Elementary School Principal

Job Description

St. John the Evangelist School, a Pre-K through 6th grade parochial Catholic school, part of Jackson Catholic Schools, located in Jackson, MI, is seeking a mission-driven principal for the 2024-2025 school year, effective July 1, 2024.

A successful candidate is a practicing Roman Catholic who will inspire a shared vision of the value of a Catholic education across all constituencies: faculty, students, parents, parishioners, and the greater community. The principal of St. John is an active part of the Parish Leadership Team that meets weekly to help the Pastor lead the whole of the parish, not simply the school, in fulfilling Jesus Christ's Great Commission of making disciples.

As the primary agent for continuing the nearly 150-year rich tradition of Catholic faith formation and academic excellence at St. John the Evangelist School, our new principal will inspire and lead our faculty and staff, and minister to our families. Qualified candidates are in good standing with the Church, have at least 5 years teaching experience, and have a master's degree in education administration or equivalent or willing to work towards an applicable advanced degree or certification. Previous experience as a school administrator is desired.

All interested persons should submit a cover letter and resume to Stephanie Kristovic, Chief Academic Officer, at skristovic@myjacs.org.

General Summary: The mission of the schools of the Catholic Diocese of Lansing is the mission of Christ and of his Church - to educate and form young people as disciples who reach their full spiritual, academic, emotional, and physical potential. The schools are to be prayerful communities of witness, evangelization, and discipleship, where the distinctively Christian way of life is modeled, taught, and lived. In every respect the schools are to be grounded in truth and Christ who is the Truth.

CANDIDATE PROFILE
A practicing Catholic and intentional disciple of Jesus Christ who will inspire a shared vision of the value of a Catholic education across all constituencies, faculty, students, parents and the greater Faith community
Energetic and positive approach to responsibilities
Drive to attain results; proven experience and effectiveness in improving student achievement in classroom and/or school.
Has a positive attitude; demonstrates compassion
Self-motivated; able to accept criticism and grow as a result
Strong communication and organizational skills
Must possess strong leadership and interpersonal skills to guide effective interaction among parents, students and staff
Must recognize and appoint competent people to positions of leadership
Must be able to listen to teachers and staff and attempt to understand their perspective
Must be able to resolve staff conflicts in the spirit of a Catholic faith climate and fosters academic professionalism among the staff
Continues his/her own professional development through reading, workshops etc.

QUALIFICATIONS
Must be a joyful, practicing member of the Catholic Church who faithfully observes the Five Precepts of the Church
Current teaching certification issued by the State of Michigan (Preferred)
Master's degree in educational administration from an accredited college or university or willing to work towards an applicable advanced degree or certification (Preferred)
Minimum of five years of experience in a Catholic school (Preferred)
Minimum of three years of administrative experience in education (Preferred)
Adhere to Code of Ethical Conduct
Completion of background checks and fingerprinting, Virtus Training, Catechist Certification

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Facilitator of the school community of faith
Involves members of the community in regular prayer and liturgy
Gives priority to distinguish the Catholic identity of the school
Fosters quality interpersonal relationships in an atmosphere of Christian love
Establishes a service-oriented culture for students and teachers

Director of professional growth and development of teachers
Represents school staff within parish leadership
Communicates regularly with faculty
Recruits, interviews, and contracts with staff persons, teaching and non-teaching positions
Provides for growth and development of staff through regular observation and evaluation

Educational Leader
Facilitates development/review of the total curriculum that integrates the students' intellectual, religious, social, emotional, and physical growth in light of the Gospel
Encourages partnerships between parents, students, and teachers toward the holistic education of the student
Displays experience and enthusiasm for the teaching profession

Administrator
Supervises daily operation and maintenance of the school
Ensures compliance with the state requirements and those of the Diocese of Lansing
Provides a safe learning environment for the teachers and children
Actively participates in collaboration, development, and coaching with Jackson Catholic Schools.
Initiates and/or actively participates in the long-range planning for the school and/or parish
Actively participates on all required local education and/or parish committees
Effectively and openly communicates the school's values, needs, efforts, and accomplishments to the community

Physical Demands
While performing duties, employee has to sit for long periods of time, use hands in repetitive motion task, and answer telephone calls. The position also requires some standing, stooping, bending, and lifting while working with children.

The above statements describe the general nature and level of work of the position. They are not an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills.

About the Employer

The Diocese of Lansing gives glory to God, and preaches the Gospel of Jesus Christ for the salvation of souls. Employees of the Diocese should pray daily for persons in our Diocese. Grateful for the opportunity to serve, employees demonstrate intelligence, collegiality, patience, courage, prudence, and charity in all dealings with fellow employees, and with those whom the Church serves.