300 W. Highridge Road Villa Park, IL 60181 (630) 941-8800 Fax: (630) 941-8804
PRINCIPAL JOB DESCRIPTION School Vision:
To develop individuals with knowledge and goodness who achieve excellence in the spiritual and material life based on the Qur’anic conception of intelligence and virtue as embodied in the Prophet Muhammad (Allah bless him and grant him peace). School Mission:
At Islamic Foundation School, thoughtful discourse fosters development of the mind, instruction and activity promote healthy action, and daily experiences nurture integrity, empathy, and kindness. The Islamic Foundation School seeks to graduate young people whose physical, intellectual, and spiritual capacities and potential are nurtured. As students increase in maturity and responsibility, knowledge in scope and content progressively increases. Scope of Position – Principal:
Education in Islamic Foundation School is rooted in the conviction that Prophet Muhammad (Allah bless him and grant him peace) provides the most comprehensive and compelling example of the realization of full human potential. The Principal serves not only as the educational leader but also as the spiritual exemplar of the school. Emphasizing qualities of excellence, commitment, creativity, and innovation in all school endeavors, the Principal guides a community committed to the development of the whole child. The Principal works collaboratively with the Chair of Islamic Foundation School Committee (IFSC) and its members to achieve its vision and mission. The Principal is responsible for establishing, demonstrating and promoting the highest standards and expectations for academic performance, behavior and spiritual growth of all students, as well as directing and nurturing all members of the school personnel and the school parents, who are recognized as the primary educators of their own children. Responsibilities:
Organizational Leadership: Establishes an organizational structure through which working relationships, lines of accountability and responsibility, and communication channels are clearly defined; Implements and encourages collaborative planning and leadership at all levels of the school organization; Works closely with IFSC in instituting all policies and strategic initiatives associated with functioning of the school on academic, operational, and administrative matters; Models integrity and promotes high ethical and professional standards in all interactions with the stakeholders in the school; Contributes to the building of positive morale among faculty, staff and students;
300 W. Highridge Road Villa Park, IL 60181 (630) 941-8800 Fax: (630) 941-8804
Establishes a clear, strong and consistent policy for dealing with issues involving student discipline and interactions among teachers, administration and the parent body; Assures maintenance of complete, accurate, up-to-date personnel and student records; Ensures compliance with Federal, state, and local regulations and policies.
Faculty, Staff and Instructional Program: Establishes clear policies and practices for recruitment and hiring of faculty and staff, as well as for professional accountability; Provides orientation for new faculty, and evaluates performance of staff providing ongoing performance feedback; Encourages and enables faculty and staff to pursue professional development opportunities; Possesses a broad understanding of curriculum, instruction and student assessment procedures; Guides the development and implementation of the school curriculum including Qur’an, Arabic, and Islamic Studies; Develops and coordinates educational programs in accordance with Illinois State Board of Education (ISBE) standards and guidelines, and the vision of IFS. Works to achieve/sustain 100% of projected student enrollment capacity. Leads school-level planning of processes to ensure development, implementation, and evaluation of all school programs and activities. Encourages effective teaching based on current educational research and improved student learning results;
Approves the school calendar and scheduling of special events; Possesses a comprehensive understanding of the role of technology in education; Approves and provides supervision for school’s student activity programs; Assures that all faculty and staff operate with values based on Islamic principles; Adheres to Human Resources policies and practices, and notifies appropriate authorities within IFSC and regulatory requirements of serious employee violations.
Students: Oversees the recruitment and admission process for new students; Administers disciplinary and dismissal actions; Monitors student progress in the academic program as well as in co-curricular and extracurricular activities; Maintains a visible presence during the school day and at school related events and activities; Supports an inclusion program that identifies and addresses special needs of students including health, physical, educational, emotional, behavioral, and/or spiritual concerns.
300 W. Highridge Road Villa Park, IL 60181 (630) 941-8800 Fax: (630) 941-8804
Parents: Maintain a positive, cooperative, and mutually supportive relationship with parents by establishing an accessible and open communication (individual meetings, emails, parent programs, conferences); Participates frequently in school-sponsored parent activities; Promotes parent participation in Islamic Foundation and IFS activities; Encourages parent involvement in formulating support programs. Finance & Facilities: Works closely with Operations Manager and IFSC to ensure that the school is adequately funded for school operations including: salaries and benefits, student tuition assistance, ongoing and deferred maintenance, and staff and professional development; Complies with all policies and procedures established by Islamic Foundation Board of Trustees; Prepares and submits the school's budgetary requests and monitors expenditures; Interacts with Islamic Foundation Facilities Committee to ensure all facility requirements for the School are fulfilled; Ensures the school is safe, clean, well-maintained and attractive. Public Relations & External Constituencies: Actively promotes the image and reputation of Islamic Foundation School; Articulates the school's vision, values, and goals and models those values; Fosters cooperation and communication with local schools and agencies, especially Islamic Schools and the community.
Traits and Characteristics: The Principal will be a practicing Muslim whose faith is visible and inspiring in daily life and work. He or she will be a collaborative leader with an accessible and approachable style that demonstrates a willingness to listen to new ideas while offering creative solutions and strong leadership to challenges. The successful candidate will be a coalition builder who creates an inclusive environment that is conducive to sincere and open communication. The Principal must also demonstrate the following:
Commitment to an ongoing understanding of education in Islamic Schools as they continue to evolve; Excellent oral and written communication skills, including public speaking skills; Knowledge and understanding of the financial, accounting, marketing and operational functions of an organization and the ability to apply this knowledge in decision making;
300 W. Highridge Road Villa Park, IL 60181 (630) 941-8800 Fax: (630) 941-8804
Commitment to ongoing professional growth through reading, classes, workshops, conferences, etc.; Ability to articulate an educational vision that incorporates the best aspects of secular, religious, and spiritual education; Experience with various leadership strategies when dealing with parents, boards and alumni. Education:
A master’s degree or higher in Education or Education Administration is required. A minimum of ten years of school teaching and/or administrative experience is required. A significant amount of experience must have occurred in an Islamic school environment. Candidates with Master’s degree or higher or Certifications in Islamic Sciences preferred Type 75 Certification is highly desirable.