Principal

Job Summary

The Principal of St. Joseph Catholic Church in Imperial serves as the chief administrator and faith leader of the school and is responsible for the spiritual, academic, and operational vitality of the school community. Working in collaboration with the Pastor and under the guidelines of the Archdiocese of St. Louis, the Principal ensures that the school faithfully carries out the mission of Catholic education by fostering a Christ-centered environment rooted in Gospel values, academic excellence, and service. The Principal provides leadership that supports the spiritual formation, intellectual growth, and personal development of all students while nurturing a professional, collaborative, and mission-driven culture among faculty, staff, and families.

Job Responsibilities

Catholic Identity and Mission Leadership

• Serve as a visible witness to the Catholic faith and model Gospel values in leadership, decision-making, and daily interactions.
• Ensure that the teachings of the Catholic Church are integrated throughout the curriculum, school programs, and extracurricular activities.
• Promote and support opportunities for prayer, liturgy, sacramental preparation, and Christian service within the school community.
• Support the ongoing spiritual formation of faculty and staff in alignment with Archdiocesan expectations.
• Collaborate closely with the Pastor and parish leadership to strengthen the unity of parish and school and advance the mission of Catholic education.

Academic and Instructional Leadership

• Provide leadership for the development, implementation, and evaluation of curriculum in accordance with Archdiocesan and Missouri state standards.
• Foster high-quality instruction through effective supervision, evaluation, and professional growth of faculty.
• Promote instructional practices that address diverse learning needs and support the academic success of all students.
• Ensure the regular assessment of academic programs and use data to inform continuous improvement efforts.
• Oversee the selection and periodic review of instructional materials, textbooks, and educational resources.
• Cultivate a culture of excellence, accountability, and continuous improvement.

Personnel and Operational Leadership

• Oversee the daily operations of the school to ensure a safe, orderly, and effective learning environment.
• Recruit, hire, supervise, evaluate, and support faculty and staff in accordance with Archdiocesan policies and procedures, prioritizing instructional leadership and professional growth.
• Develop and manage school schedules, calendars, and operational systems that support the academic program.
• Ensure compliance with all Archdiocesan, state, and federal requirements, including health, safety, and emergency preparedness regulations.
• Maintain accurate records and reports related to students, personnel, and school operations.
• Administer student discipline in a manner that is fair, consistent, and reflective of Catholic values and restorative practices.

Stewardship, Advancement, and Community Engagement

• Serve as a collaborative leader with the Pastor, parish staff, school advisory bodies, and parent organizations to advance the mission and long-term vitality of the school.
• Support strategic planning efforts related to enrollment management, program growth, and sustainability.
• Act as the primary representative of the school within the parish and broader community.
• Foster strong partnerships with families and community stakeholders to enhance engagement and trust.
• Support and participate in advancement efforts, including enrollment initiatives, marketing, fundraising, and development activities, in collaboration with parish leadership.

Job Requirements

• Practicing Catholic in good standing, committed to the mission of the Catholic Church and Catholic education.
• Master’s degree in Educational Leadership, Administration, or a related field (or eligibility to obtain Archdiocesan principal certification).
• Successful teaching and/or administrative experience in a Catholic school setting preferred.
• Strong leadership, communication, and organizational skills, with a collaborative and pastoral approach.
• Commitment to professional growth and ongoing formation as required by the Archdiocese of St. Louis.