A Rare Leadership Opportunity to Shape Lives and Systems

Heartspring is seeking an experienced, purpose-driven Principal to lead our Therapeutic School—an environment where education, therapy, medical care, and behavioral support come together to serve students with complex neurodevelopmental needs. This is not a traditional principal role. It is an opportunity to lead one of the region’s most specialized and impactful educational programs, where exceptional leadership directly changes life trajectories for students and families from Kansas and across the country.

About Heartspring

Founded in 1934, Heartspring is a nationally recognized provider of services for children with autism and other neurodevelopmental disabilities whose needs extend well beyond what traditional educational settings can support.

Our Therapeutic School serves students ages 5–22 through an integrated model that includes:

• Special education
• Behavioral health services
• Medical care
• Speech and occupational therapy
• Residential and life skills development

Our vision—Every child realizes their full potential—guides every decision we make.

The Impact You Will Have

As Principal, you will serve as the educational leader and steward of Heartspring’s Therapeutic School. You will shape the program’s vision, systems, and culture while partnering closely with the Therapeutic School Superintendent and multidisciplinary leaders.

In this role, you will:

• Lead, inspire, and develop a highly skilled team of educators and specialists
• Shape and continuously refine individualized, evidence-based educational programming
• Foster a structured, safe, and compassionate learning environment for students with significant needs
• Navigate and integrate regulatory excellence with instructional innovation
• Collaborate closely with families, school districts, and internal partners
• Influence strategy, planning, and the future evolution of therapeutic education at Heartspring

This position is ideal for a leader who is energized by complexity, motivated by meaningful impact, and committed to educational excellence for all learners.

Who Thrives in This Role

You are a strong fit if you are:

• A values-driven educational leader who believes students with complex needs deserve exceptional instruction and high expectations
• Skilled at building culture, mentoring leaders, and guiding teams through challenge and change
• Experienced in special education and confident navigating regulatory and compliance environments
• Collaborative, communicative, and grounded in integrity
• Strategic in your thinking while remaining deeply student-centered in your actions

Required Qualifications

• Master’s degree in Educational Leadership or a related field
• Kansas Building Leadership License (or eligibility)
• Experience working with students with disabilities in a school setting
• Proven leadership experience in education, staff development, and program or budget oversight

How We Support Our Leaders

Heartspring believes those who lead demanding, meaningful work deserve meaningful support. Our comprehensive benefits package reflects our commitment to caring for the whole person and sustaining long-term professional impact.

Highlights include:

• Medical, dental, and vision insurance
• FREE primary care and mental health visits
• 403(b) retirement plan with up to 6% employer contribution
• Generous vacation, sick leave, and paid holidays
• Tuition reimbursement and continuing education support
• Life, disability, and wellness benefits

Join Us

If you are ready to lead with purpose, shape a highly specialized educational program, and make a lasting impact in the lives of students and families, we invite you to explore this opportunity with Heartspring.