Position Summary: The Principal of St Paul the Apostle School is the educational leader of the school, directly responsible to the Pastor, and by extension, the Parishioners of St Paul the Apostle Church. This responsibility demands a close working relationship with the Pastor, the faculty, staff and students as well as with parents and the community at large. The principal, along with the Pastor, is a facilitator of the community of faith and bears the responsibility for the integration of faith and culture within St. Paul School. The principal, as the Chief Operations Officer of the school, has the primary responsibility, with the Pastor, for achieving the mission of St. Paul School by maintaining and developing a school strong in academic achievement, counseling and guidance services, and by providing ample programs to meet the co-curricular and extra-curricular needs of the students. The principal is to promote the vitality of the Catholic school by modeling spiritual, instructional, communicational and managerial leadership. The principal is the leader in the operations of the school and is responsible for teacher and student recruitment.
Classification: Exempt
Reports To: Pastor
Essential Job Functions:
- Spiritual Leadership
- Ensure that the Catholic Identity and educational mission of St. Paul the Apostle School is developed and nurtured.
- Hires faculty and staff whose values are compatible with the mission of the school by making recommendations to the Pastor.
- Help faculty, school staff and parish staff integrate the school’s mission in academic affairs, student affairs, athletic affairs, and all other school programs with the Parish mission.
- Work with the Pastor and Director of Religious Education on matters pertaining to the religious education of students to ensure that students in the school have equivalent religious education. The school program should include the religion course of study, religion textbooks, religious practices, liturgical functions, promotion of vocations and parent education programs that foster and support consistent practices of Christian service at all grade levels.
- Demonstrate spiritual leadership by calling the school community to participate in the faith life of the Church and school by modeling such participation.
- Promote the spiritual health and growth of the school in cooperation with the Principal, Pastors, Priests, Religious and those charged with religious formation in the school.
- Develop a discipline program which is consistent with the Catholic nature of the school.
- Articulate, along with the Pastor, the mission, vision and philosophy of the school to the entire school community alumni, parents, students, faculty, staff and the wider community to promote the school and its mission.
- Support the Diocese of Charleston and participate in school-related meetings and events sponsored by the Diocese as required.
- Ensure that Catholic Identity permeates school life and is evident in all activities and programs of the school.
- Administration
- Cooperate with the Diocesan Secretary for Education, Director for Elementary Education, diocesan staff, Pastor, Administrators, and Advisory School Board in all matters concerning the welfare of St. Paul the Apostle School.
- Recruit, interview, select, orient, hire, supervise, evaluate and dismiss faculty and pertinent staff.
- Such actions shall be in coordination with Diocesan procedures (contact Diocesan HR Dept with supporting documentation) in a professional, consistent manner,
- Give adequate feedback to faculty and staff for growth and make recommendations to the Pastor on such related matters.
- Ensure, with the Pastor, that there are professional systems of evaluation, certification and development for faculty and staff.
- Work with the Pastor, pertinent Diocesan staff and other school leaders to implement policies and create new educational opportunities as outgrowth of the school’s educational mission
- Work with the Pastor and other school leaders to implement actions related to student recruitment, resource development, public relations and communication policies.
- Work with Pastor, Parish Staff and other school leaders to provide oversight of business operations and planning by managing and / or reviewing school finances responsibly and in compliance with Diocesan Financial Policies.
- Meet regularly with the Pastor, Parish Staff and other school leaders to create, coordinate and monitor the school’s programs and activities
- Work with the Pastor Parish Staff, other school leaders and Parish Information Technology providers to establish and annually update an on-going technology plan, including ethical guidelines and acceptable use policies (AUPs).
- Work with the Pastor to ensure that Faculty and Student /Parent Handbooks are updated annually.
- Work with the Pastor to complete in a timely manner all forms requested by the Parish, Diocesan Offices, National Catholic Education Association and State and Federal Programs.
- Along with the Pastor, be aware of eligibility and participate appropriately in state and federal programs as these relate to non-public schools that will enhance services for students and families.
- Along with the Pastor, follow the directives of the Office of Child Protection Services as these relate to faculty, staff, and volunteers for on-site and field trip activities.
- Be knowledgeable about, and effectively apply, organizational management skills especially delegation of responsibilities and communication.
- Communication
- Interact regularly and effectively with the Pastor, Parish Staff and any member or members of the school community as deemed necessary by the Pastor.
- Work with the Pastor towards achieving a sense of unity, cooperation and a shared vision among all members of the ST. Paul the Apostle School community.
- Work with the Pastor to provide clear and relevant information in a timely manner to the school and civic community.
- Exhibit availability to faculty, staff, students and parents as needed.
- Consult with the faculty in the general conduct of academic and disciplinary matters.
- Work with the Pastor, as needed, to establish effective relationships with surrounding Catholic parishes, public authorities, school community, media, business community and other Catholic schools.
- Articulate with the Pastor St. Paul the Apostle School’s beliefs and mission to registering parents and require agreement to the school’s practices.
- Promote multicultural, gender, racial and ethnic appreciation and sensitivity.
- Instructional Leadership
- Plan, implement and monitor programs in all academic areas.
- Train and support teachers helping them to analyze, evaluate and modify their educational program and teaching methods to meet the needs and abilities of students.
- Provide for the effective implementation of the diocesan curriculum guides with materials, equipment and technology that enhance the instructional program.
- Involve teachers and others in developing enrichment opportunities and accommodations which meet students’ needs.
- Provide monthly faculty meetings and written agendas for the same.
- Facilitate and monitor all accreditation processes for St. Paul the Apostle School
- Management of the School Environment
- Work with the Pastor and administrators to ensure that the school is a vital part of the parish community.
- Organize the school’s daily routine to create an inviting school environment conducive to learning.
- Incorporate into the school culture Catholic principles of peace and social justice, family life and respect for the dignity of life.
- Identify and support effective systems of discipline that are implemented consistently.
- Work with the Pastor to ensure health, safety, adequate maintenance and cleanliness of the school facilities.
- Provide a safe environment for the school as directed in an annually updated School Safety Plan.
- Professional Growth
- Develop for each academic year professional and personal goals / objectives, including needed areas of growth identified on the Principal’s Evaluation Summary.
- Continue to increase personal awareness and knowledge of current educational trends through professional reading and taking advantage of other opportunities for professional growth.
- Maintain current certifications.
Additional Duties and Responsibilities:
- As the educational leader of the school, independent judgment and discretion are essential in this position. As the Chief Operations Officer of the school, the principal has the primary responsibility, with the Pastor, for achieving the mission of the school by maintaining and developing a school strong in academic achievement, counseling and guidance services, and by providing ample programs to meet the co-curricular and extra-curricular needs of the students.
Education Requirements/Position Qualifications: Master’s degree in education, School Administration and/or related field. Certified in Early Childhood Education.Minimum 5 years teaching experience in Catholic school environment. Practicing Catholic in good standing with experience in Catholic education. Administrative and leadership experience with strong organizational and collaborative skills. Excellent oral and written communication skills. Ability to network and keep up to date on new developments in Catholic education, education in general, and technology. Driver’s License is required.
Working Conditions/Physical Requirements: This position requires standing, walking, sitting, talking, hearing, using hands, using feet, climbing/balancing, stooping/kneeling/crouching/crawling, reaching above shoulders, and tasting/smelling at least 1/3 of the time. This position requires that you will lift up to 25 pounds at least 1/3 of the time.
