School Principal

Job Description

Position: School Principal

Saint James School, National Blue Ribbon School (2024), is a co-ed, Catholic elementary school located in Basking Ridge, New Jersey, part of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Metuchen. We serve approximately 330 students in grades Pre-K (3 year olds) through eighth. We are proud to have been providing a nurturing, safe, and faith-filled environment where our students are challenged to be their best for almost 60 years.

Interested candidates should submit cover letter, resume, two letters of recommendation from professional sources, and a pastor reference letter testifying to active involvement in a Catholic parish.

Job Description:

The principal fulfills the mission of the Catholic school by serving as the spiritual, educational, and managerial leader of the school. The principal is charged with the implementation of the philosophy, mission, objectives, and the overall management of the school. The principal is responsible for the professional effectiveness of the staff, the educational progress of the students, as well as the relationship within the entire school community. This position reports to the pastor of St. James Roman Catholic parish and the Diocese of Metuchen Catholic Schools Office.

Essential job functions:

• Supports and upholds the philosophy of Catholic education and the mission of the school
• Acts as a witness to the Gospel values by modeling the teachings of the Catholic Church
• Develops a school climate reflecting Catholic identity
• Supports and adheres to the teachings of the Catholic Church, Code of Conduct, and policies and procedures of the Diocese
• Abides by the Confidentiality Policy set forth in the Diocese Employee Handbook
• Communicates effectively with students, parents, and other professionals
• Identifies and effects needed change for school improvement
• Ensures the implementation of a comprehensive curriculum through the use of a variety of pedagogical strategies
• Supervises instruction and evaluates the overall effectiveness of the academic program
• Ensures that the religious instruction of students meets the guidelines set forth by the Diocese
• Promotes Catholic identity within the school through liturgical celebrations, faith development, integration of Gospel values, and the practice of Christian service
• Oversees ongoing orientation and staff development in both educational and faith development of faculty and staff
• Oversees advancement, enrollment, and marketing efforts focused on maximization of fundraising and enrollment growth
• Maintains the accreditation of the school according to Cognia and National Standards and Benchmarks for Effective Catholic Elementary and Secondary Schools (NSBECS)
• Oversees creation of the annual school budget and supervises all expenditures
• Oversees development goals and activities and seeks resources and support beyond the school
• Works effectively with the School Advisory Council to establish goals for school effectiveness
• Partners with the Home School Association to foster community involvement and fundraising efforts
• Hires, supervises, evaluates, and terminates all faculty and staff according to diocesan guidelines
• Fosters collaboration between St. James Roman Catholic parish and the school
• Maintains current and accurate records according to diocesan and school policy
• Demonstrates professionalism in conduct, demeanor, and work habits
• Maintains a work schedule that maximizes availability to the school, students, staff, and parents
• Provides for an orderly school environment and promotes student self-discipline
• Develops faculty and student/parent handbooks in accordance with diocesan guidelines
• Completes and submits all official forms required by the Diocesan Catholic Schools Office and State of New Jersey Department of Education
• Implements and reviews long-range strategic planning
• Promotes healthy staff morale and professionalism
• Participates in professional development, including diocesan principal meetings and in-services
• Establishes and implements technology goals for the school

Qualifications:

Religion:
• Practicing Catholic in good standing with a commitment to ongoing formation in catechetical and spiritual leadership development
• Pastor reference letter testifying to active involvement in a Catholic parish

Education, Certification, and Experience:
• Master's degree in educational administration or related field
• NJ Teaching Certificate or its reciprocal
• NJ Principal Certificate or eligibility to apply for certification
• 5 years in teaching in a Catholic school
• 5 years administration in a Catholic school

Knowledge, abilities, and skills:
• Knowledge of the basic teachings of the Catholic Church
• Knowledge of instructional methods/strategies and curriculum differentiation
• Knowledge of child and adolescent development, learning, and behavior
• Knowledge of the content and the methods of religious education
• Knowledge of effective assessment methods
• Able to communicate effectively in both written and verbal form
• Able to work well with others in the school community
• Able to work independently and self-motivate
• Skill in handling multiple tasks simultaneously
• Skill in organizing and relating information in an understandable format
• Skill in job appropriate technology
• Skill in critical thinking and planning
• Skill in managing conflicts effectively
• Skill in organizational management and delegation of responsibilities
• Skill in using group process skills effectively with various school communities

Working Conditions:
• Required to work some nights and weekends
• Required to work a full school day, in-person
• Required to work in standard school and office conditions

About the Employer

The mission of Saint James School is to develop Christ-centered academic excellence in all of our students.