Principal, Qiqirtaq High School, Gjoa Haven, NU

Position: Principal, Qiqirtaq High School, Gjoa Haven, NU #303083
Location: Central Nunavut (Cambridge Bay)

Principal, Qiqirtaq High School, Gjoa Haven, NU

Please note:

Start and end dates may be subject to change based on approved school calendars.

Closing date for applications:  July 21, 2026

About this Opportunity
The Nunavut Department of Education, Kitikmeot School Operations, is seeking community‑minded dedicated school leaders who are committed to supporting strong learning environments for Nunavut’s students.

As Principal, you will provide instructional leadership, foster positive community partnerships, and support culturally responsive learning environments grounded in Inuit Societal Values. You will lead staff, support student success, and work collaboratively with families and community partners to strengthen literacy, inclusion, and student well‑being.

Resiliency, adaptability and resourcefulness (Qanuqtuurniq) are assets to employment and northern life.

About the School
Located in the picturesque hamlet of Gjoa Haven, NU, Qiqirtaq High School serves the local community. The school has a population of approximately 180 students in a 7‑12 setting with a staff of 24. The school and community are steeped in a rich history of Inuit culture.

About Education in Nunavut
The work of the Government of Nunavut is shaped by the Inuit Societal Values. The Department of Education is committed to Pilimmaksarniq/Pijariuqsarniq by supporting staff development through well‑designed professional learning opportunities.

Nunavut schools, working together for a common cause (Piliriqatigiinniq/Ikajuqtigiinniq), are currently focused on improving literacy outcomes for all students and ensuring students’ learning experiences are culturally relevant and respectful. School operations in all 3 regions are committed to:

Promotion of the Inuktitut Language and Inuit Qaujimajatuqangiit (Inuit Societal Values)

Required Qualifications

Bachelor of Education degree

Valid teaching certificate recognized by, or eligible for certification in Nunavut (International educated teachers who do not hold a Canadian teaching certificate must have their credentials evaluated through)

Minimum 3 years of school leadership experience

Minimum 5 years of classroom teacher experience

Commitment to fostering an inclusive, equitable, and safe school climate through culturally responsive practices and a proactive approach to student and staff mental health and well‑being

Demonstrated instructional leadership in literacy, including Balanced Literacy or comparable approaches

Demonstrated ability to lead instructional improvement through evidence‑based coaching, professional learning communities (PLCs), and the strategic use of student achievement data to close learning gaps

Demonstrated success in northern and cross‑cultural contexts, with a proven ability to build positive, respectful relationships with students, teachers, colleagues, parents, and community members

Assets and

Preferred Experience
Language and Cultural Assets

Ability to communicate in Inuktitut (verbal and written)

Experience supporting Inuit Qaujimajatuqangit‑based education

Experience supporting bilingual and ESL programming

Instructional Leadership

Strong classroom management skills and experience creating positive learning environments (e.g., Restitution, Tribes, Positive Effective Behaviour Supports)

School Operations & Systems

Proven ability to implement the directives and operational requirements of the District Education Authority (DEA) and the Department of Education, ensuring seamless alignment with Regional School Operations (RSO) protocols and reporting standards, responsibility, compliance with departmental policies, accurate reporting, and effective use of resources to support student learning.

Compensation and Benefits

Salary Range (Certified Principal): from $113,611 prorated/annum to $165,868 prorated/annum

Nunavut Northern Allowance for Gjoa Haven, NU: $26,345 prorated/annum

Subsidized Housing:
Available but sharing may be required

Conditions of Employment

Applicants currently employed by the Government of Nunavut must hold a valid Nunavut teaching certificate

Applicants from outside Nunavut must provide a copy of a current public‑school teaching certificate from a Canadian jurisdiction…