Elementary School Principal

Description

Reports To: Pastor of St. Andrew Parish

Start Date: July 15, 2026 or ASAP

Salary Range: $60,000 to $70,000 (Commensurate with Qualifications and Experience

Hours: Minimum 40 per week/Full Time Salaried, Exempt

Benefits: Health Insurance, Pension, Vacation, Sick and Personal Days, Holidays, 403(b) Retirement Plan, Paid Personal Time Off: Full Description 

PRINCIPAL: ROLE DESCRIPTION

The essential ministerial role of the Catholic school principal is to provide leadership and vision for the development of an active faith and academic community that provides for the nurturing and complete growth of the children entrusted to their care. This role is best accomplished in collaboration with the staff and by organization and administration of school resources to achieve this school's established goals.

This role involves responsibility for the following areas:

• faith community
• student services
• policy
• public relations
• personal/professional development
• personnel
• curriculum and instruction
• finance
• general administrative responsibilities enrollment
• advancement
• physical plant
• community outreach and engagement ecclesial communion

GENERAL ADMINISTRATIVE RESPONSIBILITIES

Provides for the day-to-day operations of the school and ensures that all functions support the mission of Catholic education.

• Oversees all aspects of managing the school.

• Ensures the school operates in alignment with diocesan policies and procedures.

• Maintains strong collaboration with the pastor and parish leadership.

• Promotes effective communication within the school community.

• Ensures that all school programs support the Catholic mission and identity of the institution

FAITH COMMUNITY

Fosters and leads a vibrant Catholic faith community rooted in the teachings of the Church.

1. Provides visible leadership in the spiritual life of the school and models Christian discipleship.

2. Ensures that the Catholic identity of the school permeates all aspects of school life.

3. Ensures that the teachings of the Catholic Church are faithfully transmitted through religious instruction and the overall educational environment.

4. Promotes the integration of faith, culture, and life in accordance with the teachings of the Church on Catholic education.

5. Provides opportunities for prayer, liturgy, and participation in the sacramental life of the Church.

6. Encourages and develops a spirit of Christian service rooted in Gospel values and Catholic social teaching.

7. Collaborates with the pastor and parish leadership so that the school remains closely integrated into the life and mission of the parish.

8. Supports parents in their role as the primary educators of their children in the faith.

9. Participates in opportunities for spiritual growth with pastoral staff so that a shared ministry of Catholic education may flourish

SCHOOL PHILOSOPHY

Articulates and implements the Catholic philosophy of education.

1. Ensures that the philosophy and mission of the school reflect the Church’s vision of Catholic education as articulated in the documents of the Holy See.

2. Promotes the integral formation of the human person, including intellectual, spiritual, moral, and social development.

3. Ensures that the Gospel message and Catholic worldview inform the academic curriculum and school culture.

4. Incorporates the parish mission and vision into the school’s philosophy.

5. Initiates periodic review of the school philosophy to ensure ongoing fidelity to the Church’s educational mission.

6. Ensures that programs and activities of the school reflect the school’s Catholic mission.

7. Communicates the philosophy and goals of the school clearly to students, staff, families, and the broader community.

POLICY

Ensures the implementation of diocesan policies and procedures.

1. Provides leadership and service to the parish education commission.

2. Informs the commission and staff about diocesan and local policies.

3. Prepares background information and recommendations regarding policies needed to support school operations and mission.

4. Ensures compliance with diocesan, state, and applicable regulatory requirements.

PERSONNEL

Provides for the supervision and growth of personnel.

1. Follows diocesan policies and procedures in the employment and termination of personnel.

2. Ensures that teachers and catechists meet diocesan certification and formation requirements.

3. Communicates the philosophy and objectives of the school to all staff members.

4. Implements ongoing, systematic, and cooperative evaluation of staff according to diocesan procedures.

5. Promotes professional growth that strengthens both instructional practice and commitment to the Catholic mission of the school.

6. Cultivates a collaborative and mission-driven professional culture among faculty and staff.

CURRICULUM AND INSTRUCTION

Provides effective instructional leadership of programs that reflect the distinctive mission of Catholic education.

