Full Time
Principal: Saint Joseph Academy
Saint Joseph Academy
Saint Joseph Academy (SJA), an all-girls Catholic high school in Cleveland, Ohio, invites an exceptional Catholic educator and inspiring leader to serve as its next Principal. This is a remarkable opportunity to join a vibrant, faith-filled community that, for 135 years, has been dedicated to the mission of the Sisters of St. Joseph, fostering unity with God and all creation. We seek a leader who believes in the limitless potential of young women and is passionate about helping them grow into confident scholars, compassionate leaders, and women of faith and service. The next Principal will be a welcoming and visible presence who embraces our Catholic identity, celebrates the power of all-girls education, and partners with faculty, staff, and families to nurture each student’s unique gifts. Guided by the Academy’s mission and values, the Principal will help lead SJA into its next chapter, advancing a rigorous, innovative academic program while cultivating a community where faith, belonging, and personal growth are at the heart of every experience. Mission Statement Rooted in the spirituality of the Sisters of St. Joseph, Saint Joseph Academy fosters unifying relationships with God and all creation, empowers each young woman to achieve academic excellence, and inspires a life of compassionate leadership and service in a global society.
Position Details
Job Title: Principal
Reports To: President
Supervises: Assistant Principals, Faculty, Athletic Director
FLSA Status: Exempt Salary
Range: $100,000-$150,000, commensurate with experience
Position Overview:
The Principal is the academic leader of Saint Joseph Academy, shaping a dynamic learning environment that integrates faith, academics, arts, athletics, and extracurricular life. Working in close partnership with the President, the Principal advances the school’s mission, nurtures an inclusive and supportive community, and inspires a culture of academic excellence and compassionate leadership rooted in the Catholic tradition and the charism of the Sisters of St. Joseph (CSJ).
Essential Qualities ● As a Catholic educational institution, Saint Joseph Academy seeks candidates who are practicing Catholics and committed to modeling the values of the Catholic faith and the mission of the Congregation of St. Joseph in both word and action. ● A deep commitment to the mission and values of Saint Joseph Academy. ● A welcoming, collaborative spirit with excellent communication skills. ● Integrity, wisdom, and the ability to inspire trust and respect. ● A visible, student-centered leader who is fully engaged in school life. Primary Duties and Responsibilities Faith Community ● Integrate the Academy’s mission, vision, and CSJ charism throughout school life. ● Attract, support, and retain faculty and staff who embody the mission. ● Foster a community of faith, respect, and belonging. ● Support meaningful liturgies, retreats, and service opportunities for students. ● Ensure a disciplinary approach rooted in the school’s Catholic CSJ values. Academic Leadership ● Provide day-to-day leadership for students, faculty, and academic programs. ● Hire, mentor, and, as needed, transition Assistant Principals, faculty, and staff in partnership with the President. ● Welcome and guide new teachers through a thoughtful orientation process. ● Lead faculty meetings and professional development with a focus on growth and innovation. ● Ensure excellence in teaching and learning through supervision and evaluation. ● Collaborate to provide robust counseling programs, including college, and student support services. ● Manage vendor relationships with partners for student programs and courses as well as the school nurse. ● Collaborate on curriculum development and scheduling to meet student needs. ● Engage actively in student recruitment and admissions events. ● Represent SJA in professional associations and uphold the highest academic standards. Student Life ● Support the appointment and supervision of student activity moderators. ● Partner with Assistant Principals to ensure fair, consistent application of discipline. ● Ensure accurate and complete student records, including grades, testing, attendance, and extracurricular participation. Policy and Governance ● Contribute to the ongoing review and refinement of the school’s mission and philosophy. ● Collaborate with the HR Director on the Employee Handbook and recommend updates to the President. ● Ensure compliance with federal, state, diocesan, and accreditation standards. ● Provide the President with insights into academic needs and resource priorities. ● Assist in shaping and implementing the school’s strategic plan.
Additional Responsibilities ● Serve as liaison to Auxiliary Service Programs and the Diocese of Cleveland’s Office of Catholic Education. ● Partner with the President and Vice President of Finance and Administration on the academic budget. ● Support advancement initiatives involving students, parents, faculty, and alumnae. ● Attend Board and committee meetings as assigned and prepare necessary reports. ● Serve as a bridge between the Academy and parent groups. ● Embrace other responsibilities as needed in service of the Academy’s mission.
Requirements ● Successful experience as a principal, assistant principal, or comparable educational leader. ● A strong teaching background. ● An advanced degree is required. ● A working knowledge of school finance is preferred.
Note: This description outlines key responsibilities and is not exhaustive. The Principal may take on additional duties as needed to serve the evolving needs of the Academy. We ask that those interested in being considered for this role submit a letter of interest with salary requirements, a Statement of Educational Philosophy and Resume.