2026-2027 SY - Interim Principal - St. Margaret of Scotland School - Chicago - Vic. 6

About the role

The Archdiocese of Chicago, the third largest in the United States, serves more than 2.2 million Catholics in 216 parishes in Cook County and Lake county, covering a geographic area of 1,411 square miles. Pastored by Cardinal Blase J. Cupich, the Archdiocese employs over 13,000 people across its systems and ministries, including Catholic Charities, the region's largest nonprofit social service agency, and operates one of the country's largest seminaries. Its 150+ elementary and secondary schools form one of the largest U.S. private school systems, with its schools earning 96 U.S. Department of Education Blue Ribbon Awards.

The Elementary School Principal, as a lay minister, serves as the religious, instructional, and community leader of the local Catholic school. The principal oversees the implementation of the school's strategic goals, collaborating with the local school board, faculty, and other key stakeholders, and acts as a representative of the Archbishop of Chicago in effectuating his ministry of Catholic education and upholding Church doctrine at the school level. The principal is hired by the pastor and is accountable to him or the juridic person for the school's operation, must abide by Archdiocese policies, Office of Catholic Schools procedures, and the Superintendent's directives, and participates in the annual performance review defined by the Office of Catholic Schools.

Located near the storied Chicago neighborhoods of Blue Island, Morgan Park, and Washington Heights, St. Margaret of Scotland School enjoys a long‑standing reputation for scholastic excellence due to the unwavering commitment of parents, teachers, and staff. Its rigorous curriculum, supported by a nurturing environment, prepares students to excel academically and socially in high school and beyond. As a Big Shoulders Fund Plus school, St. Margaret of Scotland shares in the mission of providing values‑based education in under‑resourced communities, receiving comprehensive support in academics, operations, marketing, and finances, along with networking, career advancement, and higher education benefits for staff. The school is committed to ensuring every student receives the education they deserve.

This is an interim position for the remainder of the 2026‑27 school year, with the opportunity to apply for the long‑term position starting in 2027‑28.

Responsibilities

• Promotes and facilitates an environment which fosters the Catholic identity of the school.
• Ensures that the faculty is well established, able to teach and witness to the Catholic faith, and meets all catechetical requirements.
• Fosters a positive, welcoming school culture that encourages Christian treatment and communication amongst stakeholders.
• Encourages active participation of stakeholders in prayer, liturgies, service, and the greater life of the parish.
• Promotes parent/guardian partnerships in advancing the mission of the school and the ministry of Catholic education.
• Models professionalism and Catholic values.
• Ensures all students are engaged in appropriate and rigorous academic learning.
• Ensures that instruction meets archdiocesan standards.
• Oversees the recruitment, onboarding, development, and evaluation of all teachers and staff.
• Develops and implements school improvement goals.
• Ensures accuracy of student performance (through various forms) and that