Description:
Elementary Principal Job Description
Reports to: Pastor
Start Date: July 1, 2026
Salary Range: $65,000 to $85,000 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: Benefits 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 nurtures and supports the complete growth of the children entrusted to their care. This role is best accomplished in collaboration with the staff and by the organization and administration of school resources to achieve this school's established goals.
This role involves responsibility for the following areas:
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faith community
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student services
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policy
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public relations
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personal/professional development
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personnel
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curriculum and instruction
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finance
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general administrative responsibilities
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enrollment and advancement
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physical plant
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community outreach and engagement
Requirements:
GENERAL ADMINISTRATIVE RESPONSIBILITIES
Provides for the day-to-day operations of the school.
FAITH COMMUNITY
Fosters a climate of faith community.
1. assumes leadership in faith formation of staff and students
2. ensures that basic teachings of our faith are taught
3. provides prayer/liturgical experiences for staff and students
4. encourages and develops a spirit of Christian service
5. articulates and facilitates conflict resolution
6. collaborates with DRE/CRE in implementing the parish vision and mission statement
7. participates in experiences of faith development with members of the pastoral staff so that a shared ministry may grow.
SCHOOL PHILOSOPHY
Articulates and implements the Catholic philosophy of the school.
1. incorporates the parish vision and mission statement into the school philosophy
2. initiates periodic philosophy review
3. ensures that programs and activities of the school reflect the school philosophy
4. communicates the philosophy and goals of the school
POLICY
Ensures the implementation of diocesan policies and procedures.
1. provides leadership and service to the education commission
2. informs the commission and staff about diocesan and local policies
3. prepares necessary background information and recommends local policies needed to the commission
PERSONNEL
Provides for the supervision and growth of personnel.
1. follows diocesan policies and procedures in the employment and termination of personnel
2. follows diocesan and parish policies, regulations, and guidelines in training and certification of catechists
3. formulates and communicates the philosophy and objectives of the school
4. implements ongoing, systematic, and cooperative evaluations of staff personnel according to diocesan and local procedures
CURRICULUM AND INSTRUCTION
Provides effective instructional leadership of programs which reflect the unique Catholic character of the school.
1. initiates and develops strategies for curriculum planning
2. articulates and implements instructional goals and objectives
3. provides materials and resources to meet the various needs and talents of students
4. establishes and maintains an orderly school environment that promotes learning through student self-discipline consistent with Gospel values and Christian principles
5. directs, supervises, and assesses the instructional program
6. provides for staff development
STUDENT SERVICES
Establishes student policies and procedures.
1. arranges systematic procedures for the continued assessment and reporting of student progress
2. manages enrollment and attendance policies and procedures
3. publishes academic and behavior expectations of students
4. provides for student health, welfare, and safety on school property
5. develops and coordinates the co-curricular programs sponsored by the school
PUBLIC RELATIONS
Establishes, promotes, and nurtures an atmosphere of goodwill and rapport with the school's various publics.
1. communicates the unique Catholic character, values, and accomplishments of the school
2. promotes a spirit of cooperation among parents, students, staff and parish
3. provides vehicles of communication
4. assesses community reactions
PERSONAL/PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT
Pursues opportunities for growth.
1. grows spiritually through prayer and shared faith experiences
2. continues to advance professionally through reading, seminars, conferences, and further study
3. participates in principals' meetings, institutes, and other diocesan programs
FINANCE
Exercises fiscal responsibility.
1. prepares, implements, and monitors the school budget
2. provides for a system of internal accounting
3. administers school purchasing
4. gives periodic budget reports to the commission
ADVANCEMENT, ENROLLMENT, AND COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT
Leads school through mission-focused and purposeful growth strategies.
1. develops and executes strategic plans for enrollment growth, fundraising, and alumni engagement
2. cultivates relationships with donors, community partners, and other stakeholders
3. collaborates with the Catholic Education Office, Diocese Charitable Giving/Finance Offices, and advancement teams to enhance enrollment, marketing, communications, and outreach efforts
PHYSICAL PLANT
Supervises the custodial care and maintenance of the physical plant.
1. assures the implementation of fire, tornado and health and safety codes
2. assures standards of cleanliness, ventilation, and safety
3. coordinates the use of school’s physical plants, its needs, and the correction of unsatisfactory conditions
POSITION REQUIREMENTS
1. Practicing Catholic in full communion with the Catholic Church and commitment to its mission and teachings
2. Master’s degree in education with ISBE Type 75 licensure
3. Minimum of five years of leadership experience in Catholic education or a related field
Strong interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to collaborate effectively with diverse stakeholders
5. Ability to create basic documents, spreadsheets, presentations, and emails using MS Word, Excel, Power Point, MS Outlook, Google Workspace, Google Education, Canva, and FACTS Management
6. Knowledge of the National Standards and Benchmarks for Effective Catholic Elementary and Secondary Schools (NSBECS, Second Edition)
