Catholic Elementary Principal

Catholic Elementary Principal
St. John Paul II School – Sacred Heart Pastorate, Mitchell, SD
Salary Range: $62,500.00 – $70,000.00 per year

Are you a dedicated Catholic educator and leader who is passionate about faith
formation and academic excellence? St. John Paul II School is hiring an elementary
school (PK – 6) principal for the 2025/2026 school year. 

We seek a visionary, future-focused leader who is energetic and capable of inspiring others. A successful candidate is a practicing Roman Catholic and intentional disciple of Jesus Christ who will inspire a shared vision of the value of Catholic education across all constituencies.

The principal will lead our faculty and staff in the transition to a Catholic Liberal
Education and help to establish new faith-filled traditions. This administrator is expected to promote the strategic plan and the mission of the St. John Paul II school:
St. John Paul II Elementary strives to create a community that promotes Catholic
values, academic excellence and stewardship which will allow each child to achieve
their highest potential and become a lifelong Disciple of Christ.

The Elementary Principal serves as the spiritual, educational, and administrative leader
of St. John Paul II School. As a public figure, the principal must be comfortable
speaking publicly and communicating the vision of Catholic Liberal Education effectively.
 

This position will oversee the school’s organization and administration. This role is an
opportunity to foster a strong Catholic culture while ensuring high academic standards
and operational excellence.

Key Responsibilities
* Faith & Mission Leadership: Promote the mission, vision, and values of St.
John Paul II School, modeling Catholic teachings in word and action while
integrating faith into all aspects of education.
* Academic Excellence: Lead faculty in delivering a rigorous, faith-centered
curriculum that develops students as critical thinkers and lifelong learners.                                *  Faculty & Staff Development: Hire, mentor, and support teachers, fostering
professional growth and instructional excellence.
* School Operations & Safety: Oversee daily operations, facility maintenance,
student records, and school safety protocols.
* Parental & Community Engagement: Maintain strong relationships with
parents, parish leaders, parishioners, and stakeholders through effective
communication and collaboration.
*  Financial & Strategic Planning: Work collaboratively with the Pastor, Pastorate
Leadership Team, the school Advisory Committee, and the Development Director
to manage budgeting, fundraising, and long-term strategic initiatives.

Qualifications
*  Be an active and practicing Catholic in good standing that follows the Code of
Ethical Standards for the Diocese of Sioux Falls (cf. Code of Ethical Standards
Appendix IV), capable of serving as the spiritual leader of the school.
*  Bachelor’s degree in Catholic Studies, Liberal Arts, Education or a related field is
required; a Master’s degree in Catholic School Leadership or Educational
Leadership is preferred.
*  Experience in teaching and/or school administration (elementary level and
Catholic school experience preferred).
*  South Dakota principal certification or eligibility to obtain.
*  Strong leadership, communication, and decision-making skills.
*  Be interested and willing to be involved in professional and spiritual growth that
includes, but not limited to, attendance at Diocesan meetings and workshops,
regional and national professional development opportunities.
*  Proficiency with Google/Microsoft platforms and relevant educational technology.
 

Why Join Us?
At St. John Paul II School, we are committed to developing students as faithful disciples
and scholars. If you are a faith-filled, mission-driven leader ready to make a lasting
impact on Catholic education, we invite you to apply.

Apply Today!
To apply, please submit a letter of interest which includes your educational philosophy, a
resume, transcripts, credentials, copy of current teacher’s certificate, and contact
information for three references. Also include a letter of reference from your local parish priest of your status as a Catholic in good standing. Send all materials to Holy Family
Church, 222 N Kimball St, Mitchell, SD 57301 or
businessmanager@mitchellcatholic.org.

Guided by Faith. Driven by Excellence.