2026 March to June - Interim Principal - Our Lady of the Snows School

Archdiocese of Chicago, Office of Catholic Schools•Chicago, IL

83d•$60,000 - $94,000

About The Position

The Archdiocese of Chicago, the third largest in the United States, serves more than 2.2 million Catholics in 216 parishes in Cook County and Lake county, a geographic area of 1,411 square miles. The Archdiocese, pastored by Cardinal Blase J. Cupich, has more than 13,000 employees in its systems and ministries, including Catholic Charities, the region's largest nonprofit social service agency. The Archdiocese also has one of the country's largest seminaries. The Archdiocese's 150+ elementary and secondary schools comprise one of the largest U.S. private school systems. Its schools have received 96 U.S. Department of Education Blue Ribbon Awards. The Elementary School Principal, as a lay minister, is the religious, instructional, and community leader of the local Catholic school. The principal oversees the implementation of the strategic goals of the school, collaborating with the local school board, faculty, and other key stakeholders. The Principal is a representative of the Archbishop of Chicago, effectuating his ministry of Catholic education and the religious teachings and doctrine of the Catholic Church at the level of the local school. The elementary school interim principal is hired by the pastor and accountable to him or the juridic person for the operation of the school. The principal is expected to abide by the established policies and procedures of the Archdiocese of Chicago, the Office of Catholic Schools, and the directives of the Superintendent of Catholic Schools. The principal participates in the annual performance review defined by the Office of Catholic Schools. Our Lady of the Snows is deeply committed to both social-emotional learning and academic excellence. We believe that strong relationships among teachers, students, and families are essential to student success. Teachers meet weekly to review student data and ensure every learner is on track. Through coaching and feedback, our educators continually strengthen their practice to provide the highest-quality instruction. This interim role is primarily responsible for maintaining compliance and overseeing school events, including 8th grade activities, during an especially busy time of year. The focus is on following established guidelines, systems, and procedures-such as expectations for teachers, events, compliance, and discipline-rather than making changes to current structures.

Requirements

Active, practicing Catholic in good standing with the Church.
Master's degree (or higher) in school administration or related field.
State certification in school administration.
Archdiocesan Coordinator of Religious Education (CRE).
At least three years (full-time) prior experience in education as a teacher or administrator (Catholic school preferred).

Responsibilities

Promotes and facilitates an environment which fosters the Catholic identity of the school.
Ensures that the faculty is well established, able to teach and witness to the Catholic faith, and meets all catechetical requirements.
Fosters a positive, welcoming school culture that encourages Christian treatment and communication amongst stakeholders.
Encourages active participation of stakeholders in prayer, liturgies, service, and the greater life of the parish.
Promotes parent/guardian partnerships in advancing the mission of the school and the ministry of Catholic education.
Models' professionalism and Catholic values
Ensures all students are engaged in appropriate and rigorous academic learning.
Ensures that instruction meets archdiocesan standards.
Oversees the recruitment, onboarding, development, and evaluation of all teachers and staff.
Develops and implements school improvement goals.
Ensures accuracy of student performance (through various forms) and that assessment data is utilized to promote quality teaching and learning.
Fosters practices to ensure quality learning for students of diverse backgrounds, including various socio-economic groups, students with defined learning needs, and English language learners.
Oversees co-curricular activities (extended school day, sports, activity clubs) ensuring that the programs are compliant with local and archdiocesan policies.
Ensures that the school meets all compliance requirements set forth by the Archdiocese and any/all other relevant agencies, e.g., ISBE, etc.
Works with a local business manager/Operations Director to develop, implement, and monitor the school budget.
Works with the local business manager/Operations Director to implement scholarship programs and the Archdiocesan financial aid tool.
Constructs and implements a targeted marketing and enrollment plan for the school.
Develops appropriate handbooks for school families and school staff.
Ensures the presence, quality, and functionality of the local school board.
Maintains a positive relationship and open lines of communication with the pastor and OCS staff.
Ensures that all staff and volunteers adhere to archdiocesan child protection policies.
Identifies, encourages, and mentors future school leaders.
Maintains accurate local files and records for each student and employee.
Ensures the school environment is safe, clean, and healthy.
Attends archdiocesan and local meetings, as required.