What are the responsibilities and job description for the Elementary Principal - St. Matthew's Catholic School position at Diocese of Phoenix CSO?
St. Matthew Catholic Elementary School
ELEMENTARY SCHOOL PRINCIPAL for 2026-2027 SCHOOL YEAR:
St. Matthew Catholic School is a vibrant, mission-driven, faith-filled community where students encounter Christ, are educated with excellence, and are empowered to lead. As the only Catholic dual-language and blended learning school serving students in preschool through 8th grade in Arizona, St. Matthew is a place where Catholic identity, academic growth, family partnership, and joyful community come together in powerful ways.
We are seeking a faith filled, outgoing, enthusiastic, knowledgeable, and dedicated Catholic principal and educator who will inspire and empower staff to lead with the same faith, purpose, and commitment to the mission of St. Matthew Catholic School. Ideal candidates will embrace the challenges and excitement of a long-established central Phoenix parochial school to partner with parents and the parish community to educate the whole child while helping our students find God in all things through learning, faith and service.
QUALIFICATIONS:
Candidate must be an active, practicing Catholic, faithful to the Church’s magisterium, have successful professional experience in school administration, possess a Master’s degree in Educational Administration or related field, and able to be certified by the State of Arizona as a principal. Additionally, the candidate must have a desire to work closely with Pastor in honest and open collaboration.
Knowledge and/or experience in a dual language/two-way immersion setting and some facility in Spanish is essential. The successful candidate will be committed to the values of Catholic education and family, be an excellent promoter of the school, and insist on academic excellence. The school leader must be a collaborative decision maker working with staff, parents, and parishioners to integrate school culture with the entire parish community.
Knowledge of finances, US Department of Education Title Funding, excellent communication, and a strong working knowledge of Student Tuition Organizations (STOs) are critical. Candidate must understand the professional development needs of teachers. The successful educator must have the ability to relate well with children, parents, teachers, staff, and the community at large, honor the traditions and culture of St. Matthew Catholic School, and work collaboratively with the Pastor and School Advisory Council to lead the school positively in its mission.
ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS INCLUDE:
- Witnesses Gospel values and promotes Catholic moral teaching in the policies and life of the school
- Demonstrates evidence of knowledge of the Catholic philosophy of education
- Promotes an effective teaching/learning environment which encourages the implementation of various teaching strategies that engages learners
- Allocates instructional planning resources in alignment with financial resources to meet student needs
- Follows established policies practices and procedures of the Diocese of Phoenix
- Integrates Catholic principles throughout the curriculum
- Prepares the annual school budget in conjunction with the school advisory board, finance committee, parish finance committee and pastor
- Directs and provides for professional growth of the staff to ensure effective teaching methodologies
- Provides orientation for teachers new to the school
- Oversees programs for the effective recruitment and retention of students
- Initiates and directs both short and long-range planning for the school
- Oversees promotion and fundraising
- Establishes and maintains donor relationships to connect donor interest with school needs
- Involves parents in the activities and formative programs of the school
- Develops safety plans, evacuation routes, any facility permits, and inspections
- Actively participates in dual language networks and on-going training
SALARY AND BENEFITS:
Salary is negotiable based on experience, education, and credentials. Benefits include employee health insurance, retirement, sick leave, short-term disability, and social security.
APPLICATION DEADLINE
Applications are being accepted until the position is filled.
APPLICATION PROCEDURE:
Candidates must complete online application and provide all required documents.
For questions, please contact Domonic Salce at the Diocese of Phoenix Catholic Schools Office
dsalce@dphx.org
602-354-2340