Saint Philip Neri Parish School — Principal

Saint Philip Neri Parish School — Principal

Position Title: Principal

Position Status: Full-Time, Permanent

Location: Saint Philip Neri Parish School, [Lafayette Hill, PA]

Reports To: Pastor, Saint Philip Neri Parish; in collaboration with the Archdiocese of Philadelphia Office of Catholic Education

Start Date: 2026-2027 Academic Year

All interested applicants please send resume and cover letter to:

Contact: Mrs. Bernadette Dougherty, Assistant Superintendent.

E-Mail: [email protected]

Position Summary

Saint Philip Neri Parish School seeks a faith-filled, mission-driven, and dynamic Principal to lead a high-performing, student-centered Catholic elementary school. Rooted in the Gospel of Jesus Christ and the teachings of the Roman Catholic Church, the Principal is responsible for the spiritual, academic, and operational leadership of the school, ensuring a safe and supportive learning environment where students grow intellectually, emotionally, physically, and spiritually.

The Principal places concerns, safety, and welfare are the students first and all decisions and actions. As the visible leader of the school, the Principal is approachable and accessible to students and school families and serves with a warm, professional ambassador at St Philip Neri School to the parish and broader community.

The St. Philip Neri Catholic School, is a vibrant school committed to educating 509 students in grades pre-K4 to 8th Grade. The Principal will advance Saint Philip Neri’s mission to deliver a challenging, intellectual curriculum grounded in Catholic faith, with an emphasis on respect, service, and personal responsibility. The Principal will serve as a beacon of the school to the parish and broader community, championing school vitality and viability through strong instructional leadership, faculty development, and strategic enrollment and community engagement initiatives. Saint Philip Neri’s tradition of excellence, including Middle States accreditation and recognition for academic growth by being awarded twice the National Blue Ribbon School of Excellence, provides a strong foundation for continued innovation and improvement.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

1) Catholic Identity and Mission Leadership

• Serve as the spiritual leader of the school community, modeling Christian discipleship and Catholic leadership.
• Integrate Catholic identity into all aspects of school life, including curriculum, culture, prayer, liturgy, service, discipline practices, and community traditions.
• Foster a climate conducive to prayer, study, reflection, character formation, and respectful relationships.
• Partner with the Pastor and parish leadership to strengthen parish-school collaboration and shared mission.

2) Instructional and Academic Leadership Excellence

• Serve as the school’s chief instructional leader, ensuring strong curriculum alignment, data-informed instruction, and continuous improvement.
• Promote academic excellence using current research and best practices while supporting diverse learning needs.
• Monitor student progress and promote achievement for all students through effective assessment systems and intervention/enrichment supports.
• Support and advance the school’s accreditation and continuous improvement processes (e.g., Middle States).
• Strengthen a Christ-centered culture that supports student wellbeing, social-emotional growth, and co-curricular programming.

3) Faculty and Staff Leadership (Supervision and Culture)

• Recruit, hire, develop, supervise, and evaluate faculty and staff, cultivating a professional culture of collaboration, accountability, and growth.
• Provide coaching, feedback, and professional development aligned to school goals and Archdiocesan expectations.
• Build a positive, high-expectations environment in which staff feel supported, valued, and equipped to succeed.

4) Operational and Administrative Leadership Excellence

• Oversee daily operations, including scheduling, student discipline, student services, records, and administrative systems.
• Ensure a safe school environment through effective emergency preparedness, facility oversight, and coordination with relevant local/state stakeholders.
• Manage school resources responsibly, including budgeting, strategic allocation of resources, and operational planning in collaboration with appropriate governing bodies.
• Maintain compliance with Archdiocesan policies, state/federal requirements, and mandated reporting responsibilities.

5) Enrollment, Advancement, and Community Engagement

• Lead and support strategies for enrollment growth and family retention, including marketing, tours, and community outreach.
• Build strong partnerships with parents/guardians, alumni, parishioners, and community stakeholders to support the school’s mission and long-term vitality.
• Collaborate with the Pastor and school organizations on development initiatives, fundraising strategy, and donor/community engagement.
• Represent the school at parish, Archdiocesan, and community events; attend Board meetings and relevant committees.

Qualifications

Faith and Mission

• Practicing Catholic in good standing with a strong commitment to Catholic education and the mission of the Church.
• Demonstrated ability to lead a school community rooted in Gospel values and Church teaching.

Education

• Master’s degree in Educational Leadership, Administration, or related field required (or as required by the Archdiocese).
• Pennsylvania teaching/administrative certification(s) and Religion certification (or progress toward certification), consistent with Archdiocesan requirements.

Experience and Skills

• Significant experience in Catholic education preferred, including classroom experience and progressive leadership responsibility.
• Strong instructional leadership skills, including curriculum oversight, faculty development, and use of student performance data.
• Demonstrated strengths in communication, collaboration, time management, organization, decision-making, and conflict resolution.
• Ability to thrive in a fast-paced environment and lead through change with clarity and pastoral care.
• Proficiency with technology and school systems (e.g., Google Workspace and educational platforms).

Clearances

• Ability to successfully complete all required clearances and trainings, including FBI fingerprinting, PA child abuse and criminal background checks, mandated reporter training, and Protecting God’s Children (per Archdiocesan policy).

Key Attributes

• Mission-centered leadership and visible presence with students, staff, and families
• High integrity, sound judgment, and professional discretion
• Commitment to equity, belonging, and a safe, inclusive school environment
• Strategic mindset focused on continuous improvement, enrollment vitality, and long-term sustainability

Application Process

Interested candidates should submit:

• Cover letter expressing interest and alignment with Catholic school leadership
• Current résumé/CV
• Three professional letters of recommendation