Associate Superintendent for Elementary Schools

Associate Superintendent for Elementary Schools

Catholic Education - Cleveland, OH

POSITION ANNOUNCEMENT

The Catholic Diocese of Cleveland

Associate Superintendent for Elementary Schools

The Roman Catholic Diocese of Cleveland was founded on April 23, 1847. Under the Leadership of the Most Reverend Edward C. Malesic, Bishop of Cleveland, it is the twenty-third largest diocese in the United States. With 106 Catholic schools serving over 40,000 students it is the sixth largest Catholic school system in the nation. There are 185 parishes, 1 pastoral center and 1 mission office within the Diocese. There are just under 700,000 Catholics in the Diocese’s eight counties, and Catholic Charities-Diocese of Cleveland is one of the largest diocesan systems of social services in the world.

The diocesan Office of Catholic Education (OCE) leads and assists those who carry out the education ministries of the Diocese of Cleveland by providing educational guidance and resources, leadership training, and the support necessary for schools to deliver irresistibly Catholic, academically excellent education that is operationally sound.

The Catholic Diocese of Cleveland is seeking passionate, committed, experienced candidates for the role of Associate Superintendent for Elementary Schools. Housed in the Secretariat for Catholic Education, the Associate Superintendent is a member of the OCE’s leadership team and will report to Superintendent of Schools.

The Associate Superintendent for Elementary Schools leads the efforts of the OCE team, including Assistant Superintendents, Directors, Coordinators and Specialists to serve those who lead the educational mission of Catholic elementary schools in the diocese – primarily pastors, principals, and their presidents, boards, and staff. The position plays an essential leadership role in implementing the Diocese of Cleveland’s strategic plan for elementary education, Keeping the Faith.

Essential Functions of the Associate Superintendent for Elementary Schools are:

• To assist the Superintendent in leading the system of Catholic schools of the Diocese of Cleveland.
• To supervise the employees of the Elementary Education Department in the Office of Catholic Education.
• To serve as a liaison, spokesperson, and connection between the Office of Catholic Education and the Catholic schools of the Diocese.

Job Duties:

• Collaborates with the Superintendent and the other department members in implementing the mission of the Department. This is accomplished by participating in the comprehensive planning, implementation and evaluation of the department programs and services.
• Serves as a professional resource and advisor to pastors, principals, and school leadership teams.
• Collaborates with other diocesan departments and ministries to support school operations.
• Provides support for the accreditation process in the Diocese of Cleveland’s schools.
• Leads Keeping the Faith parish group meetings and facilitates the creation of a memorandum of understanding that encourages collaboration for these groups.
• Supports parish elementary schools in the process of principal search, including facilitating search committees.
• Works collaboratively with a team of OCE members and school parish personnel to steward the process on school closing or merging processes, when necessary, with sensitivity, transparency, and adherence to diocesan protocols.
• Provides counsel as needed to pastors, principals, teachers and parents on personnel policies and practices, including meeting these individuals and facilitating meetings and using mediating skills when necessary.
• Serves as a liaison from the Catholic School Office to the principals, attends all principal meetings, informs and provides school related information and consultation services.
• Collaborates in providing diocesan in-services for principals, aspiring leaders, and other related programs.
• Represent the Office of Catholic Education on school advisory boards, including the Pastors’ School Advisory Council.
• Performs any and all other duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Practicing Catholic in good standing with a Catholic parish/faith community, committed to the mission and teachings of the Church.
• Master’s degree in Education, Educational Leadership, Educational Administration, Curriculum & Instruction, or a closely related field.
• At least three (3) years of successful experience as principal of a Catholic elementary school (OR five years of combined Catholic school administrative leadership).
• Demonstrated knowledge of and ability to interpret and analyze local, state and federal laws relative to Diocesan policies and procedures.
• Demonstrated knowledge of Catholic school identity, governance models, parish leadership structures, and canonical considerations affecting Catholic schools.
• Ability to motivate diverse groups of people and the ability to work effectively with and lead committees.
• Excellent organizational and communication skills, both verbal and written, including the ability to conduct training programs and presentations.
• Excellent interpersonal and public relations skills.
• Working knowledge of the budgeting process.
• Proficiency with technology and basic office software and willingness to learn school technology systems used by the diocese, its schools, and the Ohio Department of Education and Workforce.
• Requires understanding of general principles of office operations and Microsoft Office 365, particularly how to use Microsoft Excel and CSV files. Must be proficient in both written and verbal communication. Must have the ability to effectively communicate with individuals whose technical capabilities may vary broadly from one to another, both in-person and through email, chat, MS Teams and various other virtual services.
• Valid driver’s license and reliable transportation.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Ohio State Principal or Superintendent Licensure (or eligibility).
• Five or more years of administrative leadership experience in Catholic education.
• Experience in strategic planning, change management, or school system-level leadership.
• Experience supervising professional staff or leading multi-site teams.
• Experience with school accreditation, curriculum review, or quality-assurance processes.
• Experience facilitating conflict resolution or stakeholder engagement in a parish/school environment.

Working Conditions:

• The work of the position is generally performed in an office setting, in person.
• This position may require an occasional evening or weekend meeting.
• A successful candidate should expect to do extensive close computer work.
• Frequent travel to schools and parishes within the eight-county Diocese.

To Apply:

Please submit cover letter, resume, and a completed Diocese of Cleveland Employment application, including contact information for three (3) professional references. Position will remain open until it is filled.

The salary range for this position is $105,000 to $125,000 commensurate with experience.