Elementary Principal

Job Description

The Principal fulfills the mission of the Catholic school by serving as the spiritual, educational, and managerial leader of the institution. The Principal is charged with the implementation of the Parish mission and objectives, building Catholic culture, and establishing an environment where students, teachers, and parents grow in their faith. The Principal is responsible for the professional effectiveness of the staff, as well as the religious and academic progress of all students. The principal will adhere to all diocesan guidelines and policies in the management of the school.

Essential Duties & Responsibilities
Providing Catholic Education Leadership
1. Supports and upholds the philosophy of Catholic education and the mission of the school
2. Acts as a witness to Gospel values by modeling the teachings of the Catholic Church
3. Promotes Catholic identity within the school through liturgical celebrations, faith development, integration of Gospel values, and the practice of Christian service
a. Provide opportunities and encouragement to the staff to strengthen their Catholic faith.
b. Creates an atmosphere and provides experiences for students to deepen their personal love of the Lord and others.
4. Supports and adheres to the teachings of the Catholic Church, Code of Conduct, and policies and procedures of the Diocese of Springfield in Illinois.
Administration
1. Personnel Management:
a. Acts as coordinator of teachers and students. Oversees the efficient and effective day-to-day administration and management of the whole school.
b. Organize and coordinate the various activities and efforts of all School personnel, including administrative, instructional, and custodial.
c. Hires, supervises, evaluates, and terminates all faculty and staff according to diocesan guidelines.
d. Oversees ongoing orientation and staff development in both educational and faith development of faculty and staff
e. Conduct staff meetings as needed.
f. Assigns duties to teachers and paraprofessionals on the school staff.
i. Delegates administrative duties appropriately.
g. Acquires substitute teachers.
h. Manage emergencies and school crises.
2. Education Management
a. Ensures the implementation of a comprehensive curriculum through the use of a variety of pedagogical strategies.
i. Supervises instruction and evaluates the overall effectiveness of the academic program.
ii. Furnishes adequate instructional materials and supplies for effective teaching and learning.
b. Identifies and effects needed change for school improvement
i. Ensures re-evaluation of texts, audio-visuals, and other instructional materials.
c. Administers, supervises, and coordinates all educational activities in the school.

3. Office Management
a. Understands and implements policies and procedures of the Diocese of Springfield in Illinois as well as relevant federal and state education guidelines.
b. Manages school budget and supervises all expenditures.
c. Formulate annual goals, objectives, and strategic plans in collaboration with the Pastor.
d. Establish policies and guidelines in collaboration with the Pastor.
i. Review and update all School policies and procedures.
ii. Ensure the effective implementation and adherence to all approved School policies and procedures
iii. Formulate and maintain a Staff and/or Student Handbook to reflect accepted practices.
iv. Ensure that all staff members are aware of and adhere to the School's and Diocesan policies and procedures.
e. Implement all regulations, especially those pertaining to health, safety, and emergency procedures for faculty, staff, and students.
f. Develop a school calendar within the framework of the diocesan and public school calendar.
g. Keeps an updated inventory of the equipment in the school on file.
h. Maintain essential records on staff, students, and programs.
Relationships
5. Actively promote and communicate the school's vision within the parish and the wider community.
6. Meet regularly with the School Advisory Council members.
a. Provides information for the local board to help them perform their duty in a knowledgeable manner.
7. Promotes activities that involve parental attendance and participation.
8. Interact with staff, students, parents, and volunteers on a regular basis. Be available for consultation.
a. Mediates differences caused by lack of understanding between parents and teachers.
b. Keeps informed to help parents find the appropriate service for their child (counseling, health care, family services, etc.)
9. Represent the school community at events and activities. Serves as the primary spokesperson for the school.
10. Maintains a good rapport with the local public school administration.
11. Assist in fund-raising efforts by articulating the mission of the school and the value of the goals for which funds are being raised.
12. Attends professional meetings as required.
Required Education and/or Experience
Master's Degree in Administration required with 3-5 years relevant experience.
Required Skills, Knowledge and Characteristics
• Practicing Catholic in full communion with the teachings of the Church. Witness of the Good News of Christ.
• Knowledge of teachings of the Catholic Church as well as instructional methods/strategies and curriculum differentiation.
• Knowledge of effective assessment methods.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills.
• Ability to interact with people of diverse backgrounds and cultures.
• Able to work independently and self-motivated
• Skilled in organization
• Familiar with appropriate technology systems
• Critical thinker
• High degree of confidentiality.
• Able to supervise and handle conflict.
• Demonstrates professionalism in conduct, demeanor, and work habits.

Salary Range and Benefits:
Sacred Heart Catholic School Principal salary is based on years of experience and education ranging from $50,000 to $65,000 annually. More specific information will be provided upon request.

About the Employer

Grounded in the teaching of the Roman Catholic Church, Sacred Heart Catholic School strives for excellence in education while preparing our students for a saintly life of service, leadership, and compassion for all.