Parish Elementary School Principal

Archdiocese of Denver; Glenwood Springs, Northern (CO, KY); Hybrid; USD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical coverage

Dental coverage

Vision coverage

Paid sick leave

403(b) plan

Life insurance

Short-term disability

Voluntary life insurance

Job summary

St. Stephen Catholic School in Glenwood Springs, CO, seeks an experienced principal to lead academic and faith formation for Preschool–8th grade. The leader guides curriculum, staff development, and Catholic identity, aligning with the Archdiocese of Denver’s mission.

The principal will foster a faith-centered culture, promote student growth, and collaborate with families, parish leaders, and school councils to advance mission-driven renewal.

Qualifications

• Must be a fully initiated Catholic and committed to Catholic education.
• Agree with Archdiocese teachings and mission of the school.
• Experience in administration and school leadership preferred.
• Strong judgment, discretion, and confidentiality.
• Experience overseeing curriculum, staff, and programs.

Responsibilities

• Direct the school’s educational program and staffing under Holy Spirit guidance.
• Supervise teachers, administrators, and support staff.
• Implement curriculum guidelines and standards.
• Engage with students, families, parish, and school communities.

Skills

Catholic leadership

Communication

Team collaboration

Digital platforms proficiency

Education

Graduate degree in education or leadership

Tools

Education software

Job description

Description

St. Stephen Catholic School, located in Glenwood Springs, CO, is seeking an experienced and dedicated leader to serve as Principal. St. Stephen exists "to make the extraordinary out of the ordinary through faith, hope, and love," seeking above all else to ensure that every child is seen, known, and loved.

St. Stephen Catholic School serves students in grades Preschool through Eighth grade. We pride ourselves in having a diverse school community and have no less than five primary languages spoken in our homes: English, Spanish, Polish, Chinese, and Portuguese.

St. Stephen School Prospectus 2026 (2).pdf?

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 school’s 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, Parish Finance Council, School Advisory Council, and the general public.

BENEFITS:

Benefits offered as part of an overall compensation package include:

• Comprehensive and generous medical, dental, vision, and prescription coverage
• Paid sick leave and personal leave per academic year
• 403(b) plan participation
• Employer-paid life insurance, short- and long-term disability
• Voluntary life insurance

Requirements

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS:

The following are considered minimum requirements for persons seeking employment as a principal in the Archdiocese of Denver. A principal hired for a parish Catholic school shall:

• 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 with 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 judgment, discretion, and confidentiality
• Demonstrate 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

Ideal candidates:

• Bring awareness and understanding of adolescent development and the challenges adolescents and young adults face in the secular and morally relativist world of today
• Are supportive and willing to drive ongoing school renewal through the strengthening of authentic Catholic education
• Are collaborative leaders who evaluate information before making a decision/taking action
• Exude trust and respect among students, faculty, parents, and Councils
• Possess a strong, positive, can-do attitude with a strong bias for action, based on realistic, specific, and attainable goals

In addition, the principal is expected to adhere to the minimum requirements for Catechist certification as set forth by the Archdiocese of Denver. All principal applicants must be screened and approved by the Office of Catholic Schools prior to local interviews with Search committees.

Application Deadline: February 2027