Head of Catholic School (General Application)

Thank you for your interest in becoming a Head of School in the Archdiocese of Saint Paul and Minneapolis! Please continue reading below to learn more about the importance of our heads of school and submit an application to be shared with our Catholic schools. Our 91 Catholic schools in the Archdiocese of Saint Paul and Minneapolis build on a tradition of excellence to form the future of our Church and society, and provide an education that will benefit students for life.

Our System of Catholic Schools
Our 91 vibrant, joyful Catholic schools ( offer an exceptional experience for every student through academics, extracurriculars and relationships. Recognizing the gifts and dignity of each student, Catholic schools are uniquely poised to deliver an excellent education — a formation of the whole student in mind, heart and soul through the light of Jesus Christ. Learn more ( about our growing system of Catholic schools.

Heads of Catholic Schools

At the heart of an excellent Catholic school is a credible and strong leader. As we look to the future, we anticipate a growing need for qualified heads of school to provide joyful and visionary leadership in our system of Catholic schools. Heads of Catholic Schools:

• Demonstrate passion for the mission of Catholic education and forming disciples
• Provide mission-driven, credible, results-oriented leadership
• Foster excellent integrated learning environments committed to academic growth, engagement and virtue formation
• Ensure a vibrant Catholic school culture and operational vitality

Minimum Professional Standards

Heads of Catholic Schools in the Archdiocese must meet the following minimum professional standards:

• A practicing Catholic in good standing with the Catholic Church who is able to provide a credible witness of the Catholic Faith
• A deep commitment to the importance and mission of Catholic schools
• A master's degree in Catholic school leadership or its equivalent (or in progress)
• Three years teaching or administrative experience in Catholic schools (preferred)
• Completion of the Certificate in Catholic School Leadership ( (preferred)

In addition to these minimum professional standards, the Archdiocese maintains a set of Core Competencies for Heads of Catholic Schools which are used for professional growth and evaluation. As a way to support Heads of School in growing in these competencies, Heads of Catholic Schools take part in an Annual Plan of Professional Development. 

The Archdiocese of Saint Paul and Minneapolis
The Archdiocese assists parishes and Catholic schools in connecting with potential Catholic school leaders who meet the minimum professional standards for Catholic school leadership in the Archdiocese.  The Archdiocese does not hire or employ Heads of Catholic Schools. Heads of Catholic Schools are hired by and work for the Catholic school or parish. Parishes and Catholic schools are legally separate and distinct from the Archdiocese of Saint Paul and Minneapolis.

By submitting the following application, you are expressing interest in serving in the role of a Head of Catholic School at a Catholic school located in the boundaries of the Archdiocese of Saint Paul and Minneapolis (the 12 county metro area). In doing so, you authorize the Archdiocese to share your application with Catholic schools in the Archdiocese which are seeking leadership candidates. Information provided to the Archdiocese by completing the application for the position of Catholic school principal does not constitute an expressed or implied contract or offer of employment by the Archdiocese or any parish or school.

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 the applicant be an active practicing Catholic.