Meet Desert Christian Academy

About the Principal

The Principal’s responsibilities include:

Spiritual Leadership & Mentorship

• Serve as a Christ-centered role model for students and staff
• Actively mentor and encourage students in their personal relationship with Christ

Educational Strategy & Vision

• Develop and implement a cohesive, school-wide K–12 curriculum vision in partnership with the Board and Leadership Team
• Establish and execute graduation outcomes and institute-specific academic standards
• Lead curriculum evaluation, instructional material selection, and ensure all guides (scope & sequence, unit plans) are current
• Oversee K–12 data teams to drive data-informed improvements in student outcomes
• Collaborate with the Head of School to design a master schedule aligned with vision and budget

Team Building & Supervision

• Supervise key academic leaders, including Culture & Accountability, Curriculum & Instruction, LEAP, Guidance, and Reading Intervention
• Recruit, hire, and develop high-quality educators aligned with DCA’s mission
• Build and structure Flex teams, identifying and equipping strong team leaders

Professional Development & Evaluation

• Design and implement an annual professional development plan aligned with school priorities
• Oversee teacher evaluation processes and ensure consistent execution
• Train and support Flex team managers to succeed within the model

Program Management & Student Support

• Provide oversight of specialized programs (LEAP, Reading Intervention, Conqueror Connect, hybrid models)
• Align student admissions with program capacity, particularly within LEAP
• Maintain and advance the vision for the Flex program, including oversight of the annual Flex Fair
• Ensure strong student accountability systems and academic support structures
• Oversee college and academic guidance efforts
• Participate in board and administrative meetings, providing regular reports and updates

What you bring

Education and Experience

• Master’s degree required
• Prior teaching experience required (K–12)
• Minimum of 3+ years of relevant leadership experience
• Background in Christian education strongly preferred
• Experience with hybrid or university-model education is a plus

Personal Characteristics and Qualifications

• A committed follower of Jesus Christ with an active faith life
• Full agreement with DCA’s Statement of Faith
• Demonstrates spiritual maturity and Christ-like character in all areas of life
• Builds trust easily and fosters strong relationships across teams
• Brings a joyful, engaging presence while maintaining credibility and authority
• Passionate about excellence and continuous improvement
• Willing to challenge systems while honoring organizational culture
• Fully aligned with and energized by DCA’s innovative model
• Teachable, flexible, and willing to serve beyond defined responsibilities
• Takes time to understand culture before implementing change
• Strong verbal and written communication skills
• Able to navigate complex interpersonal dynamics with emotional intelligence
• Operationally strong
• Highly organized with strong planning and execution skills
• Experienced in managing systems, people, and priorities effectively
• Able to engage thoughtfully with the diverse communities of the Coachella Valley
• Demonstrates awareness of cultural, socioeconomic, and generational dynamics

What it’s like to live in Bermuda Dunes, CA