Principal/Director of Education (FT)

Principal/Director of Education - Dousman Campus

Who We Are

Lad Lake is a COA-accredited, nonprofit, independent organization serving kids and families across Wisconsin. With over 1,200 youth and their families benefiting from our trauma-informed programs, we are committed to guiding growth and promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion in all we do.

Our mission is to help young people reach their potential and live responsibly. Our dedicated team works to empower students, helping them build essential skills to overcome challenges and thrive.

We are seeking a dynamic and visionary Principal/Director of Education to lead both our residential treatment center school and Passage Day education program. This role provides strategic leadership in curriculum, compliance, staff development, and student outcomes-ensuring youth receive trauma-informed, individualized, and culturally responsive education services.

What a day in the life of a Principal/Director of Education looks like:

• Lead and manage education programs for both residential and day school settings.
• Supervise instructional staff and drive professional development.
• Ensure compliance with DPI standards, special education laws, and IEP/504 implementation.
• Collaborate with the Residential Director and interdisciplinary teams to align support and improve outcomes.
• Promote academic excellence, equity, and student voice within a trauma-informed framework.
• Develop and manage the education department budget.
• Build relationships with school districts and community partners to meet enrollment goals and expand referral networks.
• Establish and maintain strong communication, collaboration, and cooperation with stakeholders, including residential unit colleagues, parents/guardians, school districts, faculty, and staff.
• Promote a positive school culture aligned with trauma-informed practices.

What you bring to the table:

• Master's degree in Educational Leadership or related field required.
• Valid DPI administrative license strongly preferred.
• 5+ years of teaching or school leadership experience, preferably in alternative, residential, or special education settings.
• Experience with IEP/504 processes and supporting diverse learners.
• Strong leadership, communication, and data-informed decision-making skills.
• Must be at least 21 years old.
• A passion for working with youth and a commitment to their academic and personal success.
• Awareness of and experience leading diverse student and caregiver populations, including different identities such as ethnicity, gender, ability, and LGBTQIA2S+ status.
• Strong organizational, communication (written and verbal), analytical, and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to remain patient, optimistic, and empathetic while assisting in de-escalating student behaviors.
• The ability to work in a fast-paced environment, multitask, and manage time effectively.
• A trauma-informed approach with patience, empathy, and the ability to model positive behaviors.
• Physical ability to engage with active youth, including lifting to 30 lbs and, in rare cases, safely intervening in crisis situations.

What we bring to the table:

• $90,000 salary
• Medical, Dental, Life Insurance, STD, LTD Benefits.
• Paid Time Off
• Tuition reimbursement.
• 401k plan + profit sharing for your future.
• Casual dress code - wear what makes you comfortable!
• Personal and professional development opportunities (we'll pay you to learn!).
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP) for additional support.
• Federal Student Loan Forgiveness Employer.
• Longevity - We're Wisconsin's oldest youth service organization!
• Advancement opportunities - Many of our leaders started in entry-level roles and grew into management positions.
• A servant-leadership culture - Our leaders are here to support you so you can best serve our youth.

Come join the Lad Lake family. Welcome home!

The base pay offered will consider internal equity and may vary depending on education, experience, and other job-related factors.