Principal for Christ Our King – Stella Maris Catholic School Mount Pleasant South Carolina
Christ Our King – Stella Maris Catholic School (COKSM), founded in 1950, is a 4K – 8th grade Catholic School located in Mount Pleasant, South Carolina with an enrollment of 650 students and is the largest Catholic elementary school within the Diocese of Charleston. COKSM is celebrating its 75th Anniversary in 2025. Since 2012 we have worked under the President / Principal administration model. COKSM earned the prestigious National Blue-Ribbon Award in both 2009 and 2023.
Our mission is to serve the East Cooper Catholic community by providing an outstanding Catholic education for our students from the parishes of Christ Our King, Stella Maris, St Benedict’s and Saint Clare of Assisi. Based on the teachings of Jesus, the school strives to inspire the whole child by promoting an educational philosophy characterized by charity, respect and outreach. Through strong programs in academics, fine arts, stewardship and athletics, both staff and students are challenged to fully explore their talents, to equip themselves with the necessary knowledge to interact with the complex global world around them, and to lead active, faith-filled lives as true disciples of Christ.
Our diverse student body, talented faculty and staff, and rigorous academic program, utilizing current technological tools, 21st Century learning skills, and blended learning opportunities, combine to make COKSM a premier educational institution that prepares students for success in the real, spiritual, and virtual worlds in which they live.
Our core values of Faith in Our Children, Hope for Their Future and Love for One Another are not only visible as you walk our halls, they are also being taught, exemplified and modeled in all that we do. Each decision that is made at COKSM is based upon the mission of our school as well as our core values and is guided by the components of our long-range strategic plan.
Position Summary: The principal of Christ Our King – Stella Maris School is the spiritual, moral and educational leader of all entrusted to his / her care, including faculty, staff and students. The principal must serve as a faithful Catholic witness, in good standing with the Catholic Church, and report to the school president who reports to the Pastors. The principal will collaborate with the school president, the Pastors, faculty and staff to uphold the vision, mission and philosophy of a Catholic school. The principal, along with the school president, will act as a liaison between parents and faculty and students, to promote the Catholic faith through education and lived witness. The principal serves as a dynamic leader, able to resolve conflict, make difficult decisions with prudence all while maintaining professional boundaries, sound judgment and confidentiality. In addition, the principal will help coordinate stewardship, work towards increasing enrollment, and support educators through ongoing faith formation and professional development.
CLASSIFICATION: Exempt Reports To: School President
Essential Job Functions:
Collaborate with the school president, pastors and faculty to continue to strengthen the school’s Catholic identity by upholding the philosophy of Catholic education; including but not limited to cross curricula permeation and providing opportunities to celebrate the faith through prayer and sacraments throughout the liturgical year.
Model the teachings of the Catholic Church through lived discipleship with Christ, including daily prayer and frequent reception of the sacraments.
Adherence to and promotion of the magisterial teachings of the Catholic Church and policies of the Diocese of Charleston.
Create opportunities for ongoing faith formation and professional development in areas of the curriculum and instruction as it relates to the Catholic faith.
Carefully supervise and evaluate all faculty and staff, working closely with them as a resource to assist them in all areas. (i.e.: classroom performance, parent communications, resolution of issues).
Collaborate with the school president, faculty and staff to enhance the academic excellence and educational environment of the school through instructional support, curriculum, professional development and resources.
Diligently and effectively communicate with the president, pastor, faculty and all constituents.
Identify areas that need improvement and effectively collaborate with the school president to evolve and enhance the school’s continuous improvement program and strategic plan.
Integrate, collaborate with and strengthen the bonds between the parishes and school communities. (i.e.: faculty, staff, families).
Additional Duties and Responsibilities:
Experienced school administrator
Attract, screen, hire, and retain dynamic and faithful Catholic teachers
Participate in and help promote fundraising efforts
Work closely with the school president to oversee the daily functions of the school and offer support as needed
Education Requirements/Position Qualifications:
Master’s Degree or equivalent administrative experience
Must be a faithful, practicing Catholic in good standing with the Church able to serve as a witness to the faith to all constituents
Experience teaching in an elementary school classroom
Experience in enrollment and advancement efforts
Excellent communication skills
Working Conditions/Physical Requirements: The requirements described here are representative of those that must be met to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Ability to operate standard office equipment, including computers, copiers, and telephones. Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite, including Word, Outlook and Excel. Communicate effectively verbally and in writing. Valid driver’s license required. This position involves standing, walking, sitting, talking, hearing, using hands and feet, stooping, kneeling, crouching, and reaching above shoulders. Ability to lift and move up to 25 pounds to transport files or materials. Experience in SharePoint for collaboration and document management is preferred but not required.
