Job Description:

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.