Principal
St. Patrick Catholic School
Rolla, Missouri
Start Date: July 2026 or sooner
Overview
This is a unique opportunity to serve as the school's chief academic and building leader within a tuition-free Catholic school model, made possible through the shared stewardship and commitment of the Diocese of Jefferson City and its parishes in support of the ministry of Catholic education. This model allows the Principal to focus fully on teaching, learning, culture, and community, supported by engaged pastoral leadership and a strong parish-school partnership.
About St. Patrick's Catholic School
St. Patrick Catholic School provides a faith-centered educational environment where students grow academically, spiritually, socially, and morally. The school is committed to the philosophy of Catholic education and to forming students in Gospel values through a strong instructional program, a supportive community, and an integrated approach to faith and learning.
Located in Rolla, Missouri, the school benefits from a vibrant parish community and a culture of stewardship that sustains Catholic education across the Diocese of Jefferson City. This shared commitment reflects a belief that access to Catholic education is a responsibility of the broader faith community and allows school leadership to prioritize student formation, instructional excellence, and community life.
Pastoral Leadership & Partnership
St. Patrick Catholic School is blessed to be served by Father Jason Doake, Pastor of St. Patrick Parish, who is a visible, engaged, and deeply committed champion of the school community. Father Doake is present in the daily life of the school and actively supports students, faculty, and staff. He is a passionate advocate for Catholic education and a tremendous asset to families, educators, and parish leadership alike.
The Principal will work in close partnership with Father Doake to strengthen the school's Catholic identity, support faculty and staff, and develop and implement a strategic vision that advances the long-term vitality and growth of the school community.
Position Overview
The Principal serves as the school's chief administrator and instructional leader, providing leadership and administrative authority in all educational and related matters of the school. Working collaboratively with the Pastor, parish leadership, and the Diocese, the Principal leads the academic program, supports faculty and staff development, and fosters a faith-filled culture grounded in Gospel values.
This role is well suited to a leader who is present, relational, and committed to building trust across the school and parish community.
The Principal is responsible for:
Facilitating a Christian environment conducive to quality Catholic education
Leading the instructional program and supervising faculty and staff
Promoting the philosophy and mission of Catholic education
Fostering a faith-filled school culture grounded in Gospel values
Ensuring effective communication and collaboration with parents, parish leadership, and the diocese
Managing school operations in compliance with diocesan, state, and local policies
Supporting enrollment vitality and promoting the school's mission and identity
Key Responsibilities
Spiritual & Mission Leadership
Serve as a visible, practicing Catholic leader committed to personal spiritual growth
Foster a faith-filled school culture rooted in Gospel values and Catholic teachings
Integrate Catholic identity into curriculum, policies, and daily school life
Support the spiritual formation of students, faculty, and staff
Instructional & Academic Leadership
Serve as the school's chief academic leader
Oversee curriculum development, implementation, and evaluation
Support continuous improvement of teaching and learning
Supervise, evaluate, and develop faculty and staff
Community & Relationships
Build strong, trusting relationships with students, parents, and parish leadership
Maintain open, effective communication with families and stakeholders
Partner closely with the Pastor, parish leadership, and diocesan offices
Support enrollment, community engagement, and school visibility
Operations & Administration
Oversee daily school operations, policies, and procedures
Manage budgets, facilities, and school resources in alignment with diocesan guidelines
Ensure compliance with diocesan, state, and local requirements
Maintain accurate records, reports, and documentation
Requirements
Practicing Catholic in communion with the Church, with an active and vibrant faith life
Master's degree with coursework in school administration preferred
State of Missouri principal certification or willingness to obtain
Minimum of three years of successful teaching experience
Demonstrated leadership, organizational, and decision-making skills
Desired Leadership Characteristics
Mission-driven, student-centered Catholic school leader
Strong instructional leadership and commitment to academic excellence
Relational, approachable, and pastorally grounded presence
Collaborative partner who values teamwork and shared leadership
Steady, thoughtful decision-maker with sound judgment
Growth-oriented leader who appreciates a stewardship-supported, tuition-free school model
Application Process
St. Patrick Catholic School has partnered with ACELA Solutions to conduct this search on behalf of the Diocese of Jefferson City. Interested candidates should submit a letter of interest outlining their qualifications and desire to serve in the principal position, resume, five relevant references, and Catholic education philosophy statement.
To learn more about this executive leadership opportunity, including the position statement and application instructions, please visit the Current Searches page at AcelaSolutions.com. For confidential inquiries, contact Michael Furey at [email protected]
All inquiries and applications will be treated with the highest degree of confidentiality.