Posting Number: 09-02322
Position: Principal
School: Qiqirtaq High School
Community: Gjoa Haven, NU
Grade assignment: 7-12
Status: T30, Full-time (1.0 PY)
Start Date: 8/6/2026
End Date (if Term): 6/10/2030
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)
• Community-Led Education
• Improving Student Literacy
• Inclusive Education
Required Qualifications
Education & Certification
• 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
Pathways to Teach Canada)
Experience
• Minimum 3 years of school leadership experience
• Minimum 5 years of classroom teacher experience
Core Leadership Competencies
• 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
• Graduate level training in education.
• 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.
• Proven experience managing site‑based school budgets, ensuring fiscal
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 recognized by the
Nunavut Department of Education. Applications that do not include this
documentation will not be considered.
• Principals and Vice Principals are required to obtain a Certificate of
Eligibility as a Nunavut Principal within three years of employment.
Mandatory Documentation
Please note that these documents may take several weeks to obtain. We recommend that you ensure to have them at time of application.
• Successful candidates must provide a Criminal Record Check (CRC) and
Vulnerable Sector Check (VSC) dated no more than six months prior to
the start date as indicated above.
• All job offers will be contingent upon proof of eligibility to work in Canada
at time of application.
Only candidates selected for interviews will be contacted. Interviews will follow the behavior descriptive model as described in the attached link: BehaviorDescription Interviewing (gov.nu.ca)
Employment Equity
The Government of Nunavut is committed to creating a representative workforce; therefore, priority will be given to Nunavut Inuit who self-identify as being enrolled under the Nunavut Agreement in accordance with the Priority Hiring Policy.
How To apply
Please submit the following documents in Word or PDF format by e-mail to [email protected]:
• Resume
• Cover letter stating your interest and motivations
• Names of 3 recent professional references, from your current (or most
recent) and 2 former supervisors.
• For candidates outside Nunavut, a copy of a current public-school
teaching certificate
Note: Attachments over 10mb will not be accepted.
Please include the posting number 09-02322 in the subject line of your email.
Posting Authorization
This job advertisement is authorized for external postings on the Education Canada Website (educationcanada.com) job-posting site. Postings found on other commercial job sites are not authorized by the Government of Nunavut, Department of Education and Kitikmeot School Operations.
