Director of School Leadership Formation

Position Summary

The Director of School Leadership Formation serves as a mission-focused leader dedicated to supporting principals in the implementation of the Diocese of Bridgeport’s vision for Catholic culture and identity in schools. Under the supervision of the Superintendent of Schools, this position works collaboratively with principals and diocesan leadership to translate diocesan guidance into concrete, school-based practices that shape daily school life.

The Director focuses on leadership formation, spiritual accompaniment, and practical implementation support, equipping principals to lead their school communities in living the Catholic mission through prayer, relationships, pedagogy, service, and culture. While this work ultimately impacts faculty, students, and families, the primary focus of the role is supporting principals as the chief leaders and stewards of Catholic culture within their schools so that the schools remain vibrant ministries of the Church and places of evangelization and formation.

Key Responsibilities

Catholic Culture & School Leadership Support

• Accompany principals, school leadership teams, and board members as they strengthen and sustain the Catholic identity of their schools in alignment with the mission of the Church and the Diocese.
• Support principals in translating the Bishop’s vision and diocesan guidance into concrete, school-based practices that shape daily school life.
• Provide coaching, consultation, and practical tools to assist principals in leading and sustaining Catholic culture within their schools.
• Support schools in articulating and living their mission statements in meaningful, practical, and visible ways.
• Support principals as they collaborate with pastors and parish leadership in leading and sustaining Catholic school culture.
  
  

Leadership Formation and Professional Development

• Design and facilitate leadership formation opportunities that equip principals to lead Catholic culture, mission, and identity within their schools.
• Provide ongoing spiritual and professional accompaniment to principals as they navigate the responsibilities of Catholic school leadership.
• Support the onboarding, formation, and mentoring of new principals and administrators with a strong emphasis on diocesan priorities, Catholic mission, and leadership expectations.
  
  

Faculty, Student, and Family Faith Formation

• Support principals in fostering adult faith formation within their schools, including prayer experiences, retreats, and reflective practices for faculty and staff.
• Assist principals in identifying and implementing initiatives that engage students and families more deeply in the faith life of the school and parish.
• Encourage practices that promote a welcoming, inclusive, and evangelizing school culture rooted in Catholic teaching and values, as led by school leadership.
  
  

Collaboration and Diocesan Integration

• Work closely with the Office of the Superintendent and other diocesan offices to ensure alignment between Catholic identity initiatives and diocesan priorities.
• Serve as a resource to schools on matters related to Catholic identity, mission, and leadership formation.
• Participate in diocesan planning efforts, meetings, and initiatives related to Catholic education and formation.
  
  

Preferred Qualifications

• Practicing Catholic in good standing with a deep commitment to the mission of Catholic education.
• Master’s degree in Theology, Educational Leadership, Pastoral Studies, or a related field required.
• Significant experience in Catholic education, school leadership, parish ministry, or faith formation.
• Strong understanding of Catholic identity as it applies to schools, leadership, and community life.
• Demonstrated ability to work collaboratively with school leaders, clergy, and diocesan leadership.
• Excellent communication, facilitation, and relationship-building skills.
• Ability to approach formation work with pastoral sensitivity, cultural awareness, and respect for diverse experiences of faith.
  
  

Work Schedule

• Full-time position.
• Schedule may include occasional evenings or weekends to support school or diocesan events.
• This position requires local travel within the Diocese of Bridgeport; a valid driver’s license and access to reliable transportation may be required.
  
  

Basic Qualifications

• Working knowledge of and a strong commitment to the mission of fostering leadership in the Catholic Church.
• Due to the ministerial responsibilities of this role, the candidate must be a practicing Roman Catholic in good standing with the Church.
• If married, must be in a valid sacramental marriage. Those living with a partner must be in a valid sacramental marriage.
• Excellent communications skills including written, verbal, public speaking and presentation skills.
• Excellent human relations and interpersonal skills; must be a self-starter and be well-organized; must be a team player.
• Be available for evening meetings as necessary.
• Be able to manage multiple tasks simultaneously.
• Proficiency in the use of computer technology including Microsoft Office and related educational technology; ability to maintain confidentiality.
• Flexibility in assessing needs and strategies and adapting appropriately in a ministerial environment.
• Professional bearing and clean and neat personal appearance.
  
  

Physical/Mental Requirements: Requires coordination and manual dexterity, normal mental and visual ability; ability to lift as required in a normal office and school building environments.

Required Activities: Walking, sitting standing, bending, reaching, talking, handling, hearing, carrying, keyboarding, etc.

Travel Requirements: Travels to school buildings and professional meetings as required.

Other Requirements: Must demonstrate understanding, respect and support for Catholic Church teaching, mission and values; understand the critical role Catholic schools play in the evangelizing mission of the Church, and the value the schools provide to families; and possess strong faith and morals.

To Apply

Interested and qualified candidates should submit electronically as separate documents (preferably as PDFs) a cover letter and resume addressed to Stacie Stueber, Superintendent of Schools, and emailed to Sharon Luciano, Executive Assistant to the Superintendent, at Sharon.Luciano@diobpt.org.