Principal

Job Description

Holy Cross High School, a private, independent Catholic high school located in Dover, Delaware, is seeking its first Principal. Working with the newly appointed President, and with the support of a highly engaged Council of Directors, the Principal will have the opportunity and responsibility of developing all programmatic elements of the high school, centered around a classical curriculum, and informed by an unwavering commitment to Catholic identity. The school is to open with students in grades 9 and 10 for the fall of 2025.

OVERVIEW
• Holy Cross High School operates with the President-Principal model of leadership.
• In this model, the Principal is responsible for internal operations including instruction,
athletics and extracurricular activities, supervision of instructional personnel, curriculum development, Catholic identity and ministry, student safety, discipline, support services and student life.
• The President is responsible for the business aspects of the school including budgeting and finance, human resources, advancement, enrollment management, strategic planning, communications, marketing and public relations, alumni relations, and facilities.
• Both leaders share responsibilities for carrying out the vision and mission of the school, while developing and upholding school traditions and ensuring fidelity Magisterial teaching.
• The Principal reports to the President, with accountability to the Council of Directors.

PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES AND DUTIES
• Sets the climate and culture of the school; maintains a visible presence.
• Serves as the academic leader of the school.
• Recruits and retains talented faculty and staff who will maintain the culture of excellence
and achievement.
• Defines expectations for staff regarding instructional strategies, classroom management,
and communication with the community.
• Observes employee performance and conducts staff and faculty evaluations.
• Maintains a safe, healthful environment for both the students and staff.
• Establishes and communicates expectations for staff and students and holds the school
community accountable for high-level performance.
• Prepares school master programs and schedules and makes staff assignments.
• Provides instructional resources and materials to support teaching staff in accomplishing instructional goals. Works to improve instruction and student achievement.
• Oversees the development and operations of athletics and all extra-curricular activities.
• Ensures compliance with legal requirements and government regulations
• Ensures proper and thorough record-keeping.
• Evaluates all applicants for admissions.
• Manages the assigned elements of the budget.
• Develops an open line of communication with parents and works with them in partnership.
• Attends and participates in major advancement and admissions events as appropriate.
• Maintains a positive rapport with the Diocese of Wilmington.
• Contributes by personal example to an atmosphere of faith commitment in a manner
consistent with our Catholic values.
• Develops partnerships with post-secondary institutions and other corporate and
community entities to enhance learning opportuniPes.
• Teaches courses within his/her field of expertise as needed.

QUALIFICATIONS
• Must be a practicing Roman Catholic and be willing to take an Oath of Fidelity to the Magisterium of the Roman Catholic Church.
• Minimum of 5 years of increasingly responsible leadership experience in education including teaching and administration, with a proven track record in achieving academic success. Catholic school experience preferred.
• Experience in a classical school setting highly desired. An appropriate professional development and coaching program will be implemented based on degree of classical school experience.
• Dynamic leadership ability with skills in curriculum implementation, instruction, team building, faculty supervision and development, parental engagement, school safety practices, and effective school management.
• Ability to evaluate instructional programs and teaching effectiveness.
• Knowledge of school operations including budget management, financial reports, and
standards of accreditation and certification processes.
• Strong interpersonal skills, drive, and integrity with demonstrated ability to build, foster,
and maintain positive relationships with both internal and external constituencies,
including faculty, staff, board members, volunteers, students, and families.
• Superior public relations and communication skills to express, orally and in writing, the school's mission, vision, and goals with clarity, passion, and persuasion.

Candidates must be available for a July 1st, 2024, start date (or sooner).

To be considered for this opportunity, send cover letter (addressed to School President) and resume, via email, to Jennifer Pinkerton: jpinkerton@hchs.org.

Resume review will begin immediately. Holy Cross High School offers a highly competitive salary and benefits package commensurate with qualifications and experience.

About the Employer

Holy Cross is a private, independent, Catholic high school with a classical curriculum. The school is slated to open in the fall of 2025 and will be located in Dover, Delaware.