Elementary School Principal

Job Title: Teacher

Job Status: Permanent/Full Time

Contact:

E-Mail:

Principal Job Description

St. Francis Xavier Catholic School is seeking a faith-filled and dynamic principal to continue the mission of Catholic education for our PreK through Grade 8 school. The ideal candidate will be an enthusiastic Catholic who is ready to lead while working collaboratively with parish leaders, faculty, staff, students, parents, and other stakeholders.

A vibrant Catholic school, St. Francis Xavier School is looking for a leader who possesses a spirit of innovation and will be a motivating force in shaping our Catholic identity and rigorous academic programs. This individual will have a passion for excellence and be instrumental in leading and supporting staff in educational best practices. The Principal will build strong relationships with multiple stakeholders, demonstrating leadership and engagement with all. Finally, the model candidate will understand the importance of school vitality and viability, and therefore be vested in making students and faculty feel successful and valued for their contributions.

St. Francis Xavier Catholic School, educating 165 students, is a Middle States Association accredited school within the Archdiocese of Philadelphia and a ministry of St. Francis Xavier Parish, the Oratory. The School and the Parish of St. Francis Xavier are the primary ministries of the Philadelphia Oratory, the community of priests and brothers that staffs the parish. The school’s governance constitutes the members of the Philadelphia Oratory and an Advisory Board working collaboratively with the principal.

Requirements

The Principal of St. Francis Xavier Catholic School must be a dynamic, faith-filled leader with a strong commitment to Catholic education and the teachings of the Church. This position must lead by personal witness to the Catholic faith and exhibit passion and compassion in articulating the mission of St. Francis Xavier Catholic School to students, parents, faculty, stakeholders and the community. The ideal candidate must possess the following:

• A strong commitment to the Catholic faith

• An understanding of child growth and development

• Exemplary verbal and written communication skills

• Strong leadership abilities and excellent people management skills

• Proficiency in technology

• Knowledge of marketing and enrollment strategies to foster school viability

• Knowledge of school operations including budgeting and fundraising

• Knowledge of accreditation and certification processes

• Knowledge of School Law

• Experience in achieving academic success

• Degrees and certifications as required by the Office of Catholic Education

Duties and Responsibilities

• Provide leadership to the teaching staff on curriculum and instruction, pedagogy, classroom management, and student achievement

• Establish academic and behavioral goals with corresponding implementation plans

• Partner with teaching staff and parents to manage student behaviors in a positive and proactive manner

• Serve as the primary agent for creating an environment that fosters academic excellence, Catholic faith formation, vitality and viability

• Be responsible for creating a climate that encourages the engagement of each student in the learning process while fostering a love for learning

• Inspire a committed faculty and an engaged student body to form a highly effective learning community inclusive of all stakeholders in the ministry of Catholic education

• Utilize technology as a communication and educational tool

• Ensure staff have adequate opportunities for professional development

• Provide meaningful and constructive feedback to faculty and staff

• Work collaboratively with designated committees to support school events, fundraising initiatives and enrollment campaigns

• Collaborate with the St. Francis Xavier parish community, Fairmount community partners and leaders, and other stakeholders

• Actively manage accreditations and certifications

• Be forward thinking and maintain a vision for the future of the school

Additional Information

Interested and qualified candidates please send:

• Resume

• Cover letter

• Three letters of recommendation

• Updated clearances (FBI fingerprint, Child Abuse, and Criminal Background) to the address listed below

Please attach appropriate documents where applicable.

Elementary Administrators Application in Word and PDF can be obtained at aopelementary.org, go to During the School Year Documents – Elementary Administrators Application. Word will be downloaded to your computer. PDF will open directly. The application is also attached to this job description.

Any question, contact Sister Margaret Rose Adams at the email listed below.

Please download the application and the list of documentation you must submit.

Completed application, with required documents should be returned by Friday, October 17, 2025and may be emailed to:

[email protected]

Or put into the U.S. mail to:

Sister Margaret Rose Adams, IHM, Assistant Superintendent

Archdiocese of Philadelphia

Office of Catholic Education

222 N. 17th Street

Philadelphia, PA 19103

All information must be sent in one packet by Friday, October 17, 2025 .

Please download the Teacher Application attached for a list of documents that will be needed.

If the position is offered, the candidate will be required to complete the “Protecting God’s Children” training through the Archdiocese of Philadelphia. Additional information regarding this training can be found here .