Opportunity Statement Notre Dame Elementary (NDE) is a small, independent, co-ed Catholic school for students in preschool through eighth grade. We believe in the power of a nurturing, connected environment designed to help children become lifelong learners, critical thinkers, and well-rounded human beings. We are rooted in the educational tradition of the Sisters of Notre Dame de Namur who founded the school in 1851. The seven Notre Dame Hallmarks guide our curriculum and foster our focus on peace, justice and service, as well as respect for the dignity of each person and all faith traditions. NDE shares a beautiful campus with Notre Dame de Namur University and Notre Dame High School in Belmont on the San Francisco Peninsula. With our small student to teacher ratio, we provide individualized instruction that supports students in learning the way that best suits them. We combine strong academics, leadership development, and a deep sense of community to support our students and their families. NDE is at an exciting crossroads in its history and is seeking a leader who can embrace NDE’s challenges and opportunities. NDE has an excellent, fully accredited academic program, a diverse student body, a close-knit and talented faculty, an engaged community of parents, and a dedicated working Board of Directors. NDE enjoys a long-standing reputation of community service and admission of its graduates to the high schools of their choice. During the COVID-19 pandemic, NDE has excelled in supporting the education of its students by both on-site and distance learning. The primary challenge for NDE is increasing enrollment. In the spirit of envisioning a “school for a new world”, the Board of Directors is working on a strategic plan in response to an assessment completed by Catholic School Management. The successful candidate for principal at NDE will have the skills and capabilities to give leadership to the further development and implementation of the strategic plan. The principal must be a contributing advocate for increasing enrollment, continue to strengthen the community of teachers, establish reliable and timely communication with the parents, work closely with the committees of the Board of Directors, and develop a culture of teamwork with all who are working for the success of NDE. -
Job Description The highest priority of the Principal of Notre Dame Elementary School (NDE) is to build a strong educational experience that fully integrates the teachings of the Catholic faith and the Hallmarks of the Sisters of Notre Dame de Namur Learning Community: -
We proclaim by our lives even more than by our words that God is good. -
We honor the dignity and sacredness of each person. -
We educate for and act on behalf of justice and peace in the world. -
We commit ourselves to community service. -
We embrace the gift of diversity. -
We create community among those with whom we work and with those we serve. -
We develop holistic learning communities that educate for life. The Principal’s role is to guide and develop academic excellence in students that inspires a love of learning, fosters their spiritual life through Gospel values, challenges their minds, inspires compassion, and develops character. The principal oversees and coordinates the day-to- day operation and administration of the school and reports directly to the Board of Directors. The responsibilities of the Principal include but are not limited to the following areas: Spiritual Leadership -
Articulates a shared vision and cultivates a culture and climate consistent with the school’s Catholic identity. -
Models and demonstrates respect for diversity as well as cultural and religious differences. -
Builds and nurtures shared leadership among the staff and community. -
Leads by example and models life-long learning. -
Integrates religious content, Gospel values and Christian ethics into elements of the curriculum, school policies and school life. -
Nurtures faith in students, faculty, staff and parents through opportunities for spiritual growth and Christian service. Educational Leadership -
Supervises the educational programs of the Preschool, Elementary School and Extended Care Program. -
Demonstrates knowledge of educational and pedagogical theory and mastery of the developmental stages of students as learners. -
Recognizes and supports teachers in accommodating the special learning needs of children within the regular classroom. -
Establishes a process to evaluate student learning by utilizing effective school-wide assessments while supporting the use of data to drive instruction. -
Provides professional development opportunities for staff and secures staff support plans. -
Delegates responsibilities to the staff to support the duties of the Principal. -
Oversees ongoing technology integration for teachers which supports student learning and proficiency of 21st
century requirements. -
Develops a growth mindset in students to build and nourish critical thinking skills resulting in confident, curious and adaptable learners. • Guides and monitors the alignment of curriculum, instruction, assessment and professional practice. Managerial Leadership -
Effectively recruits, interviews and employs staff. -
Maintains a regular program of supervision and annual evaluation of both instructional and non-instructional personnel. -
Applies organizational management skills aptly and delegates responsibilities appropriately. -
Develops policies for student behavior which promote self-discipline and mutual respect for others, the school facilities and grounds. -
Effectively manages conflicts and uses Restorative Justice Principles. -
Collaborates with the Board of Directors and furnishes a concise summary of recent school performance and needs to assist the Board in making informed decisions for the well-being of the school. -
Implements and oversees marketing and admission strategies to support enrollment and retention of students. -
Maintains and improves the school facilities with the cooperation of staff, parents and community members to ensure that they are safe, up to date and accessible for all students. -
Collaborates with the Board of Directors to develop a strategic plan. -
Utilizes strategies of long-term planning, effective public relations and a marketing program dedicated to successful outcomes. -
Follows timelines agreed with the Board to plan, implement, and report back measurable results. -
Establishes a welcoming environment for family participation that encourages them to assist at school and to participate in opportunities that support students. -
Communicates regularly with parents, families and the school community in ways that are easily accessible and understandable. -
Strengthens school culture through participation, engagement, connection and a sense of belonging to all students and staff. Financial Leadership -
Plans and manages the school’s financial resources. Develops and monitors the annual school budget. Communicates in a timely manner to the Finance Committee any developments or activities that have a financial impact on the school. -
In collaboration with the Finance Committee, ensures that the annual budget is prepared for the Board of Directors to review at the March Board meeting. -
Establishes clear roles for staff that are responsible for accounts payables, receivables, bookkeeping, reporting, documenting and monitoring finances. -
In collaboration with the Finance Committee, establishes a calendar of dates to ensure that financial reports are prepared, delivered and presented to the Board at each monthly Board meeting. -
Insures NDE’s financial integrity, creates policies, and procedures in all areas of financial management and business affairs. -
Provides adequate instructional resources to support school programs within the school’s approved budget. -
Seeks financial support for the educational mission of NDE. Salary and Benefits NDE offers competitive salaries and benefit options for full-time employees. Notre Dame Elementary exceeds the salary scale of the Archdiocese of San Francisco which is used as a base. Salaries are determined by years of experience and level of education. NDE is an equal opportunity employer. All school staff is employed without regard to race, color, sex, ethnic or national origin. How to Apply Applications are due by March 15. To apply, please send a cover letter and resume to Judith Mahnke: jmahnke@nde.org. |
