Principal, Seton Academy

School: Seton Academy

Location: Villa Park, IL

Job Title: Principal

Description: The Principal serves as the chief administrative and educational leader of Seton Academy. Acting under the authority of the Board of Directors, the Principal is responsible for implementing Board policies, overseeing the day-to-day operations of the school, and ensuring alignment with Seton Academy’s mission, Catholic identity, and Montessori philosophy.
The Principal provides leadership in academic programming, personnel management, financial stewardship, community relations, and institutional advancement while fostering a positive, effective, and mission-driven school environment.
About Seton Academy
Seton Academy is a non-profit Catholic Montessori school dedicated to educating the whole child—mind, body, and spirit. We partner with families to cultivate academic excellence, independence, virtue, and a lifelong love of God and learning.
CORE RESPONSIBILITIES
1. Board Relations & Governance
● Implements the policies and directives established by the Board of Directors.
● Serves as the primary liaison between the Board, faculty, and staff.
● Keeps the Board fully informed of school operations, needs, and strategic opportunities.
● Advises the Board on policy development, institutional improvement, and long-term planning.
● Maintains regular communication with the Board President to ensure transparency and alignment.
● Acts as the official representative of the school to external organizations and associations.
● Acts as a non-voting, non-permanant member of the Board of the Directors.
2. Leadership & Administration
● Oversees all aspects of the daily operation of the school.
● Develops and maintains an effective organizational structure with clear communication channels.
● Builds, supports, and delegates to an administrative team capable of sustaining school leadership.
● Ensures efficient coordination of all school functions in alignment with mission and goals.
● May delegate responsibilities but retains accountability for all outcomes.
3. Academic Programs & Student Services
● Designs, implements, and evaluates educational programs consistent with Montessori principles and school objectives.
● Establishes curriculum standards, student assessment systems, and continuity across grade levels.
● Oversees co-curricular and enrichment programs to support well-rounded student development.
● Develops master scheduling to optimize program delivery and staff utilization.
● Evaluates program effectiveness and initiates improvements based on data and research.
4. Personnel Management
● Recruits, screens, hires, and retains qualified faculty and staff (with Board approval where applicable).
● Delegates appropriate authority to directresses and staff while maintaining accountability.
● Establishes and administers policies for compensation, evaluation, discipline, and professional development.
● Conducts ongoing evaluation of all personnel and addresses performance concerns.
● Promotes positive staff relations, high morale, and professional growth.
● Maintains records of staff attendance and secures qualified substitutes as needed.
● Provides orientation for new staff and ongoing in-service training opportunities.
5. Planning, Evaluation & Continuous Improvement
● Develops strategic and operational plans in collaboration with leadership staff.
● Uses data (financial, enrollment, academic performance) to guide decision-making.
● Stays informed on trends and research in Montessori and independent school education.
● Encourages external evaluation and benchmarking with similar institutions.
6. Financial Management
● Prepares and presents annual budgets in consultation with the Treasurer.
● Manages financial operations in alignment with Board-approved policies.
● Oversees cost control, purchasing, accounting, and financial systems.
● Recommends tuition rates and salary adjustments.
● Ensures efficient and responsible use of school resources.
7. School Environment & Student Life
● Ensures the safety, well-being, and supervision of all students.
● Establishes and enforces student policies and behavioral expectations.
● Promotes a respectful, supportive, and developmentally appropriate school culture.
● Maintains an environment that reflects the values and character of the institution.
8. Enrollment & Advancement
● Serves as primary point of contact for inquiring families and admissions.
● Establishes enrollment goals and oversees recruitment and retention strategies.
● Develops and implements admissions policies and procedures.
● Supports fundraising initiatives in collaboration with the Board and Advancement Director.
● Cultivates relationships with prospective families
9. Communication & Publications
● Develops and distributes handbooks, bulletins, and official communications.
● Ensures communication follows established organizational channels.
● Provides timely and accurate information to staff, parents, and the Board.
QUALIFICATIONS
● Thorough understanding of Montessori philosophy and pedagogy.
● Demonstrated experience in advancement, nonprofit leadership, or related fields.
● Strong interpersonal and relationship-building skills.
● Proven ability to communicate vision and inspire support.
● Experience in strategic planning and organizational leadership.
● Commitment to the mission and values of Catholic and Montessori education.
● Ability to work collaboratively with the Board, faculty, and families.
● Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
● Experience in independent schools, nonprofit organizations, advancement offices, or educational leadership preferred.
● Practicing Catholic or willingness to support the Catholic mission of the school
Employment Status: Full-Time (School Year) Schedule: 8:00 a.m.–3:00 p.m., Monday through Friday, with occasional faculty meetings and events as scheduled.
Send application to setonacademy@sbcglobal.net

Contact Method: Please contact Seton Academy at 630.279.4101 or setonacademy@sbcglobal.net.