Elementary School Principal

Job Description

St. Joseph's School
Principal
Position Description

Reports To: Pastor/Superintendent

The principal is hired by the pastor (superintendent) in consultation with the appropriate parish advisory body (#1410 - Diocesan School Board Policy, #1410).

Terms of Employment:
• Successful applicant will assume the administrative leadership of St. Joseph's School.
• The principal position is a 12-month contract beginning July 1st.

School Mission:
As a school community, it is our mission to:
• Lead children and families to Christ within the Catholic-Christian community.
• Foster the spiritual, academic, social, emotional, and physical development of each person.
• Prepare our students to use knowledge and faith to be a light for the parish, community, and world.
Everything we do at St. Joseph's School should reflect our three-part mission statement.

Job Goal:
The principal is the chief administrative officer of the school and is responsible for the effective operation of the school as an educational institution.

Preferred Qualifications and Credentials:
1. Master's degree in education related field
2. Valid Principal License preferred but not required
3. Strong organizational leadership, communication, and relationship building skills
4. Centered on student spiritual, academic, developmental, and social growth
5. Collaborative working ability with teachers, staff, parents and school stakeholders
6. High sense of professionalism

Responsibilities and Tasks
The school administrator (principal) is hired by the pastor and is thereby accountable to him for job performance. The administrator (principal) is expected to provide spiritual and educational leadership to St. Joseph's School as it strives to live out its mission statement:

As a Spiritual Leader:
• Promotes the Catholic identity of St. Joseph's School through the Catholic intellectual tradition and ensures the integration of the faith into classroom curriculum, school policies, and the overall climate of the school.
• Recognizes and supports the role of parents as the primary educators of their children and involves parents in the life of the school.
• Understands that the parish school is an expression of the catechetical ministry of St. Joseph's Parish and fosters collaboration between the parish and school.
• Upholds the mission of the Catholic Church by ensuring that the philosophy of St. Joseph's School integrates faith formation and the ministry of service and evangelization into school life.
• Acts as a spiritual model and seeks ways to deepen the faith of faculty, staff, students, and families through formation opportunities, in communal settings, and online opportunities.
As an Educational Leader
• Articulates the vision of Catholic education and models that vision.
• Provides leadership in the professional formation of classroom ministers to ensure that highly effective teaching and learning are at the center of the academic program.
• Demonstrates a current understanding of the educational landscape and pedagogical skills
• Demonstrates assessment awareness and has an understanding of data-driven decision-making.
• Engages in continuous improvement by monitoring the landscape of the school to identify areas for growth and areas for celebration.
• Supervises, observes, and coaches classroom ministers and support staff using the Trust Based Observation model used by the Diocese of Crookston Catholic Schools.
• Works collaboratively and attends all IEP meetings with the local public school officials and serves as a liaison on behalf of students requiring participation in special education and federal programs.
• Works collaboratively and attends regular meetings with area law enforcement on school safety concerns.
• Builds relationships with families and students, remains objective in student discipline, and follows the school handbook.
• Evaluates the school programs as part of regular goal-setting and long-range planning.
• Coordinates the long-range planning of St. Joseph's School with that of St. Joseph's Parish.
• Attends school leadership trainings and meetings with the Diocese of Crookston.
• Attends to their own faith formation, prayer life, and professional formation.
• Refines and maintains an admissions policy for the school.

As a Managerial Leader

Personnel Management
• Recruits, interviews, selects school staff, and adheres to the Diocese of Crookston Mentorship Program for new classroom ministers.
• Evaluates, coaches, and completes goal setting with all staff.
• Knows and applies sound organizational skills; delegates responsibilities, can pivot from task to task.
• Demonstrates excellent communication skills in all mediums and listens to all stakeholders.
• Demonstrates strong interpersonal communication skills to guide effective interactions among parents, students, and staff.
• Knows and applies the principles of adult learning and motivation.
• Manages conflict with staff, families, and students in the spirit of the Catholic Faith and fosters a climate of love and respect.

Institutional Management
• Maintains accreditation requirements through the Minnesota Nonpublic Accrediting Association.
• Presence and engagement in local/regional organizations that support independent schools.
• Provides for an orderly and safe school environment.
• Understands Catholic school governance structures and knows how to work effectively with St. Joseph's School Advisory Council.
• Provides oversight/leadership to St. Joseph's School Little Saints Program, Summer Program and St. Joseph's School Extended Day Program.
• Facilities a positive working relationship between St. Joseph's School and the diocesan education office.
• Stays abreast of state requirements and government-funded programs for teachers and students.
• Is familiar with technological developments and their integration in education.

Finance and Development Management
• Understands that Catholic schools operate under strict financial planning and will strive to be stewards of the gifts given to us.
• Demonstrates skills in planning and managing the school's budget and financial resources.
• Understands that the parish school is an expression of the catechetical ministry of St. Joseph's, St. Francis de Sales, and St. John's Parish and fosters collaboration between parishes and schools.
• Works in conjunction with others, not limited to but including the Development Director and Business Manager, the Parent Teacher Advisory Council, and the School Advisory Council to promote St. Joseph's School and the recruitment of students.
• Creates community outreach and connection for recruitment and fundraising.

To apply for the position, please submit the attached application, your resume and credentials, and three letters of reference to search committee chair, Loren Haagenson by mail (St. Joseph's School, RE: Principal Search Committee, 1005 2nd Ave. S., Moorhead, MN 56560) or by email (loren.haagenson@stjoesmhd.com).

About the Employer

As disciples, we gather to encounter Jesus Christ in Word and Sacrament, and are sent forth strengthened to be the Body of Christ to the world.
We are a parish of 1600 families with two connected parishes of St. Francis de Sales and St. John's. Moorhead is also served by our Pre K - 8 Catholic School.