Principal - Private School at St. Philips School & Community Center – Dallas, Texas

St. Philip’s School and Community Center’s MISSION is to provide an unparalleled education and compatible community services through a faith-based experience, with emphasis on serving low and moderate-income families. Our VISION is to transform the world by faith, education, and service. St. Philip’s has been a source of light and hope in the South Dallas/Fair Park community for over 80 years. The school, accredited by the Independent School Association of the Southwest (ISAS), serves 240 students, grades PK3 – 8th grade, while thousands of children, youth, and adults are served through a myriad of social services and educational programs offered through The Community Center. This includes a dynamic athletics program, Our Community Pantry (operated in partnership with North Texas Food Bank), a S.T.E.A.M. curriculum-based summer program (operated in partnership with TI, Big Thought, and AmeriCorps), and a senior citizen transportation program.

The position of Principal is a member of the St. Philip’s School and Community Center administrative team and is the head of the School Department. The position reports to the Headmaster/Executive Director. This position is full-time, exempt.

Job Summary

The Principal will be an experienced, energetic, and innovative person of integrity and serve as the academic and pastoral leader of the school community. The successful applicant will be a relationship-builder, forging partnerships with all constituencies. The principal will participate fully in the life of the school, be an exceptional communicator and team-builder, embrace change, and demonstrate the ability to articulate a vision and to plan strategically for the future.

The Principal is charged with the comprehensive responsibility for all activities involving students and faculty. The successful candidate will be a master educator and mentor and will have exceptional interpersonal skills.

Job Duties & Responsibilities

• Conducts regular meetings with faculty which will deal both with routine school matters and with the stimulating exchange of ideas on issues of educational/philosophical interest and concern.
• Oversee the coordination of the co-curricular and extra-curricular activity programs of the school; to assist in the planning and the presentation of school assemblies and programs; to assist in maintaining a comprehensive calendar of school events; to keep the entire school community informed of various school programs and activities.
• Provide for the academic guidance of students; to maintain complete academic records on all students; to oversee the grading and the reporting of standards and methods used by teachers in measuring student achievement.
• Responsible for establishing guidelines for proper student conduct and dress; to maintain student discipline consonant with school policies; to monitor students’ adherence to established school rules; to maintain accurate records of student attendance and citizenship.
• Be a visible presence in all areas of the school; to work toward a resolution of all problems - both routine and unique - as they arise; to keep the head of school informed of the general programs, activities, and problems of the school.
• Prepare a master school class schedule and to assign teachers and students to classes and other obligations.
• Serve as a consultant to teachers in matters of classroom management, teaching methods, and general school procedures.
• Assist in the admission process for the testing, interviewing, and evaluating of applicants for enrollment.
• Perform other duties as assigned.
• Support the missions of the organization, the school and its leadership.

The ideal candidate will be a highly capable leader who is adept at communicating and collaborating with all stakeholders. Preferred qualifications include a principal license (or in progress), a teacher certification and prior experience in management of employees. Candidates must be passionate about deepening the school’s commitment to innovation, understand the positive impact of technology on education, and work to enhance the student-centered program of the school.

Education & Experience

• Masters degree or higher
• Minimum of 5 years of school administrative experience
• Commitment to lead educational initiatives based on education research
• Demonstrated leadership skills in guiding teaching and learning best practices and fostering a strong Christian educational environment
• Demonstrated administrative and organizational skills to effectively lead faculty and staff
• Strong communication skills to effectively connect with all constituents, including students, faculty, parents, Board members and administrative colleagues
• Demonstrated strategic thinking, planning and implementation of initiatives through collaborative leadership
• Strong knowledge and understanding of technology as a tool to support high quality teaching and learning
• Independent school knowledge and experience a plus

Ideal candidate must demonstrate Employee Core Values:

Servant Heart

Respectful

Trustworthy

Pursuing Excellence

Collaborative

Dedicated

Physical requirements:

• Position requires prolonged standing and sitting, bending, stooping and stretching. Position requires eye-hand coordination and manual dexterity sufficient to operate a keyboard, photocopier, telephone, calculator, and other office equipment.
• Position requires normal range of hearing and vision to record, prepare and communicate appropriate reports. Position requires occasional lifting up to 45 pounds, on occasion.

Working conditions:

• Employee works in a typical n a school and/or office setting, the employee must be able to manage multiple tasks. Employee may be required to work overtime as it aligns with being in an exempt position.
• Employee is, during work hours, always vigilant as a supervisor of children.

Typical mental requirement:

Employee must be able to give, receive and analyze information, prepare written materials, and input information into a computer. Employee must understand people and effectively communicate with them, answering questions in a professional and courteous manner. The position requires public contact and excellent interpersonal skills. The employee must be able to make effective decisions in the supervisor’s absence.