Ursuline Academy seeks a forward-thinking and inspiring Catholic leader for the role of Principal to lead the academic program, oversee the student and parent experience, foster a collaborative culture among the educators and program staff, and facilitate the ongoing success of the school community.

The School

For over 350 young women in grades 7-12, Ursuline Academy offers a challenging academic program in a supportive and nurturing environment in which students are encouraged to develop as scholars and citizens in order to use their abilities to bring about positive change in our world. A thriving campus ministry program, rich with worship, retreat, and service opportunities; a diverse arts program with theatrical and musical components; over 30 student-led clubs and co-curriculars; a competitive athletic program with 14 sports -- these elements complement the broad academic curricula and challenge Ursuline students to learn, explore, discover, and grow.

To learn more about the school, please visit www.ursulineacademy.net

The Opportunity

Reporting to the Head of School Kate Levesque, the Principal serves as the hands-on academic leader working closely with students, faculty, and administrators (Director of Mission, Equity, and Inclusion, Dean of Student Life, Dean of Teaching and Learning, Director of School and College Counseling, Director of Athletics, among others) in implementing academic, faith-formation, and co-curricular programming. Building upon the long tradition of Ursuline’s excellence, the Principal will be asked to lead the faculty to identify, articulate, develop, and implement an academic program that will prepare students for the world in which they will live.

The Candidate

As a face of the Academy, the Principal will be a vibrant presence and possess a genuine passion for educating girls and young women. The candidate will be comfortable and confident in being a spiritual leader of the community and exemplifying the school’s mission in its fullest form.

The ideal candidate should have demonstrated experience and measurable success in effective school administration, a sound understanding of pedagogy and academic technology, program design, and curriculum development, and proven experience in the management and evaluation of faculty and staff to foster teaching excellence. Ursuline seeks a Principal who is committed to intentional, sustained improvement in all areas of the student experience and who will keep students at the heart of decision making.

The successful candidate will be a highly self-aware educational leader and exceptional communicator who embraces the traditions and culture of Ursuline Academy, with the ability to be forward thinking and capitalize on opportunities for innovation in teaching and learning. The Principal will apply excellent management skills and a strategic mindset to foster a collegial professional learning environment characterized by joy and purpose. An active listener, kind and thoughtful, the Principal will act as a relationship builder and positive role model for students and faculty alike, embodying the core values of St. Angela Merici. 

Responsibilities

Leadership and Strategic Direction

• Embrace the school’s mission and Catholic identity. Articulate a clear academic vision aligned with the mission.
• Collaborate closely with the Head of School to support the direction, policies, and vision of the school.
• Steward the reputation of the school internally and among the wider community, passionately sharing the success of students and the program staff and faculty.

Organizational Management and Development

• Establish high standards and best practices and foster a collaborative and cohesive culture across the school for faculty and staff alike.
• Hire, manage, develop, empower, and support the academic leadership team, and work closely with academic leaders to steward the faculty culture.
• Lead the effective and timely hiring, professional growth, performance review, and retention of educators.
• Ensure the appropriate design, implementation, and maintenance of decision-making routines, systems, and communication procedures necessary to the successful functioning of the school.
• Oversee the gathering and use of data - including faculty and staff input - to assess and enhance teaching and learning.

Academic Excellence

• Ensure a rigorous, innovative, and mission-aligned academic program that prepares students for success in college and beyond, while nurturing intellectual curiosity, critical thinking, and a lifelong love of learning.
• Recruit, support, and retain exceptional faculty and academic leaders, fostering a collaborative culture of professional growth, instructional excellence, and accountability.
• Promote a culture of continuous improvement and academic achievement, using data and best practices to assess program effectiveness and drive curricular development.

Community Engagement

• Foster strong relationships within and beyond the school community, serving as a visible and engaged leader who embodies the Catholic mission and values of the school.  
• Communicate effectively and in a timely manner with stakeholders: students, parents, faculty, and staff.

Qualifications

• A leader who understands, appreciates, and effectively articulates and models the mission of Ursuline Academy as a learning community grounded in faith.
• A team player who values relationship building and has the desire and ability to work collaboratively with a variety of stakeholders, including members of the leadership team, students, faculty, staff, alumnae, and parents.
• Experienced in developing and managing educators including hiring, training, developing, supervising, and evaluating personnel.
• Exercises compassion, curiosity, and kindness toward students, colleagues, parents, and all members of the wider school community.
• Demonstrates the capacity to actively lead a learning community’s culture of equity, inclusion, and belonging.
• Ability to strategize, implement, and build programs and activities to engage students, families, and supporters, along with a talent for motivating staff.
• Demonstrates flexibility and initiative, as well as the ability to work independently, combined with the skills for thriving in a team environment.
• Possesses strong creative, strategic, analytical, and organizational skills.
• A creative problem-solver who is decisive and takes ownership.
• An articulate and effective communicator who can inspire others to rally around vision and shared goals.
• Holds high professional and ethical standards for handling confidential information.
• Ability to consistently maintain a visible, involved, and approachable presence.
• Excellent written, oral, and interpersonal skills.
• Strong computer skills and knowledge of technologies and tools relevant to current best practices in school administration and curriculum implementation.
• Advanced degree in educational leadership or related field.
• Five years of teaching experience, preferably in a Catholic school setting or all-girls school.
• Organizational leadership experience that reflects increasing levels of responsibility over the coordination and accountability for the work of others, managing stakeholders and building community, and stewarding an educational mission.

Candidates will ultimately submit the following materials:

• A cover letter expressing their interest in this leadership opportunity
• A current résumé and CV
• Statement of Educational Philosophy
• Academic Transcripts

Interested candidates, please contact Narwhal Talent Partners:
- by voice, text, or email:
          Peter G. Hamilton  |  (617) 620-9268
          Christian G. Henry |  (857) 285-3364
          search@narwhaltalent.com

Research shows that some professionals will explore opportunities only if they see themselves meeting all of the preferred qualifications. In our recruiting experience, no one meets 100% of the listed qualifications. We look forward to your expression of interest.

All inquiries are treated as confidential.

About Ursuline Academy

Ursuline Academy, a private, Catholic college preparatory school for young women in grades 7-12.

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