Open Positions for Ames Community School District

Openings as of 5/20/2026

Elementary Principal

JobID: 1639

Position Type:
  Administration/Principal


Date Posted:
  3/11/2026


Location:
  Mitchell Elementary


Date Available:
  07/01/2026


Closing Date:
  04/01/2026


  
Welcome to Ames Community School District. More than just a workplace, we are a connected and caring community focused on growth, recognition, and support. As an employee at Ames CSD, you'll enjoy competitive pay and a variety of employee benefits. Beyond those benefits, you'll join an organization that values each individual's contributions and strives to create an environment where everyone feels they belong.
We are proud of our investment in modern, high-quality facilities, new and renovated spaces designed to help you thrive in your role. Over half (54%) of our certified staff hold advanced degrees, underscoring our strong emphasis on continued learning and career advancement. Become part of Ames CSD, where your work is appreciated, and your potential is encouraged in a welcoming and supportive setting.
Ames CSD is seeking an Elementary School Principal for the 2026-27 school year.
Summary
The elementary principal serves as the instructional leader and chief administrator of the elementary school. The principal is responsible for implementing and adhering to all federal, state and district policies, regulations and procedures. Areas of responsibility include directing and administering all educational programs and activities, student support, planning, curriculum development, program evaluation, student activities, personnel management, financial management, emergency procedures, resource scheduling, facilities operations, school climate and community relations for the building.
Distinguishing Characteristics
This position requires demonstrated expertise in educational programs, curriculum, pedagogy, professional development, and culturally sustaining instructional strategies. This position also requires directly-related administrative experience to ensure success in an elementary school leadership role. This administrative experience includes the ability to lead collaboratively, support educational excellence, foster a student-centered approach leading to student engagement and success, and the ability to create and maintain an emotionally healthy and physically safe school culture. This position has supervisory responsibilities for planning, assigning, supporting, and evaluating the work of licensed and classified employees, and requires strong communication and relationship-building skills with both internal and external stakeholders.
Responsibilities/Essential Functions:
• Serves as the instructional leader and demonstrates collaborative leadership skills, capable of making tough decisions and leading a cohesive team.
• Plans, designs, and conducts follow-through strategies for teaching and learning designed to meet the differentiated and individualized needs of students and the educational community.
• Leads inclusive decision-making processes to ensure the development of a comprehensive school improvement plan with annual student achievement targets, supported by parents, staff, and community members.
• Oversees the school's performance evaluation systems to ensure that site goals and objectives are achieved and that all staff adhere to district, state and federal standards and goals.
• Establishes the master schedule for instructional programs, ensuring rigorous and articulated learning experiences aligned to state standards and required instructional hours.
• Supervises the evaluation of all building staff, coordinates all staff development activities, and ensures professional development and support for all staff.
• Ensures that the instructional programs engage the learner in tasks that require analytical and critical thinking, problem solving and creativity, address the range of skills and developmental needs found in the classroom, encourage the student to define individual goals and accept responsibility for learning, and that they provide a variety of methods for the student to demonstrate performance and achievement.
• Serves as a role model for students, dressing professionally, demonstrating the importance and relevance of learning, accepting responsibility, and demonstrating pride in the educational profession.
• Uses data to guide data teams to identify and monitor student needs and growth, and collects and analyzes data to inform practice, develop new programs and make improvements to existing programs.
• Plans, develops, organizes, and administers support systems which provide optimal educational opportunities for adolescent age students. Oversees a multi-tiered system of supports to meet individual student needs.
• Empowers students, staff, and parents to articulate and implement their goals and ideas.
• Develops, implements, and oversees budget planning and financial procedures in accordance with all laws, regulations, and policies.
• Manages a safe and well-maintained facility, identifying needs and recommending additions, modifications, and services.
• Confers with site and district staff in decision-making processes, and in the development of alternative approaches to addressing concerns and issues.
• Assists in the development, implementation, interpretation, and administration of policies, rules, and regulations, and negotiated employee agreements. Ensures compliance with all laws, administrative codes, board policies, and regulations.
• Establishes and maintains procedures for the resolution of conflict in an effort to maintain a high level of staff morale.
• Plans, develops, and provides, as required, management reports pertaining to the educational climate and the functions and activities of the school.
• Effectively allocates resources for the improvement of student learning.
• Ensures the consistent implementation of all District policies and practices.
• Performs other related duties as assigned.
Qualifications:
• Master's Degree in Education or related field and a valid Iowa Administrative License (or the ability to immediately obtain a license by the date of hire)
• Have a minimum of five (5) years' experience in teaching and working with adults or adolescents.
• Have at least three (3) years of administrative experience as a principal, assistant principal or central office administrator.
• Administrative experience should include a record of effective educational leadership, demonstrated commitment to a positive learning environment, excellent communication skills, and a strong commitment to education of all students.
The successful candidate will exhibit:
• Demonstrated commitment to education and excellence for all students.
• Possession of strong leadership skills.
• Excellent ability to be a strong instructional leader and to develop culturally-sustaining instructional and curricular initiatives.
• Unwavering evidence of strong integrity, good moral character, and initiative.
• Consistent usage of highly effective communication skills.
• Evidence of being flexible, innovative, creative, straight-forward, fair and equitable.
• Strong organizational skills and demonstrated ability to follow through with tasks, plans, and promises.
• Ability to manage budgets and implement spending procedures.
• Ability to interact with a broad and diverse population of internal and external stakeholders.
• Creates a sense of belonging and welcoming environment for all students, staff, and families.
• Attends work on a consistent and punctual basis.
Benefits:
• Health/Dental/Vision Insurance
• Life Insurance
• Long-Term Disability Insurance
• PTO, sick leave, family sick leave
• IPERS Retirement
Compensation: $130,000 starting salary; commensurate with education and experience
Choosing the Ames Community School District isn't just about a job. It's about becoming part of a vibrant and close-knit community, nestled in the heart of Iowa. With its small-town charm and big-city amenities, Ames offers a unique blend of contentment and excitement. As a college town, opportunities to engage and get involved abound, whether it's through cultural events, educational pursuits, or community initiatives. At Ames, you're not just joining a workplace; you're becoming a valued member of a community driven by communication, collaboration, and a shared commitment to excellence. Come be a part of the Ames CSD, where both your professional and personal aspirations can thrive. 

Candidates, please follow the link to apply online: https://www.applitrack.com/amesk12/OnlineApp/JobPostings/View.asp?AppliTrackJobId=1639
Ames CSD is an E-Verify employer. The Ames CSD is an EEO/AA employer.

To learn more about the Ames Community School District, visit our websites:
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