Principal - 2026-2027 School Year

Catholic School Principal - School Year 2026-2027
St. Ambrose Catholic School, Houston, Texas

** All applicants must be practicing Catholics in good standing, with a Master's Degree preferably in Administration or Educational Leadership. 

Position Purpose
The principal fulfills the mission of the Catholic school by serving as the spiritual, instructional, and managerial leader of the school. He or she is responsible for the implementation of the mission, philosophy, objectives, and overall management of the school. As administrator of the school, the principal is also responsible for the professional effectiveness of the faculty and staff, the educational progress of the students, as well as the relationship within the entire school community. The principal of a parochial school reports to the pastor, while the principal of an independent Catholic school reports to the school board. In both cases, the principal operates under the general supervision of the Superintendent of Catholic Schools. 

Essential Functions 

• Supports and upholds the philosophy of Catholic education and the mission of the school
• Acts as a witness to the Gospel values by modeling the teachings of the Catholic Church
• Develops a school climate reflecting Catholic identity
• Develops and administers school programs consistent with Archdiocesan goals and objectives.
• Provides leadership and direction to staff with regard to the ongoing evaluation and improvement of educational programs, including curricular and extra-curricular activities.
• Promotes a school environment that is safe and conducive to individualized instruction, cooperative curriculum development, and student learning.
• Promotes Catholic identity within the school through liturgical celebrations, faith development, integration of Gospel values, and the practice of Christian service.
• Ensures that policies and procedures are implemented and followed at the school.
• Maintains the accreditation of the school according to TCCED standards.
• Oversees the certification of religion teachers according to diocesan policy.
• Responsible for the development and management of the annual school budget throughout the fiscal year.
• Oversees development goals and activities and seeks resources and support beyond the school.
• Works effectively with the Advisory School Council to establish goals for school effectiveness.
• Fosters collaboration between parish(es), pastor(s), and the school.
• Implements and reviews long-range strategic planning.
• Demonstrates professionalism in conduct, demeanor, and work habits.
• Maintains a work schedule that maximizes availability to the school, students and staff.
• Provides for an orderly school environment and promotes student self-discipline.
• Participates in professional development, including archdiocesan principal meetings and in-services.
• Maintains confidentiality regarding school matters.
• Communicates effectively with students, parents, and other professionals.
• Works collaboratively with parent organizations in supporting the students, faculty and staff of the school.
• Works closely with pastor and parish staff around mission, facility usage, and financial management.
• Maintains and fosters relations with donors of the school
• Promotes enrollment efforts to grow the school community.
• Leads and supports teacher growth and instructional improvement through consistent observation, coaching, feedback, and professional development.
• Coordinates the work of school staff and campus leaders to develop and implement instructional programs and teaching practices.
• Conducts ongoing assessment of student learning and works with teaching staff to modify instructional methods to fit students' needs, including students with special needs.
• Coordinates with the Catholic Schools Office in recruitment and selection of employees, the proper maintenance of employee personnel files, corrective action, and other human resource issues.
• Involves staff in the evaluation of programs and the planning of new programs.
• Encourages parental involvement in students' education and ensures effective communication with students and parents.
• Ensures that student conduct conforms with the school's standards and archdiocesan policies.
• Organizes and manages the budgetary and financial affairs of the school consistent with archdiocesan policies 

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities 

• Knowledge of the basic teachings of the Catholic Church.
• Knowledge of instructional methods/strategies and curriculum differentiation.
• Knowledge of child and adolescent development, learning, and behavior.
• Knowledge of effective assessment methods.
• Ability to work well with others in the school community.
• Ability to work independently and self-motivate.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality regarding school matters.
• Ability to handle multiple tasks simultaneously.
• Ability to think critically and manage conflict effectively.
• Knowledge of norm-referenced assessments (e.g. universal screeners, achievement measures), including the ability to interpret standardized scores, percentiles, and growth data in order to guide instructional decisions.
• Ability to clearly communicate assessment results to teachers and parents in an accessible and supportive manner.
• Knowledge of instructional needs of students with learning differences and disabilities.
• Knowledge of best practices in administration, program evaluation and staff supervision.
• Knowledge of data information systems, data analysis and the formulation of action plans.
• Effective verbal and written communication skills.
• Ability to communicate effectively with students and parents.
• Ability to engage in self-evaluation with regard to leadership, performance and professional growth.
• Ability to establish and maintain cooperative working relationships with others contacted in the course of work.

Certification/License: 

• Must be a practicing Catholic in good standing with a commitment to ongoing formation in catechetical and spiritual leadership development.
• Must complete Catechist Certification within 5 years from date of hire.
• Texas State Certification preferred.
• Motor Vehicle Operator's License or ability to provide own transportation. 

Education 

• Practicing Catholic with a commitment to ongoing formation in catechetical and spiritual leadership development as defined and monitored by the local ordinary and superintendent.
• Master's degree in Educational Administration and Supervision or Educational Leadership or
• Master's degree plus 18 hours in educational administration and supervision courses or a valid, appropriate state certificate for a principal or
• valid state administrator certification 

Experience 

• A minimum of three years of successful teaching experience at the elementary level, preferably in more than one grade level.
• Successful administrative experience at the elementary school level preferred. 

FLSA Status: Exempt
This is not necessarily an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, skills, or duties, associated with the job.