Principal Position Overview

Optimize Innovative Programs and Enhance Academic Excellence

This instructional leader will evaluate and refine Villa Maria Academy’s innovative offerings and academic programs to ensure they align with its mission, positively impact student learning, and model the Academy’s high standards of academic excellence. The principal will lead efforts to focus resources and the use of time on the most effective programs, student scheduling and establishing mechanisms for evaluating their ongoing success and adaptation.  This leader will be involved in any strategic planning for the school. The leader will develop and execute a clear educational vision aligned with the school’s mission and ensure the program evolves in response to student needs and institutional goals.

Continuing Care for Dedicated Faculty and Staff

The principal will build trust by leading the Academy with care, empathy, consistency, and curiosity. This leader will cultivate a positive school culture that supports the holistic development of staff and students.  The principal will promote a collaborative, engaging environment for faculty and staff.  The principal will oversee the supervision, evaluation and professional development of the faculty.  Understanding sophisticated change management to support educators who are trying new teaching structures and methods will be essential, as well as noticing and celebrating both the daily efforts and the major milestones in the work of the faculty and staff. The principal will have a gregarious, strong, and joyful presence in classrooms, at games and performances, and in the student life program.

Strengthen communication and build partnerships for sustainable growth

The principal manages the academic leaders of the school—administrative leaders and academic initiatives, and in collaboration with the president, is involved in the growth and sustainability of the school. The principal will build a high performing team to build leadership, trust, clear communication, delegation, and accountability while leveraging the wisdom of colleagues to make the best possible decisions on behalf of the Academy.

Position Responsibilities

The principal oversees the day-to-day operations and development of the academic program and community for grades 9-12. In addition, the principal, in collaboration with the president, shares the responsibility of safeguarding, maintaining and celebrating the VMA mission and culture as well as the IHM legacy.  The position entails contributing to strategic initiatives and operational goals as a member of the school’s leadership team and fostering a purposeful and inclusive learning environment aligned with Villa Maria Academy’s values and vision. Duties and responsibilities include but are not limited to:

GENERAL ADMINISTRATION

• Accountability to the president and Board of Trustees for the proper implementation of administrative duties such as the school calendar, the curriculum and textbook selection, the assignment of teacher schedules and classes, and extracurricular responsibilities.
• Serves as an ex-officio member on the Board of Trustees and such Board committees as determined appropriate by the president and the Board. The principal works cooperatively with the committees of the Board.
• Meets regularly with the president for the purpose of mutual planning and sharing regarding major developments and achievements in the school community.
• Is responsible for all aspects of the day-to- day operations of the school and works with supportive assistants to assure consistency with the school’s mission, core values, policies, and goals.
• Serves as the official representative of the school to major academic organizations in which the school has membership and/or affiliation.
• Serves as the Incident commander in the event of a safety incident on campus.
• In addition to the responsibilities outlined in this job description, the principal may, from time to time, be asked to assume other tasks by the president.
• The principal collaborates with the president to ensure the entire school community’s understanding of the historical contributions and legacy of the Sisters, Servants of the Immaculate Heart of Mary, the IHM charism, the school’s mission, and understanding of the school’s core values.

STAFFING and PROGRAM RESPONSIBILITIES

• The principal, in consultation with the director of curriculum, is responsible for recruiting and hiring new faculty members to fill the academic needs of the school. The principal also directs the selection, development and evaluation of the faculty, the assistant principal(s), and other assisting administrative staff members.
• Responsible for the selection and orientation of new instructional staff, selection of department heads and all academic calendars and offerings. This orientation involves acquainting the new members, not only with the nature and mission of Villa Maria Academy, but also with the IHM Mission.
• Directs long-range planning in the various curricular areas and other academic programs.
• Collaborates with the director of curriculum and instruction and the department heads (Academic Council) to determine the overall course of studies in each discipline in order to assure maximum academic growth and to guarantee that each student meets or exceeds the state requirements for graduation.
• Consults with the president on the renewal or nonrenewal of faculty contracts and the work assignments of supporting staff members. The principal must operate within the framework of the approved budget.
• Encourages and promotes the implementation of instructional resources, strategies, and equipment so students with varying needs can be served. This includes the faculty handbook to ensure it keeps in accord with the school’s mission, its policies and procedures.
• Responsible for overseeing the academic master schedule of the school, setting class sizes, and assigning both the teaching and extracurricular responsibilities as the needs of the school require.
  • Selects department heads based on an appropriate application process and either selects or delegates the appointment of club moderators.
  • Responsible for in-service programs for faculty and staff to assist them in professional growth and in gaining a better understanding of the IHM mission of the school.
• In partnership with the department heads, professional staff members, and other stakeholders, the principal formulates educational procedures that align with the values and mission of the school.
• Collaborates with the president in an ongoing review of the school’s programs, policies and activities to assure that they are in correct relationship to the IHM mission of the school.

STUDENT SERVICES

• Provides for a comprehensive program of counseling services for the students, including the availability of spiritual and emotional guidance along with the academic guidance necessary for a· successful high school career and adequate preparation for college.
• Responsible for establishing a climate that promotes a positive and restorative learning environment and provides for the safety of all students and adults in the building.
• Ensure that discipline is rendered in a fair, reasonable, and just manner and that all aspects of the code of conduct are periodically updated, published, and understood by all faculty, students and parents.
• Follows the written policy in enforcing withdrawal or dismissal of a student and should consult with the president before the final decision is rendered.
• Ensures that the athletic director and the school’s athletic programs comply with all state and archdiocesan rules and regulations and are in alignment with the school’s mission.

Qualifications and Personal Attributes

The Academy seeks the following in its next Principal:

• Mission driven, servant-leader ready to learn and honor the IHM charism of the school.
• Practicing Catholic with a strong commitment to Catholic education and single-sex (girls') education.
• Advanced degree in educational leadership and current or eligible for Pennsylvania Principal Certification.
• A minimum of five years of successful experience in high school administration.
• Demonstrated excellence in communication, organizational, and interpersonal skills.
• Valid Pennsylvania state clearances as well as VIRTUS Safe environment training
• Proactive and effective communicator;
• Warm and engaging presence, relational leadership style;
• Teaching experience, and genuine appreciation of high school students and teachers;
• Empathy, emotional intelligence;
• Open door policy/ability to listen;
• Commitment to adapt to the VMA culture;
• Strategic thinking and sound decision-making abilities;