School Principal – Al-Hidaya Full Time Islamic School

Position Type: Full Time

Number of Positions: 1

Final date to receive applications:

Start Date:

Location: Latham, NY, USA

Al-Hidaya School seeks a principal who embodies the noble character ( akhlaq ) of our Prophet Muhammad ﷺ — someone whose leadership is defined not merely by credentials and competence, but by sincerity ( ikhlas ), humility, justice, compassion, and a deep love for knowledge and for those in their care. This is a role for someone who understands that education in the Islamic tradition is first and foremost the formation of character, and who lives that conviction in every interaction.

The principal will set the strategic direction of the school, guide curriculum development, build an exceptional team, and establish the operations and culture that will shape generations of Muslim students. Most importantly, they will be a living example — to students, staff, and the wider community — of what it means to be a person of faith, integrity, and excellence ( ihsan ).

The principal leads Al-Hidaya School with the understanding that their role is an amanah (trust) — a sacred responsibility before Allah ﷻ. They bring strong leadership and management skills, but ground every decision in Islamic values and the prophetic model of leadership: one that is consultative ( shura ), merciful, just, and always oriented toward the wellbeing of those being led.

They build a sustainable foundation for the school while ensuring that modern, high-quality education and deep Islamic identity are not in tension — but are one and the same.

We are looking for someone who is dynamic and energetic — a person of action who does not just envision but executes. The right candidate has a track record of turning ideas into results, making sound decisions under pressure, and leading with clarity and confidence. They are forward-thinking, able to anticipate challenges before they arise, and proactive in positioning the school for long-term growth and impact.

They bring momentum to everything they touch, and that energy is felt by staff, students, and families alike.

Time Commitment: Full Time

A core conviction of Al-Hidaya School is that there is no meaningful separation between religious and secular knowledge. All knowledge, rightly understood, points back to Allah ﷻ. Mathematics, science, literature, history, and the arts are not secular subjects that happen to exist alongside Islamic studies — they are part of the same vast tapestry of divine wisdom that Muslims are called to explore, understand, and contribute to.

The principal we seek holds this worldview deeply and personally. They understand that when a child learns about the natural world, they are learning about the creation of Allah. When they study history, they are studying the rise and fall of civilizations in light of divine will. When they develop critical thinking and literacy, they are sharpening the tools of the mind that Islam has always honored.

The principal brings this integrated perspective to every curriculum decision, every conversation with staff, and every message sent to parents — not as a theoretical position, but as a lived reality.

This means the principal does not treat Islamic studies as a subject bolted onto an otherwise conventional school. Rather, they work to ensure that a Muslim lens — rooted in tawhid (the oneness of Allah), prophetic guidance, and the rich tradition of Islamic scholarship — permeates all subjects and all aspects of school life. Students graduate not just academically prepared, but with a coherent, confident Islamic worldview that equips them to engage the modern world on their own terms.

We recognize that the combination of qualities we are looking for — strong Islamic character, educational leadership, curriculum expertise, and the ability to execute — is rare. We are therefore fully committed to investing in the right person, even if they do not yet meet every qualification on paper.

If you have the character, the conviction, and the drive, we will walk alongside you. For candidates who are strong in Islamic…