Principal, St. Michael Catholic High School

St. Michael Catholic School in St. Michael, Minnesota seeks a high school principal starting the Summer of 2026. The Principal of St. Michael Catholic High School will serve as the founding visionary leader, responsible for articulating and bringing to life a compelling Catholic vision for a new 9–12 community that builds on the mission of the existing PreK–8 school, in fidelity to the teachings of the Catholic Church. The Principal will shape the academic program, co-curricular offerings, and overall ethos to integrate faith, reason, and virtue. Daily mass will also be part of the school day. The principal will lead plans to open the high school in Fall 2027 with its inaugural classes of 9th and 10th grade students.  Additional grade levels will be added each subsequent year, with the school reaching full 9–12 enrollment by Fall 2029.

In close collaboration with the pastor and in partnership with parents, the Principal will establish a joyful, mission-driven school culture from the ground up, integrating spiritual, intellectual, human, and apostolic formation. The 9-12 Principal will lead the development of a school that forms intentional disciples of Jesus Christ, grounded in the Catholic intellectual tradition, and committed to academic excellence, while guiding strategic growth, building sustainable systems, and inspiring stakeholders around a shared vision faithful to the Church.

St. Michael Catholic School currently serves over 450 students in grades PreK-8 with a dedicated faculty and staff. Learn more about this exciting opportunity to lead the creation of St. Michael Catholic High School by viewing the job description here.

Catholic schools in the Archdiocese of Saint Paul and Minneapolis are vital to the evangelizing mission of the Church. They strive to provide an education that is authentically Catholic: a formation of the whole person in the light of Jesus Christ.

“The project of the Catholic school is convincing only if carried out by people who are deeply motivated, because they witness to a living encounter with Christ” (Congregation for Catholic Education, 1997). The successful candidate for this position will demonstrate the capacity to cultivate the highest standards of excellence in Catholic culture, academics, and organizational leadership at St. Michael Catholic High School. Other requirements include:

• Be a practicing Catholic in good standing with the Catholic Church who is able to provide a credible witness of the Catholic Faith.
• Have a deep commitment to the importance and mission of Catholic schools.
• Possess a master’s degree in Catholic school leadership or its equivalent—or in progress (preferred).
• Have three years of teaching or administrative experience in Catholic schools (preferred).
• Obtain the Certificate in Catholic School Leadership (preferred).

Compensation and Benefits:

COMPETITIVE SALARY- The starting salary for the principal position ranges from $80,000 to $120,000, commensurate with experience and education.

HEALTHCARE COVERAGE- We offer comprehensive medical, dental, and vision plans to support you and your family’s health and wellness.

TUITION DISCOUNT- By enjoying a 25% discount on your children’s tuition, you’ll have the unique convenience of having work and school under one roof.

FREE UNIVERSITY TUITION-Saint Mary’s University offers free tuition to children of full-time staff at MN Catholic schools through their generous Catholic Educator Promise.

LOAN FORGIVENESS-You may qualify to have your remaining student loans forgiven through the Public Service Loan Forgiveness program. Visit studentaid.gov/pslf to learn more.

PAID TIME OFF- To help balance your professional and personal life, our paid time off policy ensures you have time to rest and recharge.

PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT- Opportunities for growth through Archdiocesan training, workshops, and conferences that enrich your leadership.

RETIREMENT PLAN-Access to an Archdiocesan 403b retirement plan with contributions to secure your financial future.

View the job description here for more information.

Employment in and by the Church is substantially different from secular employment. Church employees must conduct themselves in a manner which is consistent with and supportive of the mission and purpose of the Church. Their behavior must not violate the faith, morals, or laws of the Church or the Archdiocese, such that can embarrass the Church or give rise to scandal. It is required that this employee be an active, participating Roman Catholic.

Click here to apply for the St. Michael Catholic High School Principal position. Applicants will be asked to provide a resume with three professional references, a cover letter, a philosophy of education, and a letter of good standing from their pastor.

Applications are due by April 10, 2026.