Job Description

Catholic Schools Office of the Diocese of Paterson

The Catholic Schools Office of the Diocese of Paterson is seeking applicants for the position of Principal of Saint Philip Preparatory School, Clifton, NJ, a PK-8 elementary school, for the 2026-2027 school year. Closing date is April 4, 2026.

Job Description: St. Philip Preparatory School Principal, Clifton, NJ

The responsibilities of the principal include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Religious: Ensures that the school's mission, vision, and philosophy reflect Church teaching. Supervises the religious education program. Invites and coordinates the involvement of parish clergy into the life of the school. Provides for the ongoing spiritual development of students, faculty, and parents. Strives to build an active faith community among teachers, parents, and students.
• Administration: Administers the spiritual, academic, athletic, and extra-curricular programs of the school. Oversees and provides for a safe environment and a well-disciplined student body. Maintains adequate records. Provides for the professional development of the faculty. Attends professional meetings, Diocesan and local.
• Personnel: Interviews and recommends teachers to be hired. Supervises and evaluates teachers and staff. Delineates faculty responsibilities and expectations in a faculty handbook. Schedules regular faculty meetings and establishes internal channels of communication.
• Curriculum: Understands the scope and sequence of the present Diocesan curriculum. Reviews curriculum in relation to school philosophy, needs of present students, and continuity. Involves faculty in selecting texts and materials.
• Finances and Government Aid: Cooperates in the budget-planning process with the pastor and education council. Carefully keeps all financial records. Oversees the financial program of the school.
• Public Relations and Community-Building: Oversees and supports the endeavors of the Parent Association. Plans for regular communication with parents and other constituents. Organizes a volunteer program to invite parent involvement in the school. Works with the Parent Association and the Education Council to strengthen the school community.

Principal Qualifications

A practicing Roman Catholic in good standing with the Church. A commitment to the development of a Christian spirit and a Catholic community of faith within a school. A Master's degree, preferably in educational administration. A minimum of five years of teaching experience, preferably in Catholic Schools. Such experience should be sufficiently broad to provide an understanding of the Pre-K 8 structure and the potential to function as an educational leader in an elementary school. Hold appropriate New Jersey administrative certification. Successful completion of the New Jersey Leader to Leader Program. In the event that a person is hired who has not completed such a program, he or she must begin and complete the program during the first two years as principal. Have leadership ability as evidenced by performance in educational assignments, i.e., have the capacity, enthusiasm, intelligence and patience to inspire teachers, children, parents, clergy, and local school community leaders.

Application Procedure

Any person seeking a principal's position in the Catholic schools of the Diocese of Paterson must file an application with the Catholic Schools Office. All applicants must submit a completed application form, a resume, cover letter, and transcripts--copies are acceptable; if employed, originals would then need to be submitted. When all required information is received, the applicant will be notified that the file is complete. Names of applicants whose files are complete are submitted to search committees when positions become open. If the search committee is interested in a particular applicant, the Catholic Schools Office will contact the applicant and arrange for an interview. The search committee will also check all references as well as contact all current and previous employers. If there are no openings or if an applicant is not offered a position, periodically, an applicant will be asked if he or she wishes to keep his or her file active and, therefore, to update his or her file. Completing the application process is not a guarantee to anyone that he or she will be interviewed for a position or will obtain a position in a Catholic school in the Diocese of Paterson. The Catholic Schools Office does not hire principals. However, no person can be considered for an administrative position in a Catholic school unless he or she follows the application process as outlined. Because of the religious nature of Catholic schools, in all cases, the lifestyle, philosophy, and beliefs of an applicant will be considered and are expected to be consistent with the teachings and beliefs of the Catholic Church. In addition, all Catholic applicants are expected to be in good standing with the Church: E.G., Roman Catholics not married according to the laws of the Roman Catholic Church are not eligible for employment in a Catholic school; likewise, persons baptized in the Roman Catholic Church who are now members of another church are not eligible for employment in a Catholic school. Application materials, once completed, are to be submitted to the Catholic Schools Office electronically. When submitted electronically, in lieu of a signature on the application, the candidate may type his or her name in the appropriate place. Completed application forms and supporting documents are for the use of the Catholic Schools Office and schools in the Diocese of Paterson, and these materials will NOT be forwarded to anyone else even at the applicant's request.

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