(2026-2027) Principal, St. Joseph Center for Special Learning

Diocese of Allentown; North Manheim Township (PA); On-site; USD 110,000 - 140,000; Full time

Job summary

Diocese of Allentown seeks a Principal for St. Joseph Center for Special Learning in Pennsylvania.

This executive role leads educational and adult services, ensuring regulatory compliance, high-quality programs, and strong partnerships with districts and community stakeholders. The Principal will report to the Board of Directors, promote a faith-filled culture, manage resources, and advance the center’s mission of serving individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities within a

Qualifications

• Master's Degree in Educational Leadership, Special Education, Administration, or a related field.
• Pennsylvania Principal Certification or eligibility.
• Minimum of five years of progressive leadership experience in education, special education, nonprofit management, or a related field.
• Knowledge of special education laws, regulations, and IEP compliance requirements.

Responsibilities

• Provide strategic educational leadership for programs serving students with developmental disabilities.
• Oversee adult services in compliance with Medicaid Waiver and ODP regulations.
• Lead organizational governance, budgeting, and risk management.
• Foster Catholic mission alignment and community partnerships.
• Ensure compliance with all relevant laws, policies, and accreditation requirements.

Skills

Educational leadership

Strategic planning

Stakeholder engagement

Budget management

Staff supervision

Education

Master's in Educational Leadership or related field

Pennsylvania Principal Certification or eligibility

Tools

IEP system familiarity

Job description

DIOCESE OF ALLENTOWN

St. Joseph Center for Special Learning

Position Description

Position Title: Principal

Reports To: Board of Directors

FLSA Status: Exempt

Position Type: Full-Time, Twelve-Month Position

Position Summary

The Principal serves as the chief executive and educational leader of St. Joseph Center for Special Learning, providing strategic leadership for both the school-age educational program and the adult services program. Reporting directly to the Board of Directors, the Principal is responsible for ensuring exceptional educational and adult services, maintaining compliance with all educational and Medicaid regulations, fostering strong partnerships with school districts and community stakeholders, managing organizational resources, and advancing the mission of the organization, a uniquely Catholic special learning center within the Diocese.

This position serves as the primary liaison between the organization and families, school districts, government agencies, community partners, donors, and the Board of Directors. The Principal is responsible for promoting a culture of excellence, collaboration, accountability, and respect for the dignity and unique abilities of every individual served.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

Educational Leadership

• Provide leadership and oversight for all educational programs serving students with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
• Ensure implementation of high-quality instructional practices, curriculum, and student support services.
• Maintain compliance with all federal, state, diocesan, and local regulations governing special education.
• Oversee the implementation and monitoring of Individualized Education Programs (IEPs), ensuring that all services, accommodations, modifications, and supports are provided in accordance with student needs and legal requirements.
• Develop and maintain collaborative relationships with local school districts to support student placements, educational programming, and contractual agreements.
• Participate in IEP meetings, evaluations, transition planning meetings, and other student-centered planning activities as needed.
• Monitor student progress and program effectiveness through data-driven decision-making.
• Lead school improvement planning, accreditation activities, and strategic initiatives.
• Foster a positive, inclusive, and faith-filled school culture that promotes student success and staff engagement.
• Ensure student safety, well-being, and adherence to organizational policies and procedures.

Adult Program Leadership

• Serve as the executive leader of the Adult Program and ensure high-quality, person-centered services for adult participants in collaboration with the director.
• Oversee all adult services and supports in accordance with Medicaid Waiver requirements and Office of Developmental Programs (ODP) regulations in collaboration with the director.
• Ensure compliance with licensing requirements, quality management standards, incident management protocols, and participant rights in collaboration with the director.
• Develop and expand community-based opportunities that promote independence, inclusion, and meaningful participation for adult program participants in collaboration with the director.
• Collaborate with Supports Coordinators, county agencies, families, and other stakeholders to ensure quality services and positive outcomes in collaboration with the director.
• Monitor program performance and implement continuous quality improvement initiatives in collaboration with the director.

