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THE POSITION: The school Principal is a disciple on mission to spread the Good News, who meets the requirements to administer the overall education program in a Catholic school in the Archdiocese of Denver, and disciple others within the educational community of the Catholic school to create an "apostolic-friendly" environment that will encourage creative missionary initiative in the school.

As the leader of the school, the principal plays a critical role in safeguarding and promoting the aim of the school, which is to lead students to encounter and grow as students of Jesus Christ, directing the school's activity, learning, teaching, culture, and formation towards that aim.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES: The principal is responsible for directing all work of the school to the direction of the Holy Spirit, providing opportunities to students for Catholic growth, and in ministering to students and staff. The principal is responsible for administering the schools education program, supervising teaching, administrative and support staff, implementing curriculum guidelines and standards, supervise and direct all other programs and services provided at or by the school. The principal is expected to abide by the policies and procedures of the local school, the Archdiocese of Denver, and the Office of Catholic Schools. The principal interacts and relates to students, parents, parish and school communities, board of directors/trustees, and the general public.

The vision for Good Shepherd Catholic School is rooted in its 98-year history of providing quality, affordable Catholic education to its students. We continue to support parents who seek an education that is second to none and is found in a safe, loving, nurturing environment. We strive to promote excellence in each student - spiritually, academically, emotionally, psychologically, and physically. The strong partnership between home, school, and parish is Catholic at its core. Good Shepherd is a close community where everyone is supported and welcomed and where our shared Catholic faith in God is at the heart of everything we do. We strive to maintain a fiscally responsible school while offering a tuition rate that is affordable. Together, our community works to meet the challenges of today’s society, preparing our children for an unknown future, and making saints for our Church. We form the students in the four pillars of Good Shepherd: Learn, Love, Pray, and Serve.

Facts about Good Shepherd Catholic School:

• 430 students and 60 faculty members

• Weekly school Masses

• Catholic traditions such as Stations of the Cross, weekly Adoration, Blessing of the Animals, Lenten and Advent reconciliation services, vibrant prayer life, student service hours, and monthly Rosary

• Reading specialist, Math specialist, and School Counselor for student support

• Classroom assistants in PS through 5th Grade

• Spanish, Art, Music, and PE classes for students in grades K-8

• Student life activities include Math Olympiad, Spelling Bee, National Junior Honor Society, Theater, and Music events

• Participates in the Catholic Schools Athletic League (CSAL) offering students’ experiences in Cross Country, Volleyball, Baseball, Swimming, Basketball, Golf, and Futsal

• State of the art technology which is funded through tuition and fundraising with a technology support staff

• Active parent groups such as Parent/Teacher Organization (PTO), The Good Shepherd Foundation, School Advisory Council (SAC), and Athletic Committee

• Administration team includes a Preschool Director, Assistant Principal, Admissions Director, Office Manager, Technology Director, and Athletic Director

• Located in the heart of the 7th Avenue Historic District just minutes from the famous Cherry Creek North shopping district

As Good Shepherd celebrates its 100th year of Catholic education, we seek a candidate to lead the community into its second century of forming students in the Catholic faith. The Catholic School Principal serves as the school’s spiritual and educational leader and is responsible for exercising independent judgment in implementing a broad array of programs and functions while also supporting the mission and objectives of Good Shepherd Catholic Parish and the Archdiocese of Denver. The principal collaborates with the pastor and the administrative team in decisions on the school facilities, marketing, and community relations and events. In this role, the Principal is directly responsible to Father James Fox, pastor of Good Shepherd Parish, and the Archdiocese of Denver’s Superintendent.

Qualified candidates:

• Must be a fully initiated Catholic in the communion of the Catholic Church and intentionally living out the five precepts of the Church (CCC 2041-2043)

• Assent to the Church's teachings on all matters, with particular care for those concerning the nature of the human person, sexual ethics, and sexual morality

• Refrain from the public promotion or approval of, or the living out of, any conduct or lifestyle that would reflect discredit or disgrace on, or cause scandal in relationship to, the Archdiocese of Denver, or considered to be in contradiction with Catholic doctrine or morals

• Have a strong commitment to the importance of the Catholic school ministry to the mission of the Church

• Possess graduate level academic credentials and/or professional background in education, leadership, or related field

• Have previous teaching experience; previous administrative experience is preferred

• Be committed to the Archdiocese of Denver's vision and philosophy for Catholic education

• Be committed to a Catholic educational program rooted in the liberal arts, the foundations of western civilization, an understanding of history that highlights the essential contributions of Christianity to the development of western culture, and literature that enables young men and women to grapple the big questions of life in pursuit of what is true, good, and beautiful

• Possess a strong, positive, can-do attitude, with a strong bias for action based on realistic, specific, and attainable goals

• Demonstrate good judgement, discretion, and confidentiality

• Demonstrate a proficiency in the use of digital platforms, software programs, and tools as part of the online curriculum being provided to families

• Compliance with Safe Environment requirements

In addition, the principal is expected to adhere to the minimum requirements for Catechist certification as set forth by the Archdiocese of Denver. Our 2023-24 Community Beliefs School Leaders statement is available for review.

Benefits offered as part an overall compensation package include:

• Comprehensive and generous medical, dental, vision and prescription coverage
• Paid personal (2 days) and sick (10 days) leave per academic term
• Pension plan
• Employer paid life insurance, short- and long-term disability
• Voluntary life insurance

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