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Christ the King School is a National Blue Ribbon Catholic school in Chicago's North Beverly neighborhood serving preschool through 8th grade students, and is currently seeking a dynamic and visionary principal to lead our vibrant school community. The ideal candidate will be an innovative leader who embraces restorative practices to foster a positive and inclusive environment for students, staff, and families. Christ the King is dedicated to excellence in education and seeks a principal who is passionate about maintaining and further advancing our strong academic trajectory. This is a unique opportunity to lead a dedicated team of educators and inspire students to achieve their fullest potential in a faith-filled and supportive setting. The Archdiocese of Chicago, the third largest in the United States, serves more than 2.2 million Catholics in 216 parishes in Cook County and Lake county, a geographic area of 1,411 square miles. The Archdiocese, pastored by Cardinal Blase J. Cupich, has more than 13,000 employees in its systems and ministries, including Catholic Charities, the region's largest nonprofit social service agency. The Archdiocese also has one of the country's largest seminaries. The Archdiocese's 150+ elementary and secondary schools comprise one of the largest U.S. private school systems. Its schools have received 96 U.S. Department of Education Blue Ribbon Awards.
Role of the Principal
The Elementary School Principal, as a lay minister, is the religious, instructional, and community leader of the local Catholic school. The principal oversees the implementation of the strategic goals of the school, collaborating with the local school board, faculty, and other key stakeholders. The Principal is a representative of the Archbishop of Chicago, effectuating his ministry of Catholic education and the religious teachings and doctrine of the Catholic Church at the level of the local school.
The elementary school principal is hired by the pastor and accountable to him or the juridic person for the operation of the school. The principal is expected to abide by the established policies and procedures of the Archdiocese of Chicago, the Office of Catholic Schools, and the directives of the Superintendent of Catholic Schools. The principal participates in the annual performance review defined by the Office of Catholic Schools.
General Responsibilities
The principal serves the school in a professional manner and acts in accordance with Catholic doctrinal and moral teachings. The principal ensures that the school is integral to the mission of evangelization of the parish/archdiocese by giving witness to Gospel living, spiritual and educational development, and a deepening of the faith in all members of the local community.
Catholic Identity and Culture
- Promotes and facilitates an environment which fosters the Catholic identity of the school.
- Ensures that the faculty is well established, able to teach and witness to the Catholic faith, and meets all catechetical requirements.
- Fosters a positive, welcoming school culture that encourages Christian treatment and communication amongst stakeholders.
- Encourages active participation of stakeholders in prayer, liturgies, service, and the greater life of the parish.
- Promotes parent/guardian partnerships in advancing the mission of the school and the ministry of Catholic education.
- Models’ professionalism and Catholic values
Academic Excellence
- Ensures all students are engaged in appropriate and rigorous academic learning.
- Ensures that instruction meets archdiocesan standards.
- Oversees the recruitment, onboarding, development, and evaluation of all teachers and staff.
- Develops and implements school improvement goals.
- Ensures accuracy of student performance (through various forms) and that assessment data is utilized to promote quality teaching and learning.
- Fosters practices to ensure quality learning for students of diverse backgrounds, including various socio-economic groups, students with defined learning needs, and English language learners.
- Oversees co-curricular activities (extended school day, sports, activity clubs) ensuring that the programs are compliant with local and archdiocesan policies.
School Viability
- Ensures that the school meets all compliance requirements set forth by the Archdiocese and any/all other relevant agencies, e.g., ISBE, etc.
- Works with a local business manager/Operations Director to develop, implement, and monitor the school budget.
- Works with the local business manager/Operations Director to implement scholarship programs and the Archdiocesan financial aid tool.
- Constructs and implements a targeted marketing and enrollment plan for the school.
General Administration
- Develops appropriate handbooks for school families and school staff.
- Ensures the presence, quality, and functionality of the local school board.
- Maintains a positive relationship and open lines of communication with the pastor and OCS staff.
- Ensures that all staff and volunteers adhere to archdiocesan child protection policies.
- Identifies, encourages, and mentors future school leaders.
- Maintains accurate local files and records for each student and employee.
- Ensures the school environment is safe, clean, and healthy.
- Attends archdiocesan and local meetings, as required.
Requirements
- Active, practicing Catholic in good standing with the Church.
- Master’s degree (or higher) in school administration or related field
- State certification in school administration.
- Archdiocesan Coordinator of Religious Education (CRE)
- At least three years (full-time) prior experience in education as a teacher or administrator (Catholic school preferred)
