Principal

Job Description

San Juan Diego Catholic High School in Austin, Texas, is seeking a dynamic and faith-inspired Principal for the 2026-2027 school year. The Principal will provide academic, operational, and spiritual leadership while working closely with the President, faculty, staff, students, and families. Grounded in Catholic values and a strong commitment to education, SJDCHS empowers students from under-resourced communities to graduate ready for college, careers, and purposeful lives. With a rigorous academic program and a unique corporate internship model, the school blends classroom learning with real-world experiences, opening doors of opportunity and inspiring hope.
Co-sponsored by the Congregation of Holy Cross and the Diocese of Austin, San Juan Diego Catholic High School (SJDCHS) is a vibrant community of faith and learning in South Austin. The school serves a diverse student population of 165 students in grades 9-12, providing an affordable, private Catholic education to families throughout Central Texas.
We invite applicants who are passionate about cultivating a positive Catholic school culture and are dedicated to the holistic development of our students to apply.

Job Summary
The principal fulfills the mission of the Catholic school by serving as the spiritual, educational, and managerial leader of the school. The principal is charged with the implementation of the philosophy, mission, objectives, and the overall management of the school. The principal is responsible for the professional effectiveness of the staff, the educational progress of the students, as well as the relationship within the entire school community. The principal reports to the President.

Ministerial Character
Catholic schools in the Diocese of Austin are canonically obedient to the Bishop and assist him in fulfilling his ministry and canonical obligations. Pastors, presidents, and principals serve as leaders of the schools to make Christ's mission present and enduring in the schools. In order to fulfill Christ's mission, the school leaders employ suitable, chosen collaborators, sharing with them Christ's mission and entrusting to them various responsibilities.
Positions employed in this School help extend the ministry of the School leaders in particular ways as outlined in the job description. The employee in this position is closely connected to and assists the School leaders in the performance of their ministry and, therefore, engages in ministry for the Church.

Essential Duties
• Supports and upholds the philosophy of Catholic education and the mission of the school.
• Acts as a witness to the Gospel values by modeling the teachings of the Roman Catholic Church.
• Continuously grow in your ministry by participating in religious ceremonies, training sessions, and reflection activities as directed.
• Support and adhere to the Standards of Conduct and policies and procedures of the school.
• Develops a school climate reflecting Catholic identity.
• Identifies and effects needed change for school improvement.
• Ensures the implementation of a comprehensive curriculum through the use of a variety of pedagogical strategies.
• Supervises instruction and evaluates the overall effectiveness of the academic program.
• Ensures that the religious instruction of students meets the guidelines set forth by the Diocese.
• Promotes Catholic identity within the school through liturgical celebrations, faith development, integration of Gospel values, and the practice of Christian service.
• Oversees ongoing orientation and staff development in both educational and faith development of faculty and staff.
• Maintains the accreditation of the school according to TCCED standards.
• Oversees the certification of religion teachers according to diocesan policy.
• Hires, supervises, evaluates, and terminates all faculty and staff according to diocesan guidelines.
• Fosters collaboration between parish(es), pastor(s), and the school.
• Develops faculty and student/parent handbooks in accordance with diocesan guidelines.
• Completes and submits all official forms required by the Diocesan Catholic Schools Office, Texas Catholic Conference Education Department, and other public agencies.
• Implements and reviews long-range strategic planning.
• Develops CIP Educational Curriculum
• Promotes healthy staff morale and professionalism.
• Maintains current and accurate records according to diocesan and school policy.
• Demonstrates professionalism in conduct, demeanor, and work habits.
• Maintains a work schedule that maximizes availability to the school, students and staff.
• Provides for an orderly school environment and promotes student self-discipline.
• Participates in professional development, including diocesan principal meetings and in-services.
• Establishes and implements technology goals for the school.
• Maintains confidentiality regarding school matters.
• Communicates effectively with students, parents, and other professionals.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
• Knowledge of the basic teachings of the Catholic Church.
• Knowledge of instructional methods/strategies and curriculum differentiation.
• Knowledge of child and adolescent development, learning, and behavior.
• Knowledge of the content and the methods of religious education.
• Knowledge of effective assessment methods.
• Ability to communicate effectively in both written and verbal form.
• Ability to work well with others in the school community.
• Ability to work independently and self-motivate.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality regarding school matters.
• Ability in handling multiple tasks simultaneously.
• Skill in organizing and relating information in an understandable format.
• Skill in job appropriate technology.
• Skill in critical thinking and planning.
• Skill in managing conflicts effectively.
• Skill in organizational management and delegation of responsibilities.
• Skill in using group process skills effectively with various school communities.
Minimum Qualifications
Education:
• Master's degree in Administration or
• Master's degree plus 18 hours in educational administration and supervision courses or a valid, appropriate state certificate for a principal or the successful completion of an appropriate state certification examination, as outlined in the Texas Catholic Conference Education Department standards

Experience
• A minimum of three years of full-time wage earning administration experience.
Certifications and Training:
• Must be a practicing Catholic in good standing with a commitment to ongoing formation in catechetical and spiritual leadership development
• Valid Texas driver's license.
• Must maintain compliance with the Diocese of Austin Ethics and Integrity in Ministry (EIM) policies throughout the employment period.
• Must meet the minimum requirements for teaching field as set forth by the Diocese and TCCB ED.
• Must meet staff development guidelines as set forth by the Diocese and school administration.
• Must complete Religion Certification Part 1 within two years of the date of hire, completing a minimum of 25 hours each year.
Mental / Physical Tasks: :
• Talking
• Listening
• Standing
• Walking
• Grasping/holding
• Lifting/carrying
• Moving heavy equipment
• Driving
• Using office equipment, stapler, telephone, etc.
• Using personal computer
• Sitting
• Bending
• Pushing/pulling
• Reading & comprehending
• Seeing

Working Conditions:
• All employees of the school are engaged in ministry and closely tied to the Principal in the exercise of the Principal's ministry and obligations to the school.
• The school is an at-will employer.
• Working in a fast-paced environment with priorities and plans that may change rapidly.
• Working on weekends, evenings, and some holidays may be required.
• Will be exposed to religious ceremonies, conduct, and speech including Christian prayer and Catholic liturgical celebrations. Staff meetings and other functions may open and close with Christian prayer.
• Will be required to adhere to established dress codes and conduct standards.
• All buildings and vehicles owned by the school are tobacco-free.
• May be required to use personal or school vehicles to drive to off-site locations.
• Traveling within and outside the school to meetings and other events may be required, and travel may include overnight lodging.
• Must maintain a work schedule that maximizes availability to students, parents, colleagues, and administration.
• Will be required to work in multiple educational settings.

Employee Certification
All employees must adhere to the Catholic Schools Standards of Conduct, the Diocese of Austin EIM policies, and the social, ethical, and moral teachings of the Roman Catholic Church as interpreted by the Bishop of Austin.
Texas is an "at-will" employment state. Letters of employment are not contracts, nor do they bind the employer or the employee to a pre-determined time or guarantee of employment.
By my signature below, I verify that a copy of this document has been provided to me and I have had an opportunity to review it and discuss its contents. I understand this document does not create or imply any employment contract or agreement, and is meant only to be a guide to me in my regular duties. I understand that tasks or assignments may be added or removed from the job description by my supervisor at any time, without notice.

Apply Here: https://www.click2apply.net/aA6o2MsboDbpLFgqwHmONV

PI281706603

About the Employer

Diocese of Austin