1. Ensures that Catholic identity is integrated across all academic disciplines.

2. Initiates and develops strategies for curriculum planning and continuous academic improvement.

3. Promotes academic excellence consistent with the Church’s long tradition of intellectual inquiry and pursuit of truth.

4. Encourages the integration of faith and reason within the educational experience.

5. Provides materials and resources to meet the various needs and talents of students.

6. Establishes and maintains an orderly school environment that promotes learning through student self-discipline consistent with Gospel values and Christian principles.

7. Directs, supervises, and evaluates the instructional program.

8. Provides for ongoing staff development.

STUDENT SERVICES

Establishes student policies and procedures.

1. Arranges systematic procedures for assessing and reporting student progress.

2. Manages enrollment and attendance policies and procedures.

3. Publishes academic and behavioral expectations consistent with Gospel values.

4. Provides for student health, welfare, and safety on school property.

5. Develops and coordinates co-curricular programs sponsored by the school.

PUBLIC RELATIONS

Establishes, promotes, and nurtures an atmosphere of goodwill with the school community.

1. Serves as a visible ambassador of the Catholic mission and identity of the school.

2. Communicates the unique Catholic character, values, and accomplishments of the school.

3. Promotes a spirit of cooperation among parents, students, staff, parish leadership, and the wider community.

4. Builds strong partnerships with parents, recognizing them as the primary educators of their children.

5. Provides effective vehicles of communication within the school community.

6. Assesses community reactions and fosters positive relationships with stakeholders.

PERSONAL AND PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT

Pursues opportunities for growth.

1. Grows spiritually through prayer, reflection, and shared faith experiences.

2. Continues professional development through reading, seminars, conferences, and further study.

3. Participates in diocesan principals’ meetings, professional development programs, and leadership formation opportunities.

FINANCE

Exercises responsible stewardship of school resources.

1. Prepares, implements, and monitors the school budget in collaboration with parish leadership.

2. Provides for a system of internal accounting.

3. Administers school purchasing.

4. Provides periodic financial reports to the education commission and parish leadership.

ADVANCEMENT, ENROLLMENT, AND COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT

Leads the school through mission-centered and purposeful growth strategies.

1. Develops and executes strategic plans for enrollment growth, fundraising, and community engagement.

2. Cultivates relationships with donors, alumni, and community partners.

3. Collaborates with the Catholic Education Office and diocesan advancement resources.

4. Promotes the value of Catholic education within the parish and broader community.

5. Supports initiatives that strengthen the long-term vitality and sustainability of the school.

PHYSICAL PLANT

Supervises the custodial care and maintenance of the physical plant.

1. Ensures implementation of fire, tornado, health, and safety codes.

2. Maintains standards of cleanliness, ventilation, and safety.

3. Coordinates use of school facilities and addresses maintenance needs.

ECCLESIAL COMMUNION

Ensures the school remains in full communion with the mission and teachings of the Catholic Church.

1. Maintains strong collaboration with the Pastor and the Catholic Education Office of the Diocese of Rockford.

2. Ensures the school operates in fidelity to the teachings of the Catholic Church.

3. Supports diocesan initiatives that strengthen Catholic identity, academic excellence, governance and leadership, and operational vitality.

4. Promotes the mission of Catholic education as articulated by the Magisterium and the Holy See.

Requirements

POSITION REQUIREMENTS

1. Practicing Catholic in full communion with the Catholic Church and committed to its teachings and mission.

2. Demonstrated commitment to the evangelizing mission of Catholic education.

3. Master’s degree in education with ISBE Type 75 licensure (or similar, transferable from another state).

4. Minimum of five years of leadership experience in Catholic education or a related field.

5. Strong interpersonal and communication skills with the ability to collaborate effectively with diverse stakeholders.

6. Ability to create documents, spreadsheets, presentations, and communications using Microsoft Office, Google Workspace, Canva, and FACTS Management.

7. Knowledge of the National Standards and Benchmarks for Effective Catholic Elementary and Secondary Schools (NSBECS, Second Edition).

8. Familiarity with the Church’s vision of Catholic education as articulated in documents of the Holy See.