Principal Position – Saint Raymond Catholic School

ST. RAYMOND SCHOOL PRINCIPAL SEARCH PROSPECTUS
Archdiocese of San Francisco Reports to: Pastor and Superintendent of Schools
Grounded in the Catholic faith and committed to academic excellence, the Catholic schools of the Archdiocese of San Francisco cultivate the virtuous life, nurture Christian community, and nourish a Catholic worldview. The call to be a Catholic school leader is not only professional, but spiritual – to live as a witness to the Gospel of Christ. It is a call to be a visionary, to lead teachers, and build a “school of the Lord’s service” that embodies the Catholic faith and academic excellence. A principal in a Catholic School is called to be a religious leader, instructional leader, administrator, communicator, and witness to Christian discipleship. These are important ministries within the Church, which require motivation towards excellence as the principal of a Catholic school.
ARCHDIOCESE OF SAN FRANCISCO EDUCATION MISSION STATEMENT:
Grounded in the Catholic faith and committed to academic excellence, the Catholic schools of the Archdiocese of San Francisco cultivate the virtuous life, nurture Christian community, and nourish a Catholic worldview.
PARISH MISSION STATEMENT:
Saint Raymond Parish is a community united by our Catholic Faith as disciples of Jesus Christ. We seek communion with God the Father, Son and Holy Spirit through ongoing personal and communal conversion to Christ and a deeper commitment to the mission Jesus gives each of us to preach the Gospel. The Sacred Scriptures and sacraments of the Church sustain us. We dedicate ourselves to Truth and strive to grow in love of God and our neighbor through community, prayer, study, and
service, as we work by grace to build up in one another and share freely with others the abundance of magnificent gifts God has given us.
PARISH VISION STATEMENT:
St. Raymond Parish is a family. As disciples of Jesus, we are “children of God” and “brothers and sisters in Christ.” Jesus himself says, “Whoever does the will of my Father in heaven is my brother, and sister, and mother” (Matthew 12:50). We welcome all to belong to our Catholic family and to inherit with us in Christ the mission to preach the Gospel!
SCHOOL MISSION STATEMENT:
St. Raymond School nurtures the whole student with a faith-centered Catholic education, fostering a strong sense of community where students pursue academic excellence. Upholding moral responsibility and guided by God’s word, they are prepared for a life of growth, leadership and service.
SCHOOL VISION STATEMENT:
St. Raymond School will be a leader in innovative, service-driven, 21st century Catholic education.
WHY LEAD A SCHOOL:
The Principal serves to lead a Catholic school as a community of faith, learning, and formation, ordered toward the truth, goodness, and beauty revealed in Jesus Christ.
This role advances the mission of the Archdiocese of San Francisco by:
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Ensuring the school is unmistakably Catholic in culture and witness
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Forming students intellectually, morally, and spiritually
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Leading adults—faculty, staff, and families—into a shared vision of Catholic education
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Sustaining the long-term vitality of the school through strong leadership, stewardship, and effective management
The call to be a Catholic school leader is not merely professional, but vocational. It requires spiritual maturity, intellectual seriousness, and the capacity to lead others with courage, clarity, and charity.
KEY OUTCOMES OF THE PRINCIPAL ROLE:
1. A Coherent and Lived Catholic Identity
The school operates as a visible and credible ministry of the Church, where faith in Jesus Christ is the animating principle of school life.
2. Strong Instructional and Academic Culture
Teaching and learning are marked by sound pedagogy, intellectual curiosity, joyful inquiry, academic seriousness, and a Catholic worldview that integrates faith and reason.
3. Healthy Faculty & Staff Culture and Leadership Capacity
Faculty and staff are well-formed, mission-aligned, and supported through clear expectations, professional growth, and spiritual leadership.
4. Trusting Partnership with Parents and Parish
Parents are respected as primary educators and engaged in ongoing formation through the school; the school and parish operate in genuine collaboration, with the pastor as the leader of the parish and school community.
5. Operational and Financial Stability
The school is well-managed, compliant, orderly, well-maintained, and positioned for long-term sustainability.
