Job Opening: School Principal (Full-Time)

Location: St. Vincent de Paul Catholic School – Elkhart, IN

Position Type: Full-Time

Reports To: Pastor

Position Overview

St. Vincent de Paul Catholic School is seeking a dedicated, dynamic, and faith-filled Full-Time School Principal to lead our school community. The Principal serves as the educational and administrative leader, responsible for the overall oversight, maintenance, continuous improvement, and spiritual vitality of the school. The ideal candidate will foster an inclusive environment that respects our diverse community while driving academic excellence and operational efficiency.

Key Responsibilities

Administrative & Financial Leadership

• Maintain and execute the school’s Strategic Improvement Plan.

• Oversee financial operations, including tracking incoming/outgoing funds, managing bills, and processing reimbursements.

• Coordinate and maintain all Title programs and compliance requirements.

• Participate in professional webinars, state training (e.g., ILEARN), and key after-hours events (committee meetings, Back-to-School Night, etc.).

Educational & Academic Oversight

• Conduct data analysis to inform and refine overall school operations and instruction.

• Manage educational programming, order annual textbooks, and participate in Multi-Tiered System of Supports (MTSS) meetings.

• Administer and proctor testing, including standardized assessments (ILEARN) and new student entrance exams.

• Enforce student discipline and update the Student/Parent Handbook annually.

School Development & Advancement

• Promote Scholarship Granting Organizations (SGOs) and secure School Choice Scholarship endorsements.

• Research, write, and manage educational and institutional grants.

• Coordinate school fundraising initiatives to support programs and facilities.

Personnel & Staff Management

• Recruit, hire, evaluate, and retain high-quality teaching and support staff.

• Conduct regular teacher observations, offer constructive feedback, and address personnel concerns.

• Schedule professional development opportunities and arrange substitute teachers as needed.

• Host weekly staff meetings and maintain up-to-date staff records and the Staff Handbook.

Communication & Community Relations

• Write and distribute a weekly newsletter to school staff.

• Collaborate with the Director of Communications to provide weekly church bulletin updates.

• Ensure the school website remains current, accurate, and engaging.

Safety & Operations

• Maintain and update the comprehensive School Safety Plan.

• Schedule and conduct all required safety drills (fire, lockdown, severe weather).

• Maintain strong relationships with local emergency and safety services.

• Monitor school safety cameras and security systems as necessary.

General Support

• Assist with daily school routines, including breakfast/lunch duty, carpool duty, or substitute teaching as needed.

• Oversee technology updates and troubleshooting in coordination with IT support.

• Perform other duties as assigned by the Pastor to support the school’s mission.

Qualifications & Requirements

• Faith & Mission: Active, practicing Roman Catholic committed to the mission of Catholic education.

• Licensure: Hold an active Indiana Principal License (or be currently enrolled in an accredited program to obtain licensure).

• Leadership: Strong track record of visionary leadership, organizational efficiency, and conscientiousness.

• Cultural Competency: Deep respect for cultural diversity and the ability to engage effectively with families of all backgrounds, ages, and abilities.

• Interpersonal Skills: Exceptional communication, problem-solving, and conflict-resolution abilities.

Application Requirements

• Successful completion of the Diocesan Job Application.

• Passing the Diocesan Safe Environment Review (background check and training).

How to Apply

Interested candidates should submit a cover letter, resume, and references directly to the parish office or apply through the Diocesan job portal.