Job Description

The Diocese of Saint Petersburg seeks a Founding Principal for Mater Dei Catholic School, a new PK3–8 diocesan school opening in August 2027 on the campus of St. Anne Parish at 1131 N US Highway 41, Ruskin, FL 33570. Main construction of Mater Dei is projected to be completed in December 2026. It is the first new school built by the Diocese in a decade and will serve approximately 300 students from Ruskin, Apollo Beach, Gibsonton, and surrounding communities in south Hillsborough County.

This is an opportunity to build a Catholic school from the ground up. The start date will be January 1, 2027, seven months before the school opens. The Founding Principal will report directly to the Superintendent of Catholic Schools and Centers and will:

• Oversee post-construction facilities issues
• Refine drafts of the school’s mission, vision, and