Headmaster

Job Description

Sacred Heart of Jesus Classical Academy, located in the beautiful Shenandoah Valley in historic Staunton, VA seeks a dynamic, mission-driven Headmaster to lead the growth of our established, new high school beginning in the 2026-27 academic year. The ideal candidate is a joyful, faithful disciple of Jesus Christ, a devout and active Catholic, and a skilled educator with a passion for classical Catholic education. The ideal candidate has an entrepreneurial spirit, a track record of successful leadership and a personal desire to develop good citizens and virtuous leaders in an academic environment.

The Headmaster leads the faculty and staff of Sacred Heart, and serves as the lead teacher, bringing the school's mission to life in the day-to-day operations. As guardian of the school's mission and curator of the academic community and culture, the Headmaster plays a crucial role in creating a vibrant and joyful environment that attracts and retains students and families. An ideal candidate plays a key role in the formation of teachers as classical educators and in inspiring enthusiasm for classical education in the community.

Characteristics of an ideal candidate include:

An enthusiastic, joyful Catholic who is able to articulate the teachings of the Catholic Church

Ability to teach most courses in a Classical High School understanding the initially robust teaching time will diminish as enrollment and administrative duties grow

Ability to adapt to challenges with a spirit of magnanimity, humility and good cheer

Strong leadership and organizational skills, with the ability to inspire faculty, students, and families

Excellent communication and interpersonal skills

Commitment to personal, intellectual, professional, and spiritual growth and development

A positive and energetic approach to responsibilities

Commitment to maintaining a joyful, ordered school community and learning environment

Requirements:

Minimum of a master's degree in education, administration, or a related field preferred

7-10 years of teaching and school leadership experience, ideally in a Catholic or classical setting. Salary is commensurate with experience.

Responsibilities:

Spiritual & Mission Leadership
Foster a culture of faith, charity, and intellectual curiosity rooted in Catholic teaching Ensure all aspects of school life reflecting the school's mission and Catholic identity Collaborate closely with the Board to nurture the spiritual formation of students, faculty, and families

Academic & Faculty Leadership
Recruit, hire, and mentor faculty Provide ongoing evaluation, professional development, and support for teachers Ensure high standards of teaching, learning, and student performance

Student Life & Formation
Guide the holistic formation of students: intellectual, spiritual, moral, and social Oversee student discipline, ensuring it is consistent, just, and mission-aligned Support extracurricular activities that enrich student life and school culture

Administration & Operations
Partner with the Board of Directors on strategic planning and school governance Oversee admissions, grow enrollment, family outreach and represent the school in the broader community Manage day-to-day operations, including budgeting, scheduling, and communications

Salary is commensurate with experience.
Start date: June 2026

Application Process :
Qualified candidates should submit the following materials to:

apply@sacredheartstaunton.org

Please send a cover letter expressing interest in the position and alignment with the mission of Sacred Heart, a resume/CV outlining educational background and leadership experience and three professional references, including at least one from a pastor. Should a job offer be extended, candidates will need to provide official transcripts of all education, a letter of good standing from the pastor of their church, copies of any teaching or certification, and a complete background check.

About the Employer

The mission of Sacred Heart of Jesus Classical Academy is to partner with parents to raise a generation of joyful leaders and saints educated in the classical liberal arts tradition and the truths of the Catholic faith. Students will abound in the skills and character requisite for success in college and professional life in order to build up the Kingdom of God, promote a culture of life, and excel in service of family, country, and Christ our Lord.

We provide an integrated, classical, liberal arts curriculum. Our curriculum draws heavily on the great Catholic scholars throughout Church history, dives into the Great Books of Western Civilization, and engages young minds in robust Socratic dialogue.