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. Organizes and coordinates 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. Conducts staff meetings as needed.
f. Assigns duties to teachers and paraprofessionals on the school staff in addition to delegating administrative duties appropriately.
g. Acquires substitute teachers.
h. Manages 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, ensuring 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. Formulates annual goals, objectives, and strategic plans in collaboration with the Pastor.
d. Establishes policies and guidelines in collaboration with the Pastor.
i. Reviews and updates all School policies and procedures.
ii. Ensures the effective implementation of and adherence to all approved School policies and procedures.
iii. Formulates and maintains a Staff and/or Student Handbook to reflect accepted practices.
iv. Ensures that all staff members are aware of and adhere to the School's and Diocesan policies and procedures.
e. Implements all regulations, especially those pertaining to health, safety, and emergency procedures for faculty, staff, and students.
f. Develops a school calendar within the framework of the Diocesan and local Catholic schools' calendars.
g. Keeps an updated inventory of the equipment in the school on file.
h. Maintains essential records on staff, students, and programs.
Relationships
1. Actively promotes and communicates the school's vision within the parish and the wider community.
2. Meets regularly with the School Advisory Board members, providing information to help them perform their duty in a knowledgeable manner.
3. Promotes activities that involve parental attendance and participation.
4. Interacts with staff, students, parents, and volunteers on a regular basis and is 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.).
5. Represents the school community at events and activities. Serves as the primary spokesperson for the school.
6. Maintains a good rapport with the local public and Catholic school administrations.
7. Assists in fund-raising efforts by articulating the mission of the school and the value of the goals for which funds are being raised.
8. Attends professional meetings as required.
Required Education and/or Experience
• Master's Degree in Administration required or willingness to work towards.
• 3-5 years relevant experience. Experience in Catholic education preferred.
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.
• Ability to work independently and be 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.

The position of Principal at Blessed Sacrament Catholic School has a range of $70,000 to $90,000 per year. Benefits for this position can be found here.

About the Employer

The mission of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Springfield in Illinois is to build a fervent community of intentional and dedicated missionary disciples of the Risen Lord and steadfast stewards of God's creation who seek to become saints. Accordingly, the community of Catholic faithful in this diocese is committed to the discipleship and stewardship way of life as commanded by Christ Our Savior and as revealed by Sacred Scripture and Tradition.