HOW SUCCESS IS MEASURED:
Catholic Identity
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Consistent and frequent sacraments and communal prayer
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Clear articulation of the school’s Catholic mission to parents and faculty
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Observable alignment between stated mission and daily practice
Academic & Instructional Leadership
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High-quality classroom instruction, sound pedagogy rooted in Christian anthropology, and effective supervision
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Coherent curriculum informed by the Catholic and Western intellectual tradition
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Evidence of student growth and thoughtful use of various forms of assessments
Faculty & Staff Culture
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Retention of mission-aligned faculty
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Regular supervision, evaluation, and formative feedback
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Positive staff morale and shared ownership of the mission
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Intellectual and spiritual friendship among the faculty
Community & Governance
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Productive working relationship with pastor, advisory bodies, and the Department of Catholic schools
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Strong family engagement and confidence in leadership
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Effective communication and conflict management
Operational Vitality
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Balanced budgets and responsible financial stewardship
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Compliance with Archdiocesan policies and legal requirements
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Orderly, safe, and well-run school environment
IDEAL CHARACTER TRAITS
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Faithful, practicing Catholic with integrity of life
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A spirit of adventure and entrepreneurship
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Spiritual maturity and humility
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Courage to lead and make difficult decisions
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Intellectual curiosity and love of learning
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Sense of vocation and missionary discipleship
IDEAL COMPETENCIES
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Spiritual and instructional leadership
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Clear and compelling communication
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Faculty supervision, coaching, and evaluation
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Strategic and systems-level thinking
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Relational leadership and conflict navigation
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Organizational and operational management
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Ability to lead change while preserving tradition
IDEAL CONTENT KNOWLEDGE
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Catholic doctrine and Christian morality
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The mission and history of Catholic education
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Sound pedagogy and child development
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Curriculum and assessment practices
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School finance, budgeting, and governance
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Relevant canonical, legal, and Archdiocesan policies
QUALIFICATIONS
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Practicing Roman Catholic in full communion with the Church
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Minimum three years of teaching and/or administrative experience
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Master’s degree (completed or in progress), preferably in education or liberal arts
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Basic Catechist Certification (or commitment to complete)
SALARY & BENEFITS
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Competitive salary aligned with Archdiocesan guidelines
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Comprehensive healthcare coverage
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Archdiocesan pension plan and optional 403(b)
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Paid time off
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Ongoing professional and spiritual formation
APPLICATION PROCESS
Application materials:
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Completed application
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Resume
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Official transcripts
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Proof of Catechist Certification (if obtained)
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Three letters of reference
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Written statement of philosophy of Catholic education (250–500 words) Physical requirements for the position of school principal include: Frequent computer use of keyboard and mouse (if applicable). Sometimes sitting at a computer for long periods of time. Frequent bending, reaching, stretching.
Qualified candidates will be invited to an initial interview with the Superintendent and HR Director prior to consideration by the School Search Committee.
Pay Range: $121,761-$234,431 annual base pay range. Credit for credentials, advanced degrees, and certifications are in addition to base salary.
APPLYING FOR A PRINCIPALSHIP:
Interviews will begin March 2025
To apply:
1.
Completed Application
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Resume
3.
Official transcript(s) of college and university work. If transcripts are from foreign colleges or universities they must be reviewed by the Credentials Evaluation Service (a form will be mailed to you)
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Copy of Basic Catechist Certification*
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Two current professional reference letters and one personal character reference letter
6.
A brief written statement on your philosophy of Catholic education (250-500 words)
Application materials may be downloaded from the official DCS website by clicking on the following link: www.sfarchdiocese.org/employment
The requested material plus a letter of interest should be submitted to C/o Christine Escobar, escobarc@sfarch.org.
Once the completed application is received, qualified applicants will be invited to screening interview with the Archdiocesan Superintendent and HR Director prior to submission to the School Search Committee.
Completing the application process does not guarantee an interview for a principal position, nor does it assure hiring as a principal in the Archdiocese of San Francisco.