and socially. The candidate will set high standards for excellence that include innovative 21st century methods of education and communication. The principal of the school is the chief administrator and is responsible for both the instructional program and the financial operation of the school. The principal is hired by the conference upon the recommendation of the conference superintendent of schools in consultation with the school board. Duties of the principal are designated by conference and school board policies.

1. Professional qualifications for a principal include appropriate denominational certification or annual progress toward that goal.
2. The selected candidate will need to complete a Live Scan and obtain background check clearance.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES 

1. Regular attendance.
2. School Leadership: Provide visionary leadership in line with the mission and values of the Seventh-day Adventist School.
3. Academic Program Oversight: Supervise and support teachers to ensure the delivery of a comprehensive curriculum that meets educational standards and reflects the school's values.
4. Staff Management: Evaluate teaching faculty and support staff, fostering a positive and professional work environment. Lead productive, timely faculty and/or staff meetings.
5. Student Support: Implement strategies to support the social, emotional, and spiritual development of students, promoting a safe and inclusive school community.
6. Parent and Community Engagement: Collaborate with parents and community stakeholders to foster positive relationships, encourage parental involvement, and maintain strong community connections.
7.  School Administration: Oversee day-to-day operations, including budgeting, scheduling, facilities management, and compliance with relevant policies and regulations. Organize and supervise the accreditation self-study process.
8. Professional Development: Provide ongoing professional development opportunities for staff, promoting continuous improvement and staying up to date with educational best practices.
9. Communication: Maintain regular communication with parents, staff, and stakeholders through newsletters, meetings, and other platforms.
10. Spiritual Leadership: Promote a Christ-centered educational environment, incorporating biblical principles into the school's culture and activities.
11. Implement, in conjunction with the faculty and staff, the operational policies of the NAD, the Pacific Union Education Code, the SCC Board of Education, and the school board.
12. Work in a collegial and cooperative manner with the school board.
13. Serve as executive secretary (recording secretary) of the school board.
    
14. Support the school board chair in meeting responsibilities.
15. Work with the school board chair to develop the agenda for board meetings.
    
16. Represent the school as its official spokesperson.
17. Represent the school as its official spokesperson.
18. Implement and execute safety education programs such as emergency drills.
19. Create a yearly school calendar of events which coordinates with the conference office of education school calendar.
20. Verify that immunization records for each student are on file and current.
21. Comply with policies and procedures of SCC, including but not limited to those in the Employee Handbook, the Pacific Union’s Education Code, and the North American Division Working Policy.
22. Perform other duties as assigned.

QUALIFICATION REQUIREMENTS 

• To perform this job successfully, the individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily.
• Must be a member of the Seventh-day Adventist church in good standing.
• Must be eligible for or have obtained the appropriate North American Division Office of Education teaching credentials.
• Evidence of the physical and emotional health required for working with students.

** The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill and/or ability required and physical and mental demands. 

Education and/or Experience

At least 3-5 years of experience preferred or a combination of academic qualifications and relevant work experience.

Core Values 

• Transmit Christ-centered values and beliefs.
• Model and require consistent practice of the Golden Rule.
• Communicate high expectations for all activities.
• Maintain a commitment to instructional excellence and student success.
• Demonstrate an enjoyment of teaching and inspire in students an enjoyment of learning.
• Demonstrate life-long learning through staying current with cutting-edge trends in education and instruction.

Other Knowledge, Skills and Abilities 

• Attention to detail and commitment to accuracy, work under pressure, ability to multitask, good organizational skills, ability to meet deadlines, ability to work with diverse groups, ability to function as a team player.
  

Required Personality Traits 

Professional, good work ethic, flexible, tactful and discreet, approachable, proactive, dependable, pleasant, positive attitude, joyful spirit, good sense of humor, appropriate, decorous, and modest attire. 

Degree, Certificates, Licenses, Registrations

• Master’s degree in education administration or current progress towards such a degree and current SDA Certification. 
• A valid North American Division denominational teaching credential.
• Citizenship and criminal clearance documents and a signed child abuse reporting statement.
• Certification in CPR and First Aid procedures.
  

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

While performing the duties of this job, the employee may be required to do the following for prolonged or significant periods: sit, stand; walk; use hands and fingers; reach with arms; talk; and hear. The employee is occasionally required to climb, balance, stoop, and kneel. The employee must frequently lift and/or move up to 10 pounds and occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close, distant, color, peripheral vision and ability to adjust focus. 

WORK ENVIRONMENT

The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate. Extended hours and travel may occasionally be required.

** Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. 

Deadline:

Resumes are accepted until April 16, 2026, or until position is filled.

Candidates selected for an interview may be required to interview in person.