Principal

PRINCIPAL 

Under the direction of the Board of Trustees, the Principal shall direct and lead the day-to-day  operations of the school’s academic and student affairs departments. They are responsible for  managing and guiding the school’s faculty and staff. They ensure the mission, vision, student  outcomes, and core values are communicated and implemented into the school program.  They will serve on the executive team, helping to develop and implement strategic initiatives  while providing leadership for the whole school program. 

Candidate Requirements: 

• Bachelor’s Degree, Master’s Degree preferred 

• Executive administrative experience in a school, private school experience preferred • Prior experience and effectiveness as a classroom teacher, 3-5 years of high school preferred 

ESSENTIAL EXPECTATIONS 

Ownership and enthusiasm for the school’s mission and values. 

Advance the strategic plan’s operations-level items at the direction of the Board.  Perform duties and responsibilities as described in the job description.

Uphold the school’s professional standards of personal presentation, punctuality, professional  courtesy, communication, and discretion.  

Represent the school effectively to its constituents. 

Develop and evaluate direct reports; report issues to supervisor in a timely manner. Maintain a professional demeanor on and off campus. 

Maintain professional credentials, as appropriate.  

Honor the confidentiality of school, student, family, and employee information. Comply with all policies and procedures. 

Work effectively with colleagues and direct supervisor. 

Be involved in the greater life of the school community. 

Develop and maintain positive/professional relationships with students, administrators, board  members, parents, and colleagues.

DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES 

As a member of the Executive team, provide leadership, vision, and support for all aspects of  Pacifica (360 degrees). Works with the executive team to develop and implement the school’s strategic plan. 

Work with the Dean of Student Affairs to provide vision and implement strategic initiatives for  athletic, visual, and performing arts, student life, and spiritual life departments. Responsible for the  school’s student affairs program. Ensure that the mission, vision, core values, and Christian faith are  integrated into the student affairs programming. 

Work with the Dean of Academics to provide vision and implement strategic initiatives for academic, counseling, college counseling, and academic operations departments. Responsible for overseeing  the school’s academic program, including implementing the master schedule, master calendar,  curriculum development, faculty development, academic policies, and academic events. Ensure that  the mission, vision, core values, and Christian faith are integrated into the academic program. 

Create a positive school culture that promotes students and staff learning, teaching, and  spiritual growth. 

Facilitates collaborative processes with faculty, staff, parents, and students, leading toward  continuous improvement. 

Leads the development, implementation, and evaluation of a data-driven plan for increasing  student achievement, including using multiple student data elements. 

Assists faculty with the curriculum, instruction, and assessment alignment with school mission and  goals. Monitors, assists, and evaluates effective instruction and assessment practices. 

Lead hiring and employee management for the academic and student affairs departments. Develop  strong relationships with faculty and staff, providing coaching, mentorship, and accountability. 

Develop strong relationships with parents, students, and board members. 

Work with the Dean of Student Affairs and the Dean of Academics in the student discipline process. 

While maintaining the day-to-day operation of the school, support the Head of School in outward facing strategic initiatives in development, marketing, admissions, and strategic planning. 

Support and attend school functions as determined on an annual and semi-annual basis. 

Uphold, infuse, communicate and strengthen the school’s mission, vision, statement of faith, and core values.

PERSONAL & PROFESSIONAL QUALITIES

Has a dynamic, mature, growing Christian faith and is a role model for staff, parents, and students.  Experience providing spiritual leadership for staff. Is committed and regularly attends a local church.

Agreement with the school’s statement of faith and a commitment to orthodox church teachings on identity, sexuality, and marriage.

A spiritual leader with experience shaping and growing the Christian culture of a faculty, staff, parent, and student body. 

Passion for and a commitment to the school’s charter documents, including the mission, vision, and core values.  

An understanding of how Pacifica’s unique mission and vision is set within the backdrop of the secular West Los Angeles culture. The ability to lead and navigate the school within this context. 

Has expertise and a commitment to a liberal arts curriculum centered on Western Civilization, the integration of faith and learning, and the cultivation of inquiry and rhetoric.

Expert administrator. Track record of educational leadership. Five years of experience as a high school administrator in a private school setting is preferred. 

Interest and ability to connect with staff, students, and parents from the Westside of Los Angeles. Desire to live and work in Santa Monica. 

Strong relational and managerial skills. Excellent verbal and written communication skills.

Possesses strong communication and decision-making skills; is an outstanding speaker in front of large groups; can run and lead small and large group meetings. Has strong organizational skills and; a track record of planning ahead. Is professional and confidential with sensitive information.

Meets everyday stress with emotional stability, objectivity, and optimism. 

Is versatile, flexible, and adaptable to varying job demands, constantly changing workflow, and office environments. 

Possesses knowledge of innovations in education, alternative instructional strategies, and  alternative assessment methods. 

A servant leader. Proven ability to lead with wisdom, courage, confidence, and humility. 

HOW TO APPLY 

Apply online through the Pacifica website.  

Click here to visit our careers page and apply > 

For more information contact the  

Head of School Jim Knight  

jknight@pacificachristian.org 

LEARN MORE ABOUT WHAT  

MAKES PACIFICA SPECIAL