Principal or Vice Principal Principal
Job Description
St. Mary Interparochial School, founded in 1782 by the Jesuit community of Old St. Joseph Parish, a fiscally independent school of the Archdiocese of Philadelphia and a 2016 National Blue Ribbon School of Excellence, is seeking a faith-filled, forward-thinking Principal to build upon our academic achievements with innovative ideas.
Our new Principal must lead by personal witness to the Catholic faith and exhibit passion and compassion in articulating the mission of our school to students, faculty, parents, and the local community. With the support of the Board of Limited Jurisdiction (BLJ), the principal serves as the primary agent for implementing the school strategic plan by creating an environment that builds upon our academic excellence, Catholic faith formation, vitality, and viability.
The ideal candidate will work collegially with a dedicated faculty and an engaged student body to form a highly effective learning community inclusive of all stakeholders, in the ministry of Catholic education. The ability to collaborate with the Pastor Delegate, the BLJ, the Director of Advancement, the Office of Catholic Education, and the Home and School Association are important commitments expected of the Principal.
St. Mary Interparochial School is defined by its mission to be a diverse school, challenging students to grow morally, academically, and socially into passionate, confident, Christ-centered leaders. Our school has a strong academic program and vibrant after-school and STEAM programs and faculty and staff work in concert with growth mindset strategies to increase student achievement.
Catholic Identity is an integral part of our school. With children from over 40 parishes, it is imperative to stress our Catholic Christian strength by fostering student spirituality and providing opportunities for prayer throughout the day, celebrating Mass monthly, with prayer services and student directed prayer during the school year. Students attending St. Mary Interparochial are prepared to receive their Sacraments of Initiation, and do receive them at their home parishes.
Our current enrollment is 260 students in grades K – 8; our capacity is 225, and this is the 10th year our enrollment has exceeded capacity. The compact building houses all classes and programs, hosts a working library with a highly qualified school certified librarian, a Title One classroom, an Honors Math classroom, and a roof-top school yard. Students in grades K – 3 use iPads and scholars in grades 4 – 8 use Chromebooks on a daily basis. Classrooms are equipped with wifi, Apple TVs, and SmartBoards, and teachers are provided with a Tech Tool Kit which includes a MacBook Pro for their professional use.
St. Mary Interparochial School was re-accredited through Middle States in 2014. Currently, specials are offered in Art, Music, Spanish, Technology, and Physical Education. There are ten full time teachers, five part time teachers, one full time school certified librarian, remedial teachers for Math and Reading, a school nurse, a full time Title One Reading teacher. In addition, there is a full time Director of Advancement, two part-time Advancement assistants, a school secretary, a full time K aide, a part-time classroom aide, a part-time custodian, and daily cleaning service.
The Principal candidate should have elementary school leadership experience and interest in the growth mindset and mindfulness, team building, and faculty professional development. He/She should also have a basic knowledge of bookkeeping as the principal is responsible for routine bill payments. The candidate should demonstrate expertise in curriculum implementations, the use of technology in instruction and communication, including use of G Suite. The candidate should be a role model to teachers and staff with regard to professional development. He/She will be required to attend evening and weekend events on occasion. The principal sits as an ex officio member on the Board of Limited Jurisdiction.
The candidate should have exemplary communication and relationship-building skills as well as the ability to work with professionals in advancing the school’s enrollment/retention and resource development.
How to Apply
The applicant should hold an M.A. or M.Ed. in Educational Administration or related area, and other certifications as required by the Office of Catholic Education. An Administration Application packet can be obtained here.
Completed application with all required documents should be emailed as a PDF to Judy Sweeney at jusweeney@archphila.org . Please write St. Mary Interparochial Principal Application on the subject line.
You may also mail completed application with all required documents to:
Office of Catholic Education
222 N. 17th Street
Philadelphia, PA 19103-1299
ATTN: Mrs. Judy Sweeney
All information must be sent in one packet. Only the pastor recommendation may be mailed directly to Office of Catholic Education. Do not send application packet to St. Mary Interparochial School. The Office of Catholic Education is not responsible for materials sent separately. Application will not be processed and forwarded to the school until all required materials are submitted.
