Job Description
The Head of School for The Catholic Academy of Stamford is the chief administrative officer of the school, and serves as the chief executive of the school’s governing board (Board of Directors) as well as an ex officio non-voting member. The Head of School is a practicing Roman Catholic in good standing with the Catholic Church. Upon recommendation of the Board of Directors, the Pastor, and the Superintendent of Schools for the Diocese of Bridgeport, the Head of School is appointed by the Bishop and is accountable for the operations of the school to the Bishop through the Superintendent of Schools and the Board of Directors. The Head of School is expected to abide by the established policies and procedures of the Diocese of Bridgeport and the directives of the Superintendent of Catholic Schools. The Head of School pursues continuing education and professional development, and participates in an annual performance review as outlined by the Office of the Superintendent.
General Responsibilities
- The Head of School serves the school in a professional manner and acts in accordance with Catholic doctrine and moral teachings.
- The Head of School is directly responsible for the external affairs of the school, for ensuring sufficient resources, sound fiscal management and financial stability through direct oversight of the business operations, development/advancement, alumnae, community relations and enrollment management activities.
- The Head of School ensures the implementation and administration of the academic, educational, co-curricular and spiritual programs of The Catholic Academy of Stamford.
- The Head of School promotes the good reputation and values of the school in acting as the primary liaison among the school, the Board of Directors, the Pastor, and the Diocese of Bridgeport.
- Working collaboratively with the administrative staff, the Head of School ensures that Catholic values permeate the entire curriculum. These Catholic values emphasize the dignity of all students and the sanctity of life. They provide a spiritual basis for all relationships and decision-making.
- The Head of School is the chief spokesperson for the school, provides visible, personal leadership to the school community and articulates and promotes the programs to the school community and the external public.
Catholic Identity
General Responsibilities
- The Head of School serves the school in a professional manner and acts in accordance with Catholic doctrine and moral teachings.
- The Head of School is directly responsible for the external affairs of the school, for ensuring sufficient resources, sound fiscal management and financial stability through direct oversight of the business operations, development/advancement, alumnae, community relations and enrollment management activities.
- The Head of School ensures the implementation and administration of the academic, educational, co-curricular and spiritual programs of The Catholic Academy of Stamford.
- The Head of School promotes the good reputation and values of the school in acting as the primary liaison among the school, the Board of Directors, the Pastor, and the Diocese of Bridgeport.
- Working collaboratively with the administrative staff, the Head of School ensures that Catholic values permeate the entire curriculum. These Catholic values emphasize the dignity of all students and the sanctity of life. They provide a spiritual basis for all relationships and decision-making.
- The Head of School is the chief spokesperson for the school, provides visible, personal leadership to the school community and articulates and promotes the programs to the school community and the external public.
Institutional Advancement
- Participates in leadership activities in the school, the community, and in the Diocese.
- Ensures appropriate communications with external constituents regarding the purpose and programs of the school.
- Demonstrates the ability to work successfully with diverse institutional stakeholders.
- Prepares an annual, comprehensive development/advancement plan for approval by the Board of Directors; implements the plan upon board approval.
- Organizes the duties and procedures of the business, advancement, and admissions offices.
- Supervises the Annual Fund drives and special fundraising events.
- Reviews and evaluates school marketing efforts to ensure the positive image of the school in the local community.
- Designs and implements communication strategies to ensure that the Bishop, the Superintendent of Schools, the Pastor, faculty, staff, school families and the local community are informed about the school.
- Promotes cooperation with the Pastor, local parishes and community groups and assists in the recruitment of students.
- Prepares an annual comprehensive enrollment management plan, including admission and retention plans and programs.
- Provides leadership in the cultivation and solicitation of benefactors and donors.
- Participates in and monitors the school’s alumni relations programs.
School Viability
- Works collaboratively with the Board of Directors and acknowledges and supports the work of the Board.
- Implements Board policies.
- Assists the Board of Directors in developing a strategic, long-range plan to promote the mission of the schools, their Catholic identity, fiscal well-being and ongoing school improvement.
- Ensures that the school operates within the strategic, long-range plan and directs assessment of the faithful implementation of the plan.
- Ensures that the guidelines established by the Office of Safe Environments of the Diocese of Bridgeport are promulgated, understood and followed by all employees and volunteers at the school.
- Hires, supervises, and evaluates all school personnel whose roles support the Head of School’s major areas of responsibility, i.e.: Marketing Director, Finance Director, Advancement Director, and Admissions Director.
- Ensures that exit interviews of students, parents, faculty/staff and administrators are conducted.
- Develops and implements personnel policies, with the cooperation of Human Resources including performance standards and rules of conduct.
- Takes responsibility for the sound stewardship and fiscal integrity of the school.
- Prepares the annual school budget in collaboration with the Finance Committee of the Board of Directors and the Business Manager and supervises its implementation.
- Implements Diocesan and local financial policies and procedures for the collection and disbursement of school funds.
- Monitors tuition assistance and scholarship programs.
- Maintains overall responsibility for the school’s legal compliance.
- Ensures the maintenance and safety of the school plant according to local, state, diocesan and Office of the Superintendent policies, procedures and directives.
- Develops and implements rules and procedures to protect school facilities and property against unauthorized use, abuse, damage and theft.
- Directs and oversees the completion of capital improvement projects, purchase of capital equipment and facilities management.
To Apply
Given the desire for the Head of School to be in place well before the start of the new 2026-2027 academic year, candidates are encouraged to submit their materials immediately, but no later than April 1, 2026. The position will remain open until filled.
Interested and qualified candidates should submit electronically as separate documents (preferably as PDFs) the following materials:
- Formal cover letter expressing interest in the position and aligning your skills and experiences with the leadership needs of The Catholic Academy of Stamford, as stipulated above;
- Current curriculum vitae or resume with all appropriate dates;
- Brief statement of educational or leadership philosophy and practice;
- List of at least five references with name, title, phone number and email address of each (references will not be contacted until a serious mutual interest is established, and not without the candidate’s permission).
All materials should be addressed to Stacie Stueber, Superintendent of Schools, and emailed to Sharon Luciano, Executive Assistant to the Superintendent, at Sharon.Luciano@diobpt.org with the subject line
Catholic Academy Head of School.
