Alliance for Catholic Education
PRINCIPAL (GRADES TK-12)
Saint Monica Preparatory
Santa Monica, California
Start Date: July 1, 2026
Application Deadline: March 22, 2026
SCHOOL MISSION AND PILLARS
Mission: Guided by Catholic values, Saint Monica Preparatory’s mission is to encourage and develop innovative thinkers who become value-led leaders and advocates for a socially just and inclusive society.
Pillars: Inquisitive in Scholarship, Courageous in Action, and Anchored in Solidarity
POSITION OVERVIEW
Just seven blocks from the Pacific Ocean, in the heart of beautiful Santa Monica, stands a TK-12 Catholic school serving 600 students. Saint Monica Preparatory is the largest ministry of the St. Monica Catholic Community, a vibrant parish known for its warmth, welcome, and joy.
Saint Monica Prep stands at a defining moment in its evolution. Formerly existing as two separate schools, it merged into one unified TK-12 school in 2022. As it nears its 100th year and first accreditation as one unified school, bolstered by significant momentum, the school is poised to deepen its identity and distinction as one cohesive school.
The creation of one TK-12 Principal marks a deliberate next step in this unification. Historically, Lower and Upper School divisions operated with separate leadership structures. That model served each division well. Today, the school’s commitment to a unified identity calls for a single academic leader who can strengthen coherence across grade levels while honoring the traditions that define each.
This inaugural TK-12 Principal will work in close partnership with the new President at an exciting moment in the school’s nearly 100-year history.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES
Serve as a strategic partner to the President and represent her at designated events and functions.
Provide unified leadership of the TK–12 academic program, including oversight of scope and sequence, curriculum alignment, instructional practice, and holistic student formation.
Recruit, hire, onboard, support, evaluate, and retain faculty across all fourteen grade levels, while overseeing a coherent TK–12 faculty support and evaluation system.
Support professional development planning and programming for faculty and staff.
Supervise and support divisional leaders and other direct reports with TK–12 responsibilities, as determined in partnership with the President.
Guide the school through accreditation and institutional self-study, positioning the community for a successful visiting team review and future strategic planning.
Ensure that the school’s Catholic identity is prioritized and infused into the school across programs, divisions, and culture.
Model and promote a culture of inclusion, equity, and belonging.
Serve as a visible and engaged leader, building strong relationships with students, faculty, staff, and families.
Act as a key spokesperson for the school, communicating values, priorities, and achievements to internal and external audiences.
Partner with Advancement, Admissions, and Communications to support enrollment, development, and institutional initiatives.
Strengthen systems and structures that promote clarity, accountability, and alignment across grade levels.
QUALIFICATIONS
The School seeks an experienced administrator with depth in curriculum and instructional leadership, strong organizational judgment, communication skills and the emotional intelligence to build trust across divisions. Qualifications include:
A master’s degree in educational leadership, school administration, or a related field is required
A mission-driven leader committed to the mission of Catholic education and to participating fully in the spiritual life of the school and parish communities.
Senior leadership and teaching experience in a dynamic and complex school environment.
Ability to manage competing demands and adapt to frequent or unexpected changes.
A stellar communicator in writing and public speaking and with all constituencies; an empathetic listener.
A systems thinker who can manage processes and teams to deliver multifaceted projects; strong with both the big picture and the details.
Demonstrated commitment to and experience with supporting an equitable and inclusive school culture.
A consensus builder who seeks input and stands by decisions.
An engaged, visible presence with students, faculty, staff, and parents.
A collaborative, transparent, authentic, empathic, humble, and joyful leader.
SALARY AND BENEFITS
The anticipated salary range for this role is $160,000-$190,000. Compensation slightly above this range may be considered for candidates with exceptional experience. The school offers a comprehensive benefits package.
APPLICATION PROCESS
Applications must be submitted by March 22, 2026, for a July 1, 2026, start date. While the school’s goal is to appoint a permanent Principal for the 2026-27 school year, it is prepared to implement an interim leadership plan if needed to ensure continuity and excellence. Review of candidates will begin immediately and continue on a rolling basis; early applications are encouraged.
CONTACT
Steve Morris, RG 175
steve.morris@rg175.com