Principal

Mission Statement: St. Mary's High School exists to educate students in the Catholic tradition to be responsible, moral, critical thinkers and leaders who are well-prepared for college and life.

Job Description and Posting

Position Title:

Principal

Department:

Administration

Reports To:

President

FLSA Classification:

☒ Exempt      ☐ Non- Exempt                  

School Classification:

☒ Full-Time    ☐ Part-Time (<30 hrs/week)

☐ Temporary ☐ Seasonal

Schedule:

Full-time expectations; During major holidays and other school breaks, work schedules are determined by administrative needs. 

Compensation:

$80,000-$120,000 annually, depending on experience

Benefits:

Eligible employees may receive medical, dental, and vision insurance, retirement plan participation, and paid sick leave under Colorado law. Additional benefits include participation in the faith-centered community life of St. Mary’s High School.

Posting Open Through:

April 21^st, 2026, or until filled

**See more job details at smhscs.org**

Job Summary

The Principal of St. Mary’s High School serves as the chief academic and student life leader responsible for the daily educational and operational life of the school. The Principal ensures the delivery of a rigorous Catholic college-preparatory program while fostering a safe, disciplined, and faith-filled environment that supports the intellectual, spiritual, and personal formation of students. Working in close collaboration with the President, the Principal leads faculty, oversees curriculum and student life, and promotes excellence in teaching, learning, and Catholic formation consistent with the mission of the school.

Essential Job Functions

All employees at St. Mary's Catholic High School are expected to:

• Support and uphold the philosophy of Catholic education and the established mission of St. Mary's High School.
• Act as a witness to Gospel values by modeling the teachings of the Catholic Church in their professional and personal conduct.
• Support and adhere to the Code of Conduct and policies and procedures of St. Mary's.
• Abide by the school’s confidentiality policies and procedures.
• Demonstrate professionalism in conduct, demeanor, and work habits.
• Maintain a work schedule that maximizes availability to the school, students, and staff.
• Maintain positive and cooperative relations with parents, students, and school personnel.
• Participate in professional development opportunities to remain current with relevant standards and practices.
• Maintain regular, reliable and predictable attendance.
• Perform any other job-related tasks deemed necessary and/or assigned by the President.

Important Job Functions

All employees at St. Mary's High School are encouraged to:

• Collaborate with peers to enhance the work environment and support the overall mission of the school.
• Demonstrate a willingness to respond to individual needs within their scope of responsibility.
• Actively participate in the larger school community to contribute to a positive school culture.

Role-Specific Responsibilities & Duties

Mission and Catholic Identity

• Foster and promote the Catholic mission and identity of the school in all aspects of student life, academics, and school culture.
• Support the spiritual formation of students through collaboration with campus ministry, faculty, and school leadership.
• Ensure that Catholic teachings and values are integrated into the educational experience and daily life of the school.
• Model and encourage a culture of faith, service, respect, and virtue within the school community.

Academic Leadership

• Serve as the chief academic leader responsible for the development, implementation, and evaluation of the school’s academic programs consistent with St. Mary’s mission statement.
• Ensure a rigorous Catholic college-preparatory curriculum aligned with accreditation standards and best educational practices.
• Oversee curriculum development, instructional quality, and academic assessment.
• Lead continuous improvement efforts to enhance student learning and academic outcomes.

Enrollment and Student Retention

·        Support the school’s enrollment goals by fostering a strong academic and student life experience that encourages student success and long-term retention.

·        Collaborate with admissions personnel to promote the school to prospective families, engage current families, and ensure that instructional quality, student support, and campus culture contribute to sustained enrollment and high retention rates.

Faculty Leadership and Development

• Recruit, supervise, evaluate, and support faculty and instructional staff.
• Foster a culture of professional growth, collaboration, and mission-centered teaching.
• Provide guidance and support for instructional improvement and faculty formation.

Student Life and Formation

• Oversee student discipline, activities, and student formation programs.
• Promote a positive school culture that supports student growth in character, leadership, and responsibility.
• Ensure that student policies and practices reflect the school’s mission and values.

School Operations

• Manage the day-to-day operations of the school, including scheduling, academic policies, and student services.
• Ensure a safe, orderly, and effective learning environment for students and staff.
• Oversee the implementation of school policies and procedures.

Operational Financial Management

• Manage the day-to-day operational performance of the school in a manner consistent with the approved institutional budget.
• Ensure that staffing, scheduling, academic programming, and student services are administered efficiently to support responsible use of financial resources.
• Collaborate with the President and CFO to monitor operational expenses, identify cost efficiencies, and support the financial sustainability of the school’s daily operations.

Accreditation and Institutional Improvement

• Lead accreditation processes and institutional improvement initiatives.
• Use data and assessment to guide decision-making and enhance educational outcomes.
• Ensure compliance with accreditation standards and educational regulations.

Collaboration with the President

• Work closely with the President to ensure alignment between academic leadership and the school’s mission and strategic priorities.
• Support enrollment initiatives (especially retention), community engagement, and institutional advancement as appropriate.
• Contribute to the overall leadership and unity of the school community.

Any other duties assigned by the President consistent with the Principal’s position and qualifications, including but not limited to mentorship and training opportunities.

Minimum Qualifications

Practicing Catholic in good standing

Education/Certification:

• BS/BA in Business Management, Nonprofit Administration, or related field 

Experience:

• Prior executive or operational management experience in a middle or high school setting is required.

Knowledge, Abilities, and Skills

Knowledge

• Strong understanding of the mission and philosophy of Catholic education and commitment to the teachings of the Catholic Church.
• Knowledge of secondary school curriculum, instructional leadership, and student formation within a Catholic college-preparatory environment.
• Familiarity with accreditation standards and best practices in Catholic school leadership, including the National Standards and Benchmarks for Effective Catholic Elementary and Secondary Schools.
• Understanding of student development, faculty supervision, and effective school operations.

Abilities

• Ability to lead and support faculty in delivering high-quality instruction and student formation.
• Ability to manage the daily operations of a secondary school while maintaining a safe, orderly, and supportive learning environment.
• Ability to collaborate effectively with the President, faculty, parents, and the broader school community.
• Ability to promote academic excellence while supporting the spiritual and personal development of students.

Skills

• Strong instructional leadership and faculty supervision skills.
• Excellent communication, relationship-building, and conflict resolution skills.
• Effective organizational and decision-making abilities in a school environment.
• Ability to foster a positive and mission-centered school culture.

Working Conditions & Physical Demands

• Working Conditions:
• Works in a professional office and school campus environment with regular presence throughout classrooms, campus facilities, and school grounds.
• Required to work evenings and weekends for Board meetings, school events, liturgies, athletic contests, fundraising activities, and community functions.
• Serves in a full-time, year-round executive capacity and must be available outside normal school hours as needed.
• Regularly engages with students in various campus settings, including environments with noise, high activity levels, and outdoor weather conditions.

·        Mental/Physical Demands:

• Required to maintain composure and professional demeanor in high-pressure situations, including emotionally charged interactions with students, parents, and colleagues.
• Ability to effectively de-escalate heightened emotional situations and conflicts among students, employing calm, consistent, and respectful communication strategies.
• Skill in navigating complex parent interactions, including active listening, empathetic communication, effective reasoning, and constructive negotiation to resolve concerns and foster positive partnerships.

Ministerial Exemption

Ministerial Role and Responsibilities

The employee serves as a minister of the faith, a position integral to the religious mission of St. Mary's High School. This role involves more than secular duties; it includes a direct and substantive role in sharing the Catholic faith, upholding its values, and participating in the school's religious mission.