The Diocese of Saint Petersburg seeks a Founding Principal for Mater Dei Catholic School, a new PK3–8 diocesan school opening in August 2027 on the campus of St. Anne Parish at 1131 N US Highway 41, Ruskin, FL 33570. Main construction of Mater Dei is projected to be completed in December 2026. It is the first new school built by the Diocese in a decade and will serve approximately 300 students from Ruskin, Apollo Beach, Gibsonton, and surrounding communities in south Hillsborough County. From opening forward, the Principal serves as the spiritual, instructional, and administrative leader of the school.

This is an opportunity to build a Catholic school from the ground up. The start date will be January 1, 2027, seven months before the school opens. The Founding Principal will report directly to the Superintendent of Catholic Schools and Centers and will:

Oversee post-construction facilities issues
Refine drafts of the school’s mission, vision, and philosophy statements
Develop organizational and promotional materials for the school
Select textbooks, instructional resources, and uniforms
Specify and procure furniture, instructional technology, and classroom equipment
Recruit and recommend for hire the founding faculty and staff
Lead enrollment marketing, registration, and community outreach
Plan the school’s liturgical and sacramental life with the pastor of St. Anne Parish
Begin the Florida Catholic Conference accreditation process
Participate in developing the school’s first operating budget

Qualifications

Required

Practicing Catholic in good standing, able to give faithful witness to the teachings of the Catholic Church
Master’s degree in educational leadership, administration, curriculum, or a closely related field
Florida certification in Educational Leadership or School Principal. Equivalent out-of-state administrator certification will be considered; Florida certification must be applied for upon hire
Minimum five years of successful teaching experience
Demonstrated project management and budgeting skill

Preferred

Five to seven years of experience as a principal
Catholic school leadership experience
Experience opening a new school or leading a school through accreditation
Conversational or fluent Spanish

In compliance with Florida HB 531, the Florida Background Screening Clearinghouse Education and Awareness website can be found athttps://info.flclearinghouse.com

Diocese of St. Petersburg

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Founding Principal - Mater Dei Catholic School