Job Description

Resumes with cover letter may be directed to HR@BSMschool.org

Position overview:

The Office of the High School Principal has as its primary purpose to provide leadership and ensure quality in the academic and student affairs programs for Benilde-St. Margaret’s School to achieve the fullest attainment of its unique Catholic mission.  In collaboration with the President and administrative team, the Principal shares responsibility for the integration of faith and culture within the school through successful academic and student programs, including curriculum development.

The Principal coordinates the program of supervision, observation, and evaluation of the faculty and instructional program and the guidance and counseling program. The Principal coordinates all phases of policy implementation related to academics, instruction, and curriculum and coordinates all student affairs programs and co-curricular activities through the Assistant Principals and Director of Athletics. The Principal is responsible for the successful day-to-day operation of the school as accomplished through effective delegation of responsibilities to the administrators, faculty and staff.

Primary Duties:

Personnel Responsibilities and Professional Development

Identify, attract, develop, and retain high-quality educators with a commitment and passion for delivering a transformational Catholic educational experience.  Act as a fair, personable, and compassionate leader who embraces collaboration while leading with enthusiasm.  Provide ongoing mentoring, professional development and meaningful evaluation of faculty and staff.

• Recruit, employ, supervise, and evaluate faculty and staff who directly report to the principal.
• Perform annual performance evaluations for all persons who report directly to the principal and review and approve all other evaluations of teaching.
• Formally observe selected members of the faculty and provide written feedback annually
• Prepare or update as necessary, job descriptions of all positions that report directly to the principal defining their responsibilities, authority, and accountabilities.
• Appoint department chairs for each academic department.
• Develop and execute a program for professional development for teaching that aligns with the school’s mission and strategic plan goals.
• Provide oversight of new faculty, make mission-based decisions on retention in the first three years of employment.
• Annually review the staffing levels based on the needs of each program area.

Faith Leadership

Provide inspirational Christ-centered servant leadership that embraces, models and champions the traditions and values of Catholic education.   Champion and promote the school’s unique charism, rooted in the traditions of the Sisters of St. Joseph of Carondelet, the Christian Brothers, and the Order of St. Benedict.

• Provide direction and support in the articulation of the school’s Catholic identity.
• Ensure the academic program aligns with the vision and mission of the Catholic Church.
• In word and deed, actively support the Catholic identity and faith-based nature of the school.

Curriculum Development

Provide accomplished, passionate, and inclusive academic leadership.  Lead an extensive, innovative, and academically rigorous curriculum that ensures success for all students, based on high standards of excellence.

• Ensure the maintenance of a rigorous curriculum and develop innovative educational programs in support of the BSM mission statement and strategic plan goals.
• Oversee the annual administration of standardized tests, including analysis of results.

Oversee the scope and sequence of the guidance and counseling curriculum and services, including academic counseling, social and emotional support, and college/career services.

• Review, update and oversee publication of the annual Program of Studies.
• Work with department chairs to determine course offerings and sections.
• Oversee the development of the master schedule.
• Sustain accredited status through Cognia.
• Cultivate and sustain a positive learning environment for all students.

Strategic Planning

Provide input and guidance to the academic and overall strategic plan when being developed.  Implement and follow-through on the existing plan or adapt as necessary due to changing conditions. 

Implement strategies and deliver on the goals of the strategic plan as related to academics and student life.

• Serve as a member of the strategic planning committee of the board.
• Attend all board meetings, presenting academic program information and results.

Budgeting and Reporting

Provide financial oversight to all academic department expenditures.  Participate in developing appropriate budgets to achieve strategic goals.  Make difficult decisions in an environment with competing demands and limited resources.

• Oversee academic budget including department budgets and academic supplies and textbooks.
• Approve professional development requests
• Ensure annual reports are submitted to local school districts for reporting and Title funding purposes.

Community Relations

Bring together diverse constituents and stakeholders using collaboration and consensus building skills, working with boards, faculty, staff, students, alumni, and the broader community.  Provide accessible and approachable leadership with a reputation for being extremely visible and interactive on campus, at school events and relating to the students, parents, faculty and staff with energy, enthusiasm and warmth.

• Communicate timely and relevant academic and student life information to faculty, parents and students as needed.
• Attend all school events and activities as assigned.
• Communicate updates and expectations with faculty and staff regularly.
• Serve as a member of the student support team.
• Serve as a member of the admissions committee.

Responsibilities to BSM as a Catholic School:

Employment in and by a Catholic school is substantially different from secular employment. Catholic school employees must conduct themselves in accordance with the Code of Pastoral Conduct, and their public behavior must not violate the faith, morals, or laws of the Catholic Church, such that can embarrass the School or the Church or give rise to scandal.  The High School Principal is expected to be an active, participating Roman Catholic.

Education / Experience (Minimum Required)

Master’s degree or doctorate in educational leadership or equivalent, Minnesota state administrator’s license. Minimum five years classroom experience, and five years in administration. 

Interpersonal skills

Strong positive verbal and written communication skills.

Professional, approachable, and friendly.

Respectful of others.

High level of integrity.

Efficient and well organized.

Ability to work independently with little supervision.

Ability to handle difficult situations with tact and diplomacy.

Patient and calm demeanor under pressure.

About Benilde-St. Margaret's School

Benilde-St. Margaret's is a Catholic, co-educational college-preparatory school serving 1,100 students in grades 6-12. From its founding until today, BSM is committed to providing every student with the best educational experience. BSM enjoys a reputation of excellence because of our dedication to providing a personal experience for students with leading-edge learning opportunities, extensive athletic and co-curricular opportunities, faith formation, and a robust service-learning program. Empowered to think, lead, and serve, BSM students are immersed in a culture grounded in Christian love. Our Mission: We educate, empower, and inspire learners within a Catholic community to lead lives of faith, achieve academic excellence, and contribute meaningfully to a global society.

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