Career Center

PreK-8 Catholic School Principal

Saint Patrick Catholic School - Tacoma, Washington

JOB TITLE

PreK-8 Catholic School Principal

SUPERVISOR

Rev. David Mulholland, Pastor

Saint Patrick Catholic School, located in the North End of Tacoma, Washington, has been an integral part of the community for more than 120 years. With sweeping views of the Puget Sound and a connection to a thriving parish, it is both a neighborhood school and a destination for all students seeking a quality, faith-filled Catholic education. Saint Patrick has 436 students currently enrolled in the school, which comprises several Pre-K classrooms with double grades through Grade 8. Saint Patrick Catholic School continues to receive the highest level of accreditation approval (6-year) from the Western Catholic Educational Association. Our Parish and School Community are committed to the growth and success of the school, which draws students from across the county. As a result of support from our community as part of a significant capital campaign, our school building has benefitted from substantial remodeling over the past 5 years, including our updated early learning center, which was remodeled in summer 2023. With robust enrollment, we also enjoy a balanced budget and competitive pay for our staff. 

GENERAL JOB DESCRIPTION

We seek a visionary and whole-child focused principal to join us in our mission to provide the highest quality Catholic faith-based education. Candidates are required to be committed, practicing Roman Catholics who are involved community members. Ideal candidates are likewise enthusiastic representatives of the Catholic faith, spiritual leaders, and champions of exceptional academic, social, emotional, and religious/spiritual standards.

MAJOR DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Religious/Spiritual Formation

• Collaborates with the pastor in implementing the mission of the Parish and the school as its primary ministry.
• Ensures the development and implementation of an overall learning environment, which promotes Catholic faith formation/education, Christian virtue, moral and ethical decision-making, Catholic social teaching, and Christian leadership. 

Supervision and Operations

• Collaborates with the School Commission and other parent/teacher organizations. 
• Collaborates with the vice principal, faculty, and staff for the implementation of all policies and programs of the school.
• Oversees the development of an overall financial plan for the school and develops and executes the annual budget process. 
• Responds to and resolves complaints and concerns of students, staff, parents, and community members.
• Ensures the preparation and submission of all necessary reports to the state and Archdiocesan Catholic Schools Department. 
• Leads overall school compliance and implementation of policy. 
• Ensures the development and maintenance of effective communication systems between parents, teachers, and school administrators. 
• Interprets and implements policies related to faculty, staff, and students.
• Participates with private and public schools in the community in facilitating joint programs and/or the acquisition of joint supplies and leveraged resources/services with the local school district and other partners.
• Engages in the supervision of all certified and support staff.
• Manages and evaluates assistant principal.
• Screens, interviews, and recommends the selection of staff.

Curriculum and Instruction

• Acts as a visionary instructional leader who maintains a whole child and comprehensive approach to student learning/formation aligned to the school’s mission. 
• Ensures the development, implementation, and evaluation of a comprehensive curriculum program, which complies with Archdiocesan and state standards and of curriculum requirements. 
• Ensures that learning standards are developed and maintained for students with an inclusive approach to teaching and learning.  
• Ensures the development of policy and process for discipline and the formation of students. 
• Leads the building of comprehensive goals and facilitates the delivery of programs, student discipline, scheduling assessments, and recordkeeping.
• Supervises, develops, and evaluates certified staff, ensuring that the proper elements of instruction are implemented; coordinates the teacher supervision and evaluation processes/professional growth process. 

Safety and Security 

• Manages school safety and security processes, including crisis management procedures.
• Ensures a positive, proactive, and safe climate and culture. 

School Advancement

• Leads, supports, and collaborates on fundraising and development initiatives, including but not limited to, the annual fund campaign, capital campaign, and the school’s primary fundraiser, the annual REACH auction.
• Oversees school enrollment services and advancement efforts for student/family retention and community engagement.  
• Along with the development office, works to secure private, state, local, and federal grants designed to subsidize costs related to facilities, curriculum, and expanding educational offerings.

Facilities/Maintenance

• Coordinates the building and grounds maintenance program at the building level.
• Co-supervises custodial services within the building and grounds. 

Auxiliary Services  

• Manages school athletics, service projects, school travel, evening school functions, and attends school-related community events.

QUALIFICATIONS FOR THE JOB

Fundamental Requirement: All candidates must be practicing Roman Catholics and hold a current Washington State Principal Credential (or similar credential).

Experience: Candidates should have experience such that they should be able to successfully assume responsibility for the day-to-day operation and administration of, as well as forward planning, for the school.

Other: Applicants should be prepared to work closely with the Pastor, the Parish, Pastoral Assistant for Administration, the school Financial Administrator, School Commission, and parents/guardians, as well as work collaboratively with their fellow principals and the Archdiocesan Catholic Schools Office to ensure the vitality of our collective school community.

The Principal should be passionate about the formation of children in the Catholic faith and grounded in research-based and relevant educational practices. 

KEY COMPETENCIES

Interpersonal Skills

Leadership Skills

Conflict Prevention and Resolution Skills

Persuasive Written and Oral Skills

Strong Organizational and Personnel Management 

Excellent Oral and Written Communication

Salary: $95,000-$135,000

Any offered salary is determined based on internal equity, internal salary ranges, market data, applicant’s skills and prior relevant experience, degrees, and certifications.

Benefits: A comprehensive package of benefits is offered including two medical plan options, dental, vision, life, accidental death and disability, long term disability, pension, 403(b), HSA, FSA, and generous sick leave, vacation, and holidays.

APPLICATION

To apply, please go to the Office for Catholic Schools website: Archdiocese of Seattle Catholic Schools - Frontline Recruitment (applitrack.com)

Additionally, please send letter of interest and resume to: Principal Search Committee, 1112 North G Street Tacoma, WA 98403

For more information about our school please visit the School/Parish Website: http://www.saintpats.org

Deadline for application: Open until filled

About Archdiocese of Seattle - Office for Catholic Schools

The Archdiocese of Seattle, located in western Washington state, reaches from the Canadian border in the north to the Columbia River on the border between Oregon and Washington states to the south. The schools are joined together as 62 elementary and 11 high schools. The Office for Catholic Schools located in Seattle serves the schools with support for curriculum, staffing and professional development.

Connections working at Archdiocese of Seattle - Office for Catholic Schools