Position Title: Principal
Location: St. Louis, MO
Reports To: Fr. John R. Vien
Job Type: Full-Time, Exempt
Job Description:
St. Margaret of Scotland, a PK-8th grade school is seeking a full-time principal for the 2026-2027 school year. Candidates must be a practicing Catholic. Interested candidates should email a cover letter and resume to the pastor, Fr. John Vien at johnvien@archstl.org.
Mission Statement:
St. Margaret of Scotland Parish School is a diverse, urban, vibrant, and inclusive Catholic community. We are committed to providing an outstanding learning environment for children, pre-kindergarten through eighth grade, in which they are challenged to meet their academic potential and recognize their giftedness in body, mind, and spirit. Our students embody the example of our patron saint by becoming responsible leaders and caretakers of our community through the works of service and social justice.
Position Overview:
St. Margaret of Scotland Catholic School, a PK-8 educational institution, seeks a dynamic, compassionate, and experienced educational leader to serve as Principal. The Principal will oversee the day-to-day operations of the school, ensure a faith-filled and academic environment, and work collaboratively with faculty, staff, students, parents, and the broader parish community to carry out the school’s mission. The Principal will guide the spiritual, academic, and personal development of the students while embodying Catholic values and the teachings of Jesus Christ. Additionally, the Principal will serve as a bridge builder between the school and the parish, fostering a warm, welcoming community for all members of the campus.
Key Responsibilities:
Leadership & Administration:
- Lead and manage the school in accordance with the mission of St. Margaret of Scotland Catholic School and the teachings of the Catholic Church.
- Provide leadership in implementing a rigorous, faith-based curriculum that promotes academic excellence, fosters student growth, and integrates Catholic values.
- Supervise and evaluate faculty and staff, offering support and professional development to enhance their teaching skills and spiritual formation.
- Ensure compliance with Archdiocesan and state educational standards, policies, and regulations.
- Collaborate with the Pastor, school board, and parish leadership to promote the school’s vision and growth.
- Serve as a key bridge between the school and parish, working to create a unified and welcoming community for all.
Spiritual Formation:
- Foster a culture of faith and prayer, ensuring that the spiritual development of students is a central focus of the school’s mission.
- Lead and support school-wide religious activities, including Masses, prayer services, and sacramental preparation.
- Model Catholic values in all aspects of leadership, guiding students, faculty, and staff in the example of Christ.
- Encourage and support faculty in integrating Catholic teachings into their academic lessons and daily interactions with students.
Curriculum and Instruction:
- Oversee the development, implementation, and assessment of a challenging academic curriculum that meets the needs of all students, from pre-kindergarten through eighth grade.
- Implement innovative teaching strategies, technology integration, and diverse learning approaches to enhance student engagement and achievement.
- Ensure that teachers have the resources and support to differentiate instruction and foster a positive and inclusive classroom environment.
Student Development and Well-being:
- Foster an environment where students are supported academically, emotionally, and spiritually.
- Develop and implement programs that promote student leadership, character development, and social-emotional growth.
- Address student behavioral and disciplinary issues in a fair, just, and consistent manner, in line with Catholic principles and school policies.
Communication & Community Relations:
- Serve as the primary spokesperson for the school, maintaining open lines of communication with parents, students, faculty, staff, parishioners, and the broader community.
- Build and maintain positive relationships with parents through regular communication, parent-teacher conferences, and school events.
- Support and encourage active involvement in the parish community, fostering a sense of unity between the school and the parish.
- Promote and maintain a warm and welcoming environment for all members of the campus, ensuring that each individual feels valued and included.
Financial Management:
- Oversee the school’s budget, ensuring that resources are used efficiently and that the school remains fiscally responsible.
- Work with the school board, the parish finance council, and the Pastor to set tuition, fundraising goals, and allocate resources in support of the school’s mission.
- Develop and oversee fundraising efforts, including grant writing, donations, and events, to support the school’s financial health and growth.
Qualifications:
- Practicing Catholic in good standing with the Church, with a strong commitment to Catholic education and the mission of the Church.
- Master’s degree in Education, Educational Leadership, or a related field (preferred).
- Minimum of five years of experience in education, with at least three years in a leadership or administrative role in a Catholic school setting.
- Demonstrated experience in managing faculty and staff, fostering professional development, and ensuring high academic and behavioral standards.
- Strong knowledge of Catholic education principles, curriculum development, and educational leadership best practices.
- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to work collaboratively with a diverse group of stakeholders.
- Strong organizational and financial management skills, with experience in budgeting and resource allocation.
- Ability to inspire and lead a team, creating a positive, supportive, and faith-filled school environment.
Additional Preferred Skills:
- Promotes and encourages the principles of Catholic Social Teaching.
- Values and is committed to the implementation of inclusive learning programs.
- Commitment to Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion in all areas of the school.
- Willingness to work as part of an administrative team.
St. Margaret of Scotland Catholic School is an equal opportunity employer and welcomes candidates from all backgrounds who are committed to fostering an inclusive, welcoming, and faith-centered learning environment.
Alliance for Catholic Education