Principal Opening at St. Mary Catholic School (Greeley) for the 2024-25 SY

THE POSITION: The school Principal is a disciple on mission to spread the Good News, who meets the requirements to administer the overall education program in a Catholic school in the Archdiocese of Denver, and disciple others within the educational community of the Catholic school to create an "apostolic-friendly" environment that will encourage creative missionary initiative in the school.

As the leader of the school, the principal plays a critical role in safeguarding and promoting the aim of the school, which is to lead students to encounter and grow as students of Jesus Christ, directing the school's activity, learning, teaching, culture, and formation towards that aim.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES: The principal is responsible for directing all work of the school to the direction of the Holy Spirit, providing opportunities to students for Catholic growth, and ministering to students and staff. The principal is responsible for administering the school’s education program, supervising teaching, administrative, and support staff, implementing curriculum guidelines and standards, and supervising and directing all other programs and services provided at or by the school. The principal is expected to abide by the policies and procedures of the local school, the Archdiocese of Denver, and the Office of Catholic Schools. The principal interacts and relates to students, parents, parish and school communities, the Board of directors/trustees, and the general public.

The vision for St. Mary is rooted in providing quality, affordable Catholic education to its students. We continue to support parents who seek an education that is second to none and is found in a safe, loving, nurturing environment. We strive to promote excellence in each student -- spiritually, academically, emotionally, psychologically, and physically. The strong partnership between home, school, and parish is Catholic at its core. St. Mary is a close community where everyone is supported and welcomed and where our shared Catholic faith in God is at the heart of everything we do. We strive to maintain a fiscally responsible school while offering a tuition rate that is affordable. Together, our community works to meet the challenges of today’s society, preparing our children for an unknown future and making saints for our Church. At St. Mary Catholic School, we believe the pursuit of Truth through academic study should serve a deeper purpose than simply being able to pass a test; instead, our school is committed to forming students who pursue life-long learning as the means to constantly encounter and embrace the Truth in Christ Jesus the source of all life and salvation. 

Facts about St. Mary Catholic School: 

• 187 students and 16 faculty members 
• Weekly school Masses 
• Catholic traditions such as Stations of the Cross, Feast Day celebrations, seasonal Reconciliation, and weekly Rosary 
• School Counselor for student support 
• Para educators to support inclusive education 
• Spanish, Art, Music, and PE classes for students in grades K-8 
• Student life activities include Choir, Lego Club, and Chess 
• Sports include soccer, volleyball, basketball, and track and field 
• Active parent groups such as Parent/Teacher Organization (PTO), School Advisory Council (SAC) 
• The administration team includes a Preschool Director, Office Manager, and Athletic Director 

Perfectly situated on the high plains with panoramic views of the Rocky Mountains, Greeley is a destination you will never forget. Greeley has big-city amenities and a hometown welcome where you can explore something new or different, relax & refresh, and find outdoor adventures in 300 days of sunshine. Under the protection of Jesus and the Blessed Mother and guided by the Holy Spirit, St. Mary Catholic School is a faith-centered academic community that encourages service to God and others and strives to form the hearts, minds, and souls of our students in the Gospel of Jesus Christ and the Catholic faith. The Catholic School Principal serves as the school’s spiritual and educational leader and is responsible for exercising independent judgment in implementing a broad array of programs and functions while supporting the mission and objectives of St. Mary Parish and the Archdiocese of Denver. The principal collaborates with the pastor and the administrative team in school facilities, marketing, community relations, and events decisions. In this role, the Principal is directly responsible to Father Wojciech Gierasimczyk, pastor of St. Mary and the Archdiocese of Denver’s Superintendent.

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS: The following are considered minimum requirements for persons seeking employment as a principal in the Archdiocese of Denver. A principal hired for an archdiocesan Catholic school shall:

• Must be a fully initiated Catholic in the communion of the Catholic Church and intentionally living out the five precepts of the Church (CCC 2041-2043)

• Assent to the Church's teachings on all matters, with particular care for those concerning the nature of the human person, sexual ethics, and sexual morality

• Refrain from the public promotion or approval of, or the living out of, any conduct or lifestyle that would reflect discredit or disgrace on, or cause scandal in relationship to, the Archdiocese of Denver, or considered to be in contradiction with Catholic doctrine or morals

• Have a strong commitment to the importance of the Catholic school ministry to the mission of the Church

• Possess graduate level academic credentials and/or professional background in education, leadership, or related field

• Have previous teaching experience; previous administrative experience is preferred

• Be committed to the Archdiocese of Denver's vision and philosophy for Catholic education

• Be committed to a Catholic educational program rooted in the liberal arts, the foundations of Western civilization, an understanding of history that highlights the essential contributions of Christianity to the development of Western culture, and literature that enables young men and women to grapple with the big questions of life in pursuit of what is true, good, and beautiful

• Possess a strong, positive, can-do attitude, with a strong bias for action based on realistic, specific, and attainable goals

• Demonstrate good judgment, discretion, and confidentiality

• Demonstrate proficiency in the use of digital platforms, software programs, and tools as part of the online curriculum being provided to families

• Compliance with Safe Environment requirements

Ideal candidates:

• Bring awareness and understanding of adolescent development and the challenges adolescents and young adults face in the secular and morally relativist world of today
• Are supportive and willing to drive ongoing school renewal through the strengthening of authentic Catholic education
• Are collaborative leaders who evaluate information before making a decision/taking action
• Exude trust and respect among students, faculty, parents, and Boards
• Possess a strong, positive, can-do attitude with a strong bias for action, based on realistic, specific, and attainable goals

In addition, the principal is expected to adhere to the minimum requirements for Catechist certification as set forth by the Archdiocese of Denver. Our 2024-25 Community Beliefs School Leaders statement is available for review. All principal applicants must be screened and approved by the Office of Catholic Schools prior to local interviews with Search committees.

Benefits offered as part of an overall compensation package include:

• Comprehensive and generous medical, dental, vision, and prescription coverage
• Paid personal (2) and sick (10) leave per academic year
• Pension plan
• Employer-paid life insurance, short- and long-term disability
• Voluntary life insurance