Principal Administrative Officer (26-27 SY) - IMMEDIATE VACANCY
Jefferson RISE is a tuition-free public charter school serving nearly 800 students in grades 6-12 in Harvey, Louisiana. Founded in 2014, we believe every student deserves a real path forward—whether that means a four-year university, a skilled trade, the military, entrepreneurship, or another path. We achieve this through rigorous academics, strong relationships, consistent accountability, and a commitment to each student's individual success.
About the School
Our student body reflects the diversity of the Westbank:
- 61% Black/African American
- 16% Hispanic
- 14% Middle Eastern
- 6% White (Non-Middle Eastern)
- 2% Asian
- 1% Other
- 87% qualify as economically disadvantaged
- 13% Students with Disabilities
- 4% English Learners
Recent Achievements
- Top Gains Award – Louisiana Department of Education (2023-24 SY)
- Average graduation rate of 98% since our first graduating class in 2022
- #6 for SPS Growth in Louisiana – High School: B rating, Middle School: C rating (2022-23 SY)
- Continued SPS growth: 72.5 in 2023-24 and 73.9 in 2024-25
About the Role
The Principal Administrative Officer serves as a representative of the Principal’s Office and is responsible for managing stakeholder concerns, facilitating communication, supporting accountability conversations, and ensuring issues are routed and followed through to resolution. This role plays a critical part in maintaining trust, strengthening relationships, and ensuring concerns are addressed efficiently and professionally. The Principal Administrative Officer serves as the Principal’s designee for designated stakeholder concerns, administrative issue resolution, and staff accountability conversations.
Responsibilities
Parent and Community Relations
- Serve as a representative of the Principal’s Office for parent and community concerns
- Meet with families to gather information and understand concerns
- Explain school processes, expectations, and next steps clearly
- Respond to parent inquiries in a timely, professional manner
- Coordinate meetings between families and school personnel
- Ensure consistent follow-up and communication with stakeholders
- Build strong relationships while maintaining school expectations
Administrative Issue Resolution
- Serve as a primary intake point for administrative concerns
- Gather and document information related to complaints, concerns, and appeals
- Maintain clear, organized records of meetings and follow-up actions
- Route issues to appropriate administrators for decision-making
- Monitor open issues and ensure timely follow-through
- Resolve routine concerns while escalating more complex situations
Staff Accountability and Professionalism
- Support school leaders in addressing lower-level accountability concerns
- Participate in meetings related to attendance, deadlines, and professionalism
- Document conversations and maintain appropriate records
- Monitor follow-up actions and communicate progress to leadership
- Serve as the Principal’s designee in designated staff conversations
- Reinforce expectations related to professionalism and accountability
Administrative Coordination
- Support leadership with administrative projects and initiatives
- Prepare correspondence, reports, and meeting materials
- Coordinate logistics for meetings, events, and stakeholder interactions
- Support communication systems that improve responsiveness and clarity
- Maintain confidentiality in all matters
School Representation
- Represent the Principal’s Office in designated meetings and conversations
- Communicate expectations, processes, and decisions clearly and professionally
- Serve as a professional ambassador for Jefferson RISE
- Build trust with families and staff while maintaining alignment with leadership
Requirements
- Bachelor’s degree preferred
- 3+ years of experience in education, administration, customer service, HR, or a related field
- Strong interpersonal and relationship-building skills
- Demonstrated ability to navigate difficult or sensitive conversations professionally
- Strong conflict resolution and problem-solving skills
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills
- Strong organizational skills and attention to detail
- Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment
- Ability to maintain confidentiality and exercise sound judgment
- Proficiency in Google Workspace
Culture and Fit
- Builds trust quickly with students, families, and staff
- Remains calm, professional, and solutions-oriented under pressure
- Communicates clearly, directly, and respectfully
- Balances empathy with firm expectations and accountability
- Follows through consistently and ensures issues are resolved
- Comfortable representing school leadership in designated situations
- Values responsiveness, professionalism, and strong relationships
- Believes every student has a path worth investing in
- Collaborative, dependable, and committed to a positive school culture
Pay
Annual Salary Range: $50,000 – $65,000 depending on qualifications, skills, and experience. Jefferson RISE offers competitive compensation tied to performance and qualifications, with performance-based raises and bonuses awarded based on results, contributions, and organizational priorities. Employees may also be eligible for supplemental compensation for approved responsibilities beyond their role. Paid twice monthly on the 15th and last day of each month.
Benefits
All full-time employees receive the following employee-only coverage:
- Medical: RISE covers 85% of employee-only premiums; employee covers 15% (spouse and dependent costs are the employee's responsibility)
- Dental and Vision: 100% of employee-only premiums covered
- Short and Long-Term Disability: 100% of premiums covered
- 401(k): 100% employer match on first 3% deferred; 50% match on contributions from 3% to 5%; no vesting period
Schedule
Teachers generally work from mid-July (beginning with professional development before students arrive) through late May. Workdays are typically 7:10 AM - 3:45 PM, Monday through Friday, with Mondays extending to 4:30 PM for mandatory Professional Development. The 12-month position follows a similar schedule, with anticipated school hours and days varying annually based on the school calendar.