Principal

JOB DESCRIPTION

Notre Dame Cristo Rey Principal

Notre Dame Cristo Rey High School seeks a mission-driven, innovative, collaborative, student focused, and community-centered Principal to serve as the chief academic, instructional, and formational leader for Notre Dame Cristo Rey. The Principal reports directly to the school’s President and serves as a critical member of the school’s leadership team.

OUR MISSION AND VISION

In the tradition of the Sisters of Notre Dame de Namur, Notre Dame Cristo Rey High School (NDCR) provides a Catholic, affordable, culturally sensitive, college preparatory education enhanced by professional work experience for young men and women from families with limited income. Notre Dame Cristo Rey High School is known for graduating confident, academically successful students who are spiritually rooted, intellectually curious, active community and global citizens and college graduated leaders who contribute to an equitable workforce.

OUR CORE VALUES

v Goodness of God

v Education for Life

v Integrity

v Respect

v Family

v Community

ORGANIZATIONAL PROFILE

Notre Dame Cristo Rey is a 9-12 Catholic learning community that educates young women and men of limited economic means and educational options to become individuals of faith, purpose, and service. Notre Dame Cristo Rey is part of the largest network of high schools in the country that exclusively serve under-served youth. As a part of the Cristo Rey Network (CRN) and as a member of the Sisters of Notre Dame de Namur (SNDdeN) school system, Notre Dame Cristo Rey adheres to a set of Mission Effectiveness Standards and the Hallmarks of the Sisters of Notre Dame de Namur to protect the integrity of the model and articulate the shared mission.

Our school in Methuen is a proven success story, one that provides many opportunities for our students to achieve their dreams. We have undoubtedly seen how our school can be a stabilizing force in the lives of our young scholars. Our students are succeeding! Considering that many of our students have struggled academically before coming to Notre Dame, it is impressive that 100% are accepted to a four-year college or university. We currently have several NDCR graduates studying at some of the nation’s top institutions including MIT, Worcester Polytech, and Boston College.

The overarching goal of NDCR is to equip our young scholars with the skills and knowledge needed to successfully pursue higher education. All students participate in a college preparatory education enhanced by a unique Corporate Work Study program (CWS) where students learn professional work skills while earning income to offset the cost of their high school education. The CWS program is an integral part of the NDCR education. This educational model brings hope to our students and provides them with the tools to succeed now and in the future. Our learning program makes connections for young people between academics and career success. This is what makes school engaging and relevant and motivates students to succeed.

Without a doubt, NDCR is unique. In a region where few educational successes can be celebrated and where the need is so great and the resources so limited, our school brings a glimmer of hope to our students, their families, and the community.

The Principal’s primary responsibilities include:

CATHOLIC IDENTITY & NOTRE DAME CRISTO REY MISSION

• Work with the Sisters of Notre Dame de Namur, the school’s Catholic sponsor, to develop and sustain the school’s Catholic identity as a Notre Dame learning community.

• Serve as one of the spiritual leaders for the school; promote and sustain the school’s Catholic identity; ensure that the school’s Catholic values and mission drive school decisions, and that liturgical practices, prayer, and Catholic culture are integrated into school life; ensure that time and resources are appropriately allocated to Campus Ministry and Adult Faith Formation.

• Ensure that all members of the school community are treated fairly, equitably, and with respect and compassion; positively support all stakeholders; actively work to create a loving environment; protect the rights and confidentiality of students and staff.

• Actively participate in and support the school’s Senior Leadership Team and the Academic Leadership Team; promote and support the importance of integrating academics with the Corporate Work Study Program as part of a college preparatory experience; ensure clear communication of shared expectations for students.

• Actively participate in CRN professional development and take advantage of CRN coaching and support; actively participate in faith formation programs aimed at deepening and nurturing your capacity as a spiritual and mission-driven Catholic school leader.

SCHOOL CULTURE AND FAMILY INVOLVEMENT

• Foster and promote a school culture that values diversity and the unique gifts that all staff, students, and families bring to the school community; foster the creation of an inclusive school environment and ensure that parents are welcomed and acknowledged as partners with the school; develop and implement strategies for meaningful and reciprocal family and community engagement.

• Lead the school community to create a culture of high expectations and continuous improvement, complemented by high levels of support; promote and articulate a vision for continuous improvement that recognizes existing equity gaps and commits to their elimination.

• Serve as a model of the school’s values and mindsets and hold self and others accountable to maintaining high standards; actively promote the regular exchange of affirming and constructive feedback among members of the school’s staff.

• Ensure an active co-curricular life of the school, which gives students opportunities to develop their non-academic talents and interests (musical, artistic, athletic, clubs, etc.).

SCHOOL AND OUTSIDE AGANCIES

Oversee the school’s collaborative efforts with Local Education Agencies (Lawrence Public Schools, Methuen Public Schools, etc.) on the administration of Title monies, oversight of the Cafeteria Program, and other areas of opportunity for mutual benefit.

Work in collaboration with the Catholic Schools Foundation and other non-profits that support student scholarships and financial aid.

Communicate effectively the philosophy and programs of NDCR to all appropriate public and private groups.

Oversee the school’s academic program as it relates to outside agencies or individuals (dual enrollment, VHS, arts, theology, volunteer activities, etc.).

In consultation with the President oversee all work associated with maintaining accreditation with the New England Association of Schools & Colleges (NEASC).

Complete annual reports for NEASC, the MA Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE), the MA Interscholastic Athletic Association (MIAA), and other agencies.

Remain in compliance with Federal Title programs through submitting required documentation and data.

Represent the school at CRN meetings, the religious sponsor, and the archdiocese, and other civic or public functions, as requested.

