Alliance for Catholic Education
Job Summary
The school principal is the administrator, faith and instructional leader of the local school, and serves as the executive officer of the local governance council of the Catholic school. In addition, the principal oversees the successful overall operation of the school in collaboration with the local pastor and/or superintendent of schools. Inspired by Christ the Teacher, the schools of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Albany provide a transformative learning experience in an evangelizing community.
Accountability
The school principal is hired by and is accountable to the pastor and/or superintendent of schools for the operation of the school. The principal is expected to abide by the established policies and procedures of the Diocese, the Catholic School Office, and the directives of the Superintendent of Catholic Schools. The principal participates in the annual performance review as outlined by the Catholic School Office.
General Responsibilities
The principal serves the school in a professional manner and acts in accordance with Catholic doctrine and moral teachings. The principal ensures that the school is integral to the mission of evangelization of the parish/diocese by giving witness to Gospel living, promoting spiritual and educational development, and managing the organization and fiscal vitality of the school.
Catholic Identity
• In collaboration with the pastor, promotes and facilitates an environment that ensures the Catholic identity of the school.
• Promulgates and periodically revises the school’s mission statement and philosophy in collaboration with the school community.
• Coordinates the faith community affairs, the religious instruction program, and the integration of faith within the learning process in cooperation with the pastor, the Director of Religious Education, and the professional staff.
• Provides opportunities for the students, school families, and staff to celebrate liturgies, prayer services, retreats and days of recollection, the seasons/feasts of the liturgical year, and participate in service programs.
• Ensures that the faculty is current in the areas of theology, religious education and catechesis certification.
• Cultivates parent/guardian partnerships to advance the mission of the school and the ministry of Catholic education.
• Implements conflict management procedures as necessary.
• Promotes a culture of dignity and respect for each member of the school community.
Academic Excellence
• Identifies, implements, and monitors annual goals and strategies to ensure the overall quality of the academic program.
• Oversees the local accreditation process including monitoring the progress made with the improvement plan.
• Implements the State academic standards and the Diocesan assessment program.
• Remains current in educational research and best practices.
• Recruits, screens, hires, and assigns certified teachers and other qualified personnel.
• Responsible for Diocesan mandates including background check clearance through the NYS TEACH System, and Catholic Mutual Group’s Safe Environment, Sexual Harassment, and Social Media training certifications.
• Supervises, observes, and evaluates faculty and staff on a regular basis.
• Develops and implements quality professional staff development programs.
• Assists faculty in researching, designing and implementing principles of effective instruction and assessment.
• Maintains a continuous plan of assessment/evaluation of the instructional program and the religious, academic, social, physical, and emotional growth of the students.
• Designs and implements communication strategies to ensure that the pastor, staff, parish and school families are informed about the school.
• Develops appropriate handbooks for school families, school staff.
• Maintains accurate local files and records for each student and employee.
• Oversees co-curricular activities (extended day, athletics, activity clubs) ensuring that the programs are in compliance with local and diocesan policies.
• Attends required diocesan and local meetings.
• Attends evening meetings and other events outside of regular business hours is required.
School Viability
• Reviews and assures compliance of the total school program with state and local accrediting requirements.
• Communicates effectively and in a timely manner with internal and external constituencies.
• Serves as executive officer to the school advisory board or board of limited jurisdiction.
• Prepares the board agenda with the chair/members of the executive committee.
• Prepares the annual school budget in conjunction with parish or diocesan finance committee.
• Seeks review and advice from the finance committee regarding the annual budget.
• Implements diocesan and local financial policies and procedures for the collection and disbursement of school funds.
• Coordinates fundraising and institution advancement efforts of the school while fostering strategic partnerships.
• Ensures the maintenance and safety of the school plant according to local, state, diocesan and Catholic School Office policies, procedures and directives.
• Develops plans for the safety and well-being of the students and staff including response to emergencies and unforeseen events.
• Creates and maintains an aesthetically pleasing school environment.
• Informs appropriate constituencies of changes in diocesan and Catholic School Office policies and procedures.
• Protects the rights of and maintains confidentiality and discretion regarding school personnel, students, and general school matters.
Environmental and Physical Demands
The principal is expected to supervise and evaluate staff, student progress, and school safety through regular visits to classrooms and all other areas of the school plant which requires mobility throughout the school. This position also requires extended periods of sitting, working at a computer, and occasional lifting up to 25 pounds. Incumbent needs to possess physical stamina to handle extended work hours, mornings often beginning before the school day begins, and frequently ending with later evenings due to regular meetings occurring outside of normal business hours.
Requirements and Preferences
• Practicing Catholic
• Master’s degree in Administration or Equivalent
• State certification/license in administration
• Compliant with Safe Environment Requirements
• Minimum 5 years of professional experience in a Catholic school
Disclaimer
The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by people assigned to this classification. They are not to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills required of personnel so classified. All personnel may be required to perform duties outside of their normal responsibilities from time to time, as needed.