Organizational Leadership and Administration

• Provide strategic leadership and vision for the organization consistent with its Catholic mission, values, and long-term goals.
• Work collaboratively with the Board of Directors to develop and implement organizational priorities and strategic plans.
• Establish policies, procedures, and systems that support operational excellence and organizational effectiveness.
• Ensure compliance with all applicable educational, Medicaid, employment, and nonprofit regulations.
• Prepare reports and recommendations for the Board of Directors.
• Oversee risk management, safety planning, emergency preparedness, and organizational security.

Financial Management

• Develop, monitor, and manage organizational budgets in collaboration with Director of Finance, the Board of Directors, and Finance Committee.
• Oversee tuition billing, school district contracts, Medicaid billing, grants, fundraising revenue, and operational expenditures.
• Ensure responsible stewardship of organizational resources and financial sustainability.
• Monitor financial performance and identify opportunities for growth and operational efficiency.
• Participate in grant development, fundraising initiatives, and donor stewardship activities.

Human Resources and Staff Leadership

• Recruit, hire, supervise, evaluate, and retain qualified staff for both school-age and adult programs.
• Foster a positive workplace culture built on collaboration, professionalism, accountability, and respect.
• Ensure staff receive appropriate training, mentorship, and professional development opportunities.
• Oversee performance evaluations, employee relations, and personnel matters.
• Ensure compliance with employment laws, workplace safety regulations, and organizational policies.
• Promote employee engagement, morale, and retention.

Community Relations and External Partnerships

• Serve as the primary ambassador and spokesperson for St. Joseph Center for Special Learning.
• Develop and maintain positive relationships with school districts, intermediate units, county agencies, diocesan leadership, families, donors, community organizations, and business partners.
• Represent the organization at community events, conferences, networking opportunities, and professional associations.
• Promote awareness of the organization's programs, services, and mission throughout the community.
• Cultivate partnerships that enhance educational opportunities, adult services, employment experiences, volunteer engagement, and community integration.
• Support enrollment growth and program expansion through effective relationship-building and outreach efforts.
• Strengthen the organization's reputation through responsive communication, professionalism, and community engagement.

Mission and Catholic Identity

• Uphold and promote the mission, vision, and values of St. Joseph Center for Special Learning.
• Foster a faith-based environment grounded in the teachings and traditions of the Roman Catholic Church while welcoming and respecting individuals of all faith backgrounds.
• Support opportunities for spiritual growth and faith formation for students, adult participants, staff, and families.
• Ensure that organizational decisions reflect the dignity and worth of every person served.

Additional Conditions of Employment

Candidate must be a practicing Catholic in good standing, have a deep knowledge of the Catholic faith, and agree to live by the tenets of the Catholic faith, including in lifestyle and on personal social media.

Qualifications

Required Qualifications

• Master's Degree in Educational Leadership, Special Education, Administration, or a related field.
• Pennsylvania Principal Certification or eligibility for certification.
• Minimum of five years of progressive leadership experience in education, special education, human services, nonprofit management, or a related field.
• Demonstrated knowledge of special education laws, regulations, and IEP compliance requirements.
• Strong leadership, communication, organizational, and financial management skills.
• Ability to build and maintain positive relationships with diverse stakeholders.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience overseeing Medicaid-funded programs and services.
• Knowledge of Office of Developmental Programs (ODP) regulations and waiver-funded services.
• Experience with nonprofit administration and fundraising.
• Superintendent Letter of Eligibility or other advanced leadership credentials.
• Commitment to Catholic education and serving individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

Physical Demands

Must have the ability to sit for extended periods; walk, reach with arms and hands, climb or balance; exhibit manual dexterity to handle a keyboard and phone; see and read a computer screen and printed material with or without vision aids; hear and understand speech at normal levels and on the telephone; speak in audible tones so that others may understand clearly in person and on the telephone; ability to understand and follow oral and written instructions; physical agility to lift up to 25 pounds.

Work Conditions

Special Learning Center setting, Full-time, 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM; Monday-Friday, 2026-2027; Contracted position. May be required to assist with special duties and work outside the center's normal hours to attend school-related events.

Mission Commitment

The Principal is entrusted with advancing the mission of St. Joseph Center for Special Learning by ensuring exceptional educational and adult services, fostering meaningful community partnerships, supporting students and adults in reaching their fullest potential, and promoting a culture rooted in faith, dignity, compassion, and excellence.

EOE M/F/D/V