The Archdiocese of Chicago Catholic schools serve more than 40,000 students in 150+ elementary and high schools in Cook and Lake counties. It is one of the largest private school systems in the United States. Its schools have received 96 Blue Ribbon awards from the U.S. Department of Education over the past 10 years.
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.
Job Description
St. Benedict Preparatory School Director of Student Life
The Director of Student Life (preschool-8th grade) contributes to the mission of St. Benedict Parish and Preparatory School in partnership with the Pastor and Head of Parish School by enriching and overseeing the implementation of co-curricular and extracurricular opportunities to meet the needs of the whole student. The Director will lead development of additional year-round programming to augment learning through experience and to grow the gifts and talents of St. Benedict students and celebrate our graduates. The Director will foster partnerships with the community to explore additional opportunities that include the reutilization of campus spaces and offering enrichment activities to youth in the larger neighborhood community.
The three main areas of responsibility delegated to this position include extracurricular and co-curricular programming, alumni relations and service-learning programming.
This is a 12-month, full time position commencing July 1, 2025.
Accountability
The Director of Student Life is accountable to the Head of Parish School and is expected to abide by the established policies and procedures of the Archdiocese of Chicago, the Office of Catholic Schools, the directives of the Cardinal and Superintendent of the Archdiocese of Chicago, in addition to the local policies established by the parish and school.
Duties Included But Not Limited To
- Provide creative vision, growth and oversight for existing student programming that occurs outside of the school day hours, specifically after school, weekends, summer and holiday breaks/days-off.
- Collaborate with teachers and Advisory Board to develop and implement a service- learning program that aligns with the religious curriculum and contributes to the emotional and spiritual growth of the school community.
- Maintain and enhance relationships with existing students and families as well as build and strengthen the alumni network, fostering lifelong relationships with graduates and encouraging their ongoing support.
- Implement strategies for celebrating St. Benedict graduates and their accomplishments following graduation.
- Develop and conduct needs assessment survey of current programming with stakeholders in order to strengthen current programming and illuminate unmet needs.
- Using these results, develop plans for expanding extra-curricular programming for St. Benedict students and the larger neighborhood community. Seek out, vet, and establish relationships with community partners to foster collaboration and diverse educational experiences with St. Benedict as the lead.
- Design and support activities that are innovative, sustainable and protect the financial health of the school program.
Qualifications
- Support Catholic values and teachings
- Bachelor’s degree required; master’s degree preferred
- At least 3-5 years prior experience in an administrative/director/assistant principal role
- Successful track record working with students and student life programming
- Compliance with Safe Environment requirements and experience communicating and enacting Sage Environment best practices
- Self-starter and Flexible: ability to multitask, manage multiple objectives and adapt to change in procedures, assignments and priorities.
- Ability to drive initiatives and bring ideas to the table
- Strong relationship management and interpersonal skills; ability to work effectively with colleagues; willing to go the extra step for the organization’s success
- Website and social media experience as well as working knowledge with Microsoft products
Environmental and Physical Demands
The Director of Student Life will organize logistics and execution of events and ensure all appropriate policies, procedures and supervision are in place. Plan for some after-school, night, and/or weekend work as needed to fulfill job responsibilities.
The Archdiocese of Chicago offers a comprehensive total rewards package to include competitive compensation and benefit programs. Information about our benefit programs is available here.
This position has an annualized salary range of $55,000 - $65,000. An employee’s pay within the salary range will be based on many factors including but not limited to: relevant education, qualifications, experience, skills, geographic location, and organizational needs.
