Principal

Job Description

Principal
St. Patrick Catholic School
Rolla, Missouri
Start Date: July 2026 or sooner

St. Patrick's Catholic School in Rolla, Missouri, seeks a faith-filled and mission-driven leader to serve as its next Principal. This is a unique opportunity to serve as the school's chief academic and building leader within a tuition-free Catholic school model made possible through the shared stewardship and commitment of the Diocese of Jefferson City and its parishes in support of the ministry of Catholic education. This stewardship-based model allows the Principal to focus fully on teaching, learning, culture, and community, supported by engaged pastoral leadership and a strong parish-school partnership.

St. Patrick's Catholic School provides a faith-centered educational environment where students grow academically, spiritually, socially, and morally. The school is committed to the philosophy of Catholic education and to forming students in Gospel values through a strong instructional program, a supportive community, and an integrated approach to faith and learning. Located in Rolla, Missouri, the school benefits from a vibrant parish community and a culture of stewardship that sustains Catholic education across the Diocese of Jefferson City. This shared commitment reflects a belief that access to Catholic education is a responsibility of the broader faith community and allows school leadership to prioritize student formation, instructional excellence, and community life.

St. Patrick's Catholic School is blessed to be served by Father Jason Doake, Pastor of St. Patrick Parish, who is a visible, engaged, and deeply committed champion of the school community. Father Doake is present in the daily life of the school and actively supports students, faculty, and staff. He is a passionate advocate for Catholic education and a tremendous asset to families, educators, and parish leadership alike. The Principal will work in close partnership with Father Doake to strengthen the school's Catholic identity, support faculty and staff, and develop and implement a strategic vision that advances the long-term vitality and growth of the school community.

The Principal serves as the school's chief administrator and instructional leader, providing leadership and administrative authority in all educational and related matters of the school. Working collaboratively with the Pastor, parish leadership, and the Diocese of Jefferson City, the Principal leads the academic program, supports faculty and staff development, and fosters a faith-filled culture grounded in Gospel values. This role is well suited to a leader who is present, relational, and committed to building trust across the school and parish community.

The Principal is responsible for facilitating a Christian environment conducive to quality Catholic education; leading the instructional program and supervising faculty and staff; promoting the philosophy and mission of Catholic education; fostering a faith-filled school culture rooted in Gospel values; ensuring effective communication and collaboration with parents, parish leadership, and diocesan partners; managing school operations in compliance with diocesan, state, and local policies; and supporting enrollment vitality while promoting the school's mission and identity within the broader community.

In fulfilling these responsibilities, the Principal provides visible spiritual and mission leadership as a practicing Catholic committed to personal spiritual growth and the formation of others. The Principal integrates Catholic identity into curriculum, policies, and daily school life while supporting the spiritual development of students, faculty, and staff. As the school's chief academic leader, the Principal oversees curriculum development, implementation, and evaluation; supports continuous improvement of teaching and learning; and supervises, evaluates, and develops faculty and staff in a spirit of collaboration and professional growth.

The Principal also plays a central role in building strong, trusting relationships with students, parents, parish leadership, and diocesan offices. Open and effective communication, close partnership with the Pastor, and engagement with the wider parish and school community are essential aspects of this role. The Principal supports enrollment efforts, community engagement, and school visibility while ensuring operational excellence through oversight of daily operations, budgets, facilities, and school resources in alignment with diocesan guidelines. The role requires ensuring compliance with diocesan, state, and local requirements and maintaining accurate records, reports, and documentation.

The successful candidate will be a practicing Catholic in communion with the Church who demonstrates an active and vibrant faith life. A master's degree with coursework in school administration is preferred, along with Missouri principal certification or a willingness to obtain certification. Candidates should have a minimum of three years of successful teaching experience and demonstrate strong leadership, organizational, and decision-making skills. St. Patrick's Catholic School seeks a mission-driven, student-centered leader with a strong commitment to instructional excellence, a relational and pastorally grounded presence, and a collaborative leadership style that values teamwork and shared responsibility. The ideal candidate will be a steady, thoughtful decision-maker who appreciates and embraces the unique opportunities presented by a stewardship-supported, tuition-free Catholic school model.

Application Process

St. Patrick Catholic School has partnered with ACELA Solutions to conduct this search on behalf of the Diocese of Jefferson City. Interested candidates should submit a letter of interest outlining their qualifications and desire to serve in the principal position, resume, five relevant references, and Catholic education philosophy statement.

To learn more about this executive leadership opportunity, including the position statement and application instructions, please visit the Current Searches page at AcelaSolutions.com. For confidential inquiries, contact Michael Furey at michael.furey@acelasolutions.com

All inquiries and applications will be treated with the highest degree of confidentiality.

About the Employer

ACELA Solutions is a trusted national partner serving Catholic foundations, schools, dioceses, religious communities, and ministries through mission-driven leadership solutions. We advance Catholic education, leadership, and philanthropy through actionable, accessible support rooted in discernment, strategy, and stewardship.

Our leadership partners have served more than 6,000 Catholic institutions nationwide, worked in over 90% of U.S. dioceses, raised more than $2 billion in philanthropic support, secured nearly 600 leaders, and completed over 500 strategic engagements.

ACELA provides executive search, leadership and team development, strategic planning and assessments, system design, partnered counsel, board development, and workshops-guided by a philosophy of mission over margin.