Principal, Hackett Catholic Prep High School

Job Description

The principal of Hackett Catholic Prep is responsible for serving as the spiritual, educational, and managerial leader of the school, as accomplished through decisive leadership, exemplary character, and effective delegation of responsibilities in a manner consistent with the appropriate level of authority. The principal reports to the President of CSGK, and leads the school in its day-to-day operations, including supervision of curriculum and instruction, extracurricular programming, faith-based activities, and student life.

FOCUS AREAS: The Principal of Hackett Catholic Prep will be expected to establish clear and consistent expectations for faculty, students, and families; strengthen faculty culture, accountability, and unity; improve instructional coherence and academic consistency across departments; and build trust through clear communication and visible leadership presence.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

Catholic Identity
- Ensure that Catholic identity is clearly visible and actively lived in all aspects of school life
- Support faculty in integrating faith into instruction and student formation
- Collaborate with the chaplain and diocesan leadership to strengthen the sacramental and spiritual life of the school

Academic Leadership
- Lead and implement a clear, coherent academic vision aligned with the Catholic intellectual tradition
- Ensure strong instructional practice across all departments
- Establish and maintain systems for teacher evaluation, coaching, and professional growth
- Use data and observation to improve student outcomes and instructional quality

Faculty Leadership and Accountability
- Recruit, develop, and retain strong faculty aligned with the mission of the school
- Set clear expectations for performance and professionalism
- Address underperformance directly and in a timely manner
- Build leadership capacity within the faculty

School Culture and Student Life
- Establish and maintain a unified, disciplined, and positive school culture
- Set and enforce clear expectations for student behavior
- Address conflict directly, consistently, and fairly
- Maintain a visible, engaged presence in the daily life of the school

Communication and Community Leadership
- Communicate clearly, consistently, and in a timely manner with faculty, students, and families
- Establish predictable communication practices and follow through on decisions
- Build trust through clarity, transparency, and presence
- Support enrollment growth and retention through strong family communication, academic excellence, student experience, and visible leadership presence.

Daily Operations:
- Oversee student life, discipline, attendance, and school culture
- Supervise front office staff and school-level administrators
- Coordinate scheduling, faculty coverage, and daily school operations
- Collaborate with CSGK leadership on budgeting, staffing, enrollment, and operational priorities
- Ensure appropriate stewardship of school-level resources and expenditures
- Maintain a visible and engaged presence at school events, activities, and student functions

ACCOUNTABILITIES: Directly supervise and hire faculty and assigned support staff under the general supervision of the President.

JOB SPECIFICATIONS:
- Practicing Catholic in good standing with the Church
- Bachelor's degree in education or related field; master's degree in educational leadership highly preferred (or willingness to earn within 3 years)
- Teaching experience required; Catholic school and administrative experience preferred
- Valid Teaching Certificate
- Valid Administrative Certificate (or willingness to obtain)
- Understanding of child development, learning, and behavior
- Knowledge of high school curricula, instructional methods, and strategies, and differentiated instruction
- Excellent interpersonal and communication skills appropriate for faculty/staff, students, parents, and other stakeholders

PHYSICAL DEMANDS: Must be able to use standard office equipment such as computers, telephones, fax machines, etc. in conjunction with administrative duties; and must possess a valid driver's license to attend meetings and conferences as appropriate as well as for travel both locally and nationally.
Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, peripheral vision, and ability to adjust focus.

Applicant must pass diocesan requirements such as background check, VIRTUS training, etc.

SALARY: Commensurate with experience.

About the Employer

Hackett Catholic Prep is a college-preparatory high school serving grades 9-12 in Kalamazoo, Michigan. It operates within the Diocese of Kalamazoo and is part of a four-school Diocesan school system. Rooted in the Catholic intellectual tradition, Hackett emphasizes academic excellence, character formation, service, and spiritual growth, preparing students for post-secondary success and lifelong discipleship.

The Diocese of Kalamazoo provides support for all of its 59 Catholic parishes and 19 schools.