Elementary School Principal

Location: Guardian Catholic School - Jacksonville, FL

Job Description

Position Summary

Key Responsibilities

• Catholic Identity and Mission

  • Promote and support the Catholic mission of the school in all actions, communications, and decisions.

  • Ensure integration of Gospel values and Catholic social teaching across all aspects of school life.

  • Cultivate an environment that supports spiritual development and faithful witness among students, faculty, and families.

  • Maintain fidelity to the teachings of the Roman Catholic Church and uphold Church doctrine in word and practice.

• Instructional Leadership

  • Provide leadership in curriculum development, assessment, and instructional practices aligned with diocesan standards and the National Standards and Benchmarks for Effective Catholic Elementary and Secondary Schools (NSBECS).

  • Lead faculty in data-informed decision-making to ensure academic progress and excellence.

  • Oversee co-curricular and extracurricular programs to support holistic student development.

  • Foster a culture of continuous professional growth among faculty and staff.

• Faculty and Staff Supervision

  • Recruit, mentor, evaluate, and retain qualified and mission-aligned faculty and staff.

  • Conduct regular performance evaluations and provide formative feedback.

  • Encourage collaboration, accountability, and professional excellence rooted in Gospel values.

• School Operations and Compliance

  • Ensure compliance with diocesan, state, and accrediting agency requirements.

  • Oversee development and enforcement of policies and procedures, including the student code of conduct.

  • Maintain accurate and confidential personnel and student records.

  • Uphold diocesan safety protocols and maintain a secure and orderly school environment.

• Finance and Facilities

  • In collaboration with the Pastor and School Board, prepare and manage the annual school budget.

  • Exercise prudent financial stewardship, ensuring fiscal responsibility and transparency.

  • Oversee school facility operations, maintenance, and safety in accordance with diocesan guidelines.

• Communication and Community Engagement

  • Communicate clearly and effectively with students, parents, faculty, staff, and the wider community.

  • Build strong relationships with stakeholders through visibility, accessibility, and partnership.

  • Represent the school positively in parish, diocesan, and community settings.

  • Collaborate with the Pastor and School Board in mission advancement and strategic planning.

General Expectations

• Maintain confidentiality and demonstrate professional conduct in all interactions.

• Exhibit personal integrity, sound judgment, and a professional appearance.

• Be available for evening and weekend commitments as needed.

• Perform other duties as assigned by the Pastor or Superintendent.

• Spiritual and Personal

  • A practicing Roman Catholic in full communion with the Church.

  • A strong commitment to Catholic education and the Church’s evangelizing mission.

  • Evidence of active participation in a parish faith community.

• Educational and Professional

  • Graduate degree in Educational Leadership or equivalent from an accredited institution.

  • Hold or be eligible to obtain a valid Florida Educational Leadership Certificate (All Levels).

  • Meet Florida Department of Education and accrediting agency requirements for school principals.

  • Possess or be willing to obtain Diocesan Ministry Certification (Levels I and II).

  • Demonstrated knowledge of best practices in pedagogy, curriculum, and child development.

• Skills and Competencies

  • Strong written, verbal, public speaking, and interpersonal communication skills.

  • Effective leadership, problem-solving, and organizational skills.

  • Technological proficiency, including word processing and school management systems.

  • Ability to manage multiple priorities with professionalism, flexibility, and resilience.

  • Reliable transportation and ability to travel for diocesan meetings as needed.

  • Must be able to successfully complete a criminal background check and take a Protecting God's Children class before beginning employment.  For the Background Screening Clearinghouse Education and Awareness website, visit https://info.flclearinghouse.com.