Founding Principal Job Description | Iowa Statewide Virtual Charter School
Location: 4015 SE Blvd., Grimes, IA 50111 Position: Full-Time, Founding Principal Anticipated Start Date: June 1, 2027, with potential part-time paid involvement during pre-opening planning Management and Operational Partnership: Laurel Capobianco, Chief Executive Officer, iCARE Pathways (ICP) Community Leadership Partner: Director of Community Relations and Strategic Growth
About Odyssey Prep School Relationships first. Technology as a tool. Possibilities without boundaries. Odyssey Prep School is a proposed, innovative statewide public charter school designed to reimagine what education can look like for Iowa students in grades 6–12. Managed by iCARE Pathways (ICP), an experienced educational services provider, Odyssey anticipates opening in Fall 2027 with approximately 150 students and growing to more than 1,200 students within five years. Our model begins with a simple belief: Students learn best when they are known, supported, and connected to adults who genuinely care about their success. Technology provides flexibility and access, but relationships drive learning. Odyssey will combine personalized virtual instruction, certified teachers, dedicated student mentors, academic and social-emotional supports, and optional community-based drop-in learning labs. These labs will provide opportunities for in-person academic assistance, mentoring, collaboration, and belonging. We aim to serve students seeking something different, including student-athletes, homeschoolers, newcomers, students with disabilities, and young people who need greater flexibility or a more personalized educational experience. Odyssey will be open to all eligible students, but our model will not be the ideal choice for every family. We believe meaningful school choice begins with helping students understand the opportunities and responsibilities of our approach.
The Opportunity: Build Something Extraordinary We are seeking a dynamic, entrepreneurial, mission-driven Founding Principal who is energized by the opportunity to build a school, not simply administer one. This individual will be a visionary educational leader, an innovative problem-solver, a relationship builder, and a hands-on operator. The Founding Principal will work closely with ICP CEO Laurel Capobianco and the ICP management team to establish and operate the school, while maintaining accountability to the Odyssey Prep School Governing Board. The Principal will also collaborate with the Community Leadership Partner to develop Iowa-based partnerships, resources, student recruitment efforts, and learning lab opportunities. The successful candidate will be comfortable creating systems, challenging conventional practices, developing people, making informed decisions, and taking ownership of results. They will be passionate about education reform and committed to building a school where every student is known by name, need, and aspiration.
Key Leadership Responsibilities School Development and Strategic Leadership
- Lead the launch and daily operation of Odyssey, translating its vision into a thriving school culture and sustainable educational model.
- Partner with ICP leadership to implement startup milestones, operational systems, policies, and growth plans.
- Work collaboratively with the Governing Board and ICP leadership to advance the school's mission, strategic priorities, and accountability expectations.
- Build a high-performing, collaborative team of educators, mentors, and support professionals.
Innovative Instruction and Student Success
- Lead implementation of Iowa standards-aligned, personalized virtual instruction, including live and self-paced learning.
- Establish clear expectations for academic progress, attendance, engagement, assessment, and continuous improvement.
- Ensure effective special education, English learner, gifted and talented, counseling, and intervention services.
- Champion a mentoring model that gives every student a consistent, trusted adult connection.
Community Engagement and Growth
- Collaborate with the Community Leadership Partner to establish relationships with families, community organizations, and educational partners throughout Iowa.
- Help develop and oversee optional drop-in learning labs that extend student support and connection beyond the virtual classroom.
- Support ethical, inclusive statewide recruitment and retention efforts as Odyssey grows. People, Culture, and Accountability
- Recruit, coach, supervise, and evaluate school personnel, fostering innovation, accountability, and professional growth.
- Build a culture of belonging, high expectations, responsiveness, and continuous learning.
- Use student performance dashboards and engagement data to identify challenges, guide decisions, and improve outcomes.
- Provide regular updates on school performance, student outcomes, operational priorities, and improvement efforts to the Governing Board and ICP leadership.
- Ensure compliance with Iowa charter school requirements, student safety obligations, mandatory reporting requirements, and applicable federal and state laws.
Qualifications and Experience Required
- Master's degree from an accredited institution.
- Valid Iowa administrative license with the appropriate endorsement or authorization for the position, or eligibility to obtain an applicable Iowa charter school administrator authorization in accordance with Iowa Board of Educational Examiners requirements and applicable law.
- Ability to satisfy all applicable Iowa licensure or authorization requirements before assuming duties for which such credentials are legally required, including any necessary Governing Board recommendation.
- Current Iowa-approved Child Abuse Mandatory Reporter Training certification, or ability to complete required training before beginning employment.
- Successful completion of applicable background checks and verification of employment eligibility and any state certification requirements.
- Demonstrated educational leadership experience, strong organizational skills, and the ability to lead teams and manage complex initiatives.
- Commitment to equitable access, student-centered instruction, and measurable academic results.
Strongly Preferred
- Master's degree in educational leadership, administration, or a related field, with five or more years of teaching experience and two to three years of budget management experience.
- Five or more years of experience as a principal, school administrator, charter school leader, or educational program director.
- Experience with virtual, blended, alternative, competency-based, or personalized learning.
- Demonstrated success in school startup, organizational growth, mentoring, or innovative program development.
- Background in leading others and working with technology and learning management systems.
- Strong understanding of Iowa educational requirements and community needs. The Leader We're Looking For You are a self-starter who sees possibilities where others see obstacles. You build trust, inspire people, embrace accountability, and believe schools can be both deeply personal and academically rigorous. You are comfortable rolling up your sleeves, experimenting thoughtfully, and helping create something that does not yet exist.
If you believe education can be different, and you want to help prove it, we would love to hear from you.
Application Information Interested candidates should submit a résumé, letter of interest, and professional references to Laurel Capobianco at capobianco@icarepathways.com. Compensation: $75, 000–$85,000 annually
Equal Employment Opportunity Odyssey Prep School is committed to equal employment opportunity and a diverse, inclusive workforce. Employment decisions will be made without unlawful discrimination based on race, creed, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, religion, age, disability, or any other status protected by applicable federal or Iowa law. Odyssey will comply with applicable equal employment opportunity, civil rights, and Title IX requirements. Employment is contingent upon verification of legal work authorization, satisfaction of applicable Iowa licensure or administrator authorization requirements, completion of mandatory training and background checks, and any required Governing Board approval. Anticipated opening and employment are subject to charter authorization, required approvals, and operational readiness.
Requirements
See job description.