Principal Jobs in District of Columbia

Principal jobs in District of Columbia are among the most active in the mid-Atlantic region, concentrated heavily in public K-12 education, charter school networks, and federally adjacent nonprofits. Most hiring centers on Washington, DC itself, with additional demand in the surrounding neighborhoods served by DC Public Schools, KIPP DC, and the César Chávez Public Charter Schools network. School leadership and instructional leadership coaching are the most sought-after specializations. Find a role that fits below and apply directly.

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Overview

Open roles24
Top employerBuro Happold
Top cityWashington, DC
Cities hiring2
Work type53% Hybrid
Top credentialMaster's degree

Showing 5 of 24+ Principal jobs

Collaboration Principal (Microsoft and Google Workspace)
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Added 1d ago
Collaboration Principal (Microsoft and Google Workspace)
SAIC
Washington, District of Columbia
AI (Artificial Intelligence)
Data Engineering
Data Science
$140k - $180k/yr
Hybrid
ITIL Certification
10,000+

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Principal Architect
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Added 2d ago
Principal Architect
U.S. Office of Personnel Management
Washington, District of Columbia
Business Development
Customer Success
$148k - $197k/yr
On-Site
10,000+

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Principal Environmental Specialist
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Added 3d ago
Principal Environmental Specialist
World Bank Group
Washington, District of Columbia
Business Operations
Project & Program Management
Project Management
Master's degree in social science

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Principal Program Manager - U.S. Department of Transportation
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Added 4d ago
Principal Program Manager - U.S. Department of Transportation
The Rehancement Group, Inc.
Washington, District of Columbia
Program Management
Project & Program Management
Project Management
$120k - $135k/yr
Hybrid
Bachelor's degree
51-200

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Principal Network Engineer (CCIE)
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Added 4d ago
Principal Network Engineer (CCIE)
GuROO
Anacostia Anx, District of Columbia
Engineering (Non-Software)
Systems Administration
Technical Program Management
On-Site
11-50

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See All 24 Principal Jobs in District of Columbia

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Principal Jobs by City in District of Columbia

Where District of Columbia roles are concentrated, by current openings.

Anacostia Anx
1 job

Principal Job Market in District of Columbia

A snapshot from current District of Columbia openings, updated as new roles post.

Who's Hiring

Buro Happold4 open roles
SAIC2 open roles
Amtrak2 open roles

What District of Columbia Employers Look For

The qualifications that appear most often in principal jobs across District of Columbia.

  • Active DC Office of the State Superintendent of Education principal licensure or eligibility
  • Master's degree in educational leadership, administration, or a closely related field
  • Minimum five years of classroom teaching experience at the K-12 level
  • Demonstrated experience with curriculum development and instructional coaching in an urban school setting
  • Familiarity with DC's School Equity and Access Framework and IMPACT evaluation system
  • Strong background in community engagement and family partnership within diverse urban communities

Principal Jobs in District of Columbia: Frequently Asked Questions

How do you become a principal in District of Columbia?

To become a principal in DC, you must hold a School Administrator license issued through the DC Office of the State Superintendent of Education. Requirements include a master's degree in educational leadership or administration, a passing score on the School Leaders Licensure Assessment, and verified teaching experience. DC also maintains an alternative pathway through its Urban School Leadership program, which prepares candidates already working within DC Public Schools or charter networks.

Which companies hire principals in District of Columbia?

Companies currently hiring principals in District of Columbia include Buro Happold, SAIC, and Amtrak, per current listings on Migrate Mate as of November 2026. DC's charter school sector is particularly active, with networks operating across all eight wards and continuously recruiting experienced school leaders.

Which District of Columbia cities have the most principal jobs?

Washington and Anacostia Anx lead for principal openings in District of Columbia. Because DC is a single city-state, job density follows ward-level school concentration, with the highest volume in Wards 7 and 8, where DC Public Schools and several large charter networks operate multiple campuses serving high-need communities.

Are there remote principal jobs in District of Columbia?

Yes, but they're rare. About 80% of principal openings tied to District of Columbia are remote or hybrid as of November 2026, reflecting how deeply on-site the role is by nature. The portions most suited to remote work are district-level instructional leadership coaching positions and education consulting roles that carry the principal title without direct school building responsibility.

How can I get hired as a principal in District of Columbia with little or no experience?

The most realistic entry path is through a vice principal or assistant principal role with DC Public Schools or a charter network like KIPP DC or Achievement Prep, both of which recruit candidates completing leadership residency programs. DC's Urban School Leadership fellowship and the New Leaders Aspiring Principals program place emerging leaders in paid residencies within DC schools. Holding or pursuing OSSE licensure eligibility while working in an instructional coach or dean of students role is the credential combination that moves candidates to the top of hiring pools.

Where can I find and apply to principal jobs in District of Columbia?

You can find and apply to principal jobs in District of Columbia on Migrate Mate, which lists current openings across DC Public Schools, charter networks, and education-adjacent organizations throughout the district. Find roles that fit your experience and apply directly.

See All 24 Principal Jobs in District of Columbia

Find roles in District of Columbia that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.

Find Principal Jobs