Charleston Catholic: Located in iconic downtown Charleston on historic King Street, Charleston Catholic was opened in 1991 and expanded in 2014. The school serves grades K4 through eighth grade with one classroom per grade. Focusing on the Arts and Sciences, as Bishop Thompson envisioned, the Catholic elementary school has been a welcoming community for Charleston families for over 30 years. Offering both academic excellence and a strong Catholic identity, Charleston Catholic is now in search of a principal who will uphold the mission of Catholic education and serve the families that value the Catholic school community.
Position Summary: The principal of a Catholic Elementary School is the spiritual and educational leader of the Catholic school and all its members including faculty, staff, and students. The principal is primarily responsible for serving as a faithful Catholic witness who will collaborate with Catholic educators to uphold the mission, philosophy, and objectives of a Catholic school. The principal 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 lead fundraising efforts, work towards increasing enrollment, and support educators through ongoing faith formation and professional development.
Classification: Exempt
Reports To: Pastor: Fr. West
Essential Job Functions:
· Collaborate with the pastor and faculty 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. (ie: classroom performance, parent communications, resolution of issues).
· Collaborate with the 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 pastor, faculty and all constituents.
· Ability to identify areas that need improvement and effectively develop and implement a strategic plan.
· Integrate, collaborate with and strengthen the bonds between both the parish and school communities. (ie: faculty, staff, families) Be a bridge builder.
Additional Duties and Responsibilities:
· Experienced school administrator
· Attract, screen, hire and retain dynamic and faithful Catholic teachers
· Lead fundraising efforts
· 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 with the pastor, faculty, staff, students, and families
Working Conditions/Physical Requirements: This position requires standing, walking, sitting, talking, hearing, using hands, using feet, climbing/balancing, stooping/kneeling/crouching/crawling, reaching above shoulders, and tasting/smelling at least 1/3 of the time. This position requires that you will lift up to 10 pounds at least 1/3 of the time.