LEADERSHIP, COLLABORATION & OVERSIGHT

Collaborate with the Director of Admissions, Director of Corporate Work Study, and President on student admission guidelines, processes, timelines, and enrollment goals consistent with the school’s approved operating budget.

Work with the Dean of Students and the Vice President of Corporate Work Study in supporting the discipline program at NDCR.

Oversee and coordinate, with the Vice President of Corporate Work Study, the scheduling, discipline and overall progress of the students and the scheduling of the school calendar and programs

Oversee the processes of academic reporting and recording, including grade reports, transcripts, permanent records, quarterly progress reports, parent-teacher conferences, honor roll, class rank, and academic recognition.

Report weekly to the school President regarding school initiatives, goals, progress, and identified metrics.

STRATEGIC PLANNING

• In collaboration with the President and other members of the Senior Leadership Team, monitor the detailed, concrete, and compelling vision for excellence that encompasses academics, school culture, community engagement, alumni engagement and partnership with the Corporate Work Study Program as outlined in the current Strategic Plan. Assist in securing the investment from the faculty and staff in the school’s vision of excellence.

• In consultation with the President and other members of the Senior Leadership Team, monitor the multi-year strategic plan to ensure that it is aligned to the school’s shared vision of excellence, that leverages the resources of the Cristo Rey Network, and incorporates knowledge of current realities and progress-to-goals.

• Predict the needs of staff, students, and families in monitoring the strategic plan, adjusting over time, as necessary; anticipate barriers, and develop measures of effectiveness and plan for contingencies.

• Design and execute processes and systems for progress-monitoring with goals and metrics across the critical areas of the strategic plan that involve academics.

• Establish concrete, ambitious, meaningful medium and long-term goals that serve as qualitative and quantitative indicators of students’ college-readiness.

ALLOCATION of RESOURCES, SUPERVISION of SCHOOL PERSONNEL

• Audit time, personnel, and resources to ensure college-readiness for all students.

• Set and communicate clear expectations for excellence and define responsibilities for staff; delegate tasks and responsibilities in ways that are consistent with role definitions; maximize the impact of each team member under your management.

Develop and execute strategies to improve performance of faculty/staff over time and hold faculty/staff members accountable; use an effective faculty professional development program to ensure classroom impact, utilize evidence-based instructional strategies, interpret and use student achievement data to inform instruction, oversees the organization and data analysis of standardized testing (ACT, SAT, AP, etc.).

• Monitor progress on multiple work streams and individual expectations. Acknowledge progress, celebrate successes, and intervene in a prompt, direct, and professional way to address gaps when needed.

Direct the recruitment, selection, and retention of faculty, school administration, as well as other instructional and extracurricular staff who are best fitted to the mission of the school.

Use a research-based framework to routinely coach and supervise teachers, completing a summative evaluation for every teacher every year.

Supervise, develop, and evaluate non-instructional personnel, including Vice Principal, Dean of Students, guidance personnel, college counselor(s), Campus Minister, Athletic Director, Coordinator of Academic Support Services, extracurricular personnel, and front office staff.

Oversee the writing of new curricula and the development of new course requirements.

FISCAL MANAGEMENT & PLANNING

Oversee the selection, purchase and inventory of all instructional resources and materials in collaboration with the Chief Financial Officer (CFO).

Collaborate with the Chief Financial Officer (CFO) and coordinates the use of the school resources.

Identify program needs and present an academic budget to the school President and Chief Financial Officer (CFO) each year.

Approve and supervise all school expenditures within the budget authorizations.

OTHER RESPONSIBILITIES

Assume other duties as assigned by the school President.

ADDITIONAL SKILLS

• Deep commitment to low-income, urban youth

• Flexibility, energy, stamina, and foresight to be an effective leader of a start-up school

• Ability to build a shared vision and inspire commitment to a mission

• Ability to build relationships with a diverse staff and parent community

• Ability to plan in a manner that anticipates barriers and recognizes needs school-wide

• Strong collaboration with others and the willingness to solicit input prior to developing strategies and solutions

• Ability to motivate and influence others to achieve excellence in the workplace

• Openness to feedback

• Ability to think critically and reflectively, and to prioritize effectively

• Openness to growth and a commitment to continuous learning

• Strong written and oral communication skills

• Ability to develop and execute an effective school budget

QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPERIENCE

Master’s Degree in an educational field

Principal’s license (or commitment to complete licensure)

Demonstrated commitment to Catholic, faith-based education, with an ability to serve as a faith leader of the school

Minimum five years’ experience in a school leadership position

Experience supervising and evaluating faculty and staff

Proven commitment and capacity to serve and connect on a personal level with low-income, urban, minority students

Demonstrated ability to inspire, lead and work collegially with faculty and staff

Demonstrated ability to work collaboratively with an Executive and a School Leadership Team

Strong background in a rigorous, standards-based, college-ready secondary curriculum

Demonstrated success as an instructional leader who creates a culture of learning for continuous academic improvement

Evidence of an ability to analyze and utilize data to increase student achievement

Excellent written and oral communication skills

Exemplary interpersonal skills with faculty, staff, parents, students and community

• Demonstrated ability

• Proven background in curriculum design, teacher supervision, and data analysis

• Demonstrated understanding of the college qualification and acceptance process

• Background in designing and executing school improvement plans

• A commitment to personal and professional integrity and moral character

• Fluency in Spanish preferred

Salary range between $120,000 and $140,000

Please send a Cover Letter and Resumé to HR@ndcrhs.org

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $120,000.00 - $140,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• Dental insurance
• Dependent health insurance coverage
• Flexible spending account
• Health insurance
• Health savings account
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Vision insurance

Work Location: In person

Salary : $120,000 - $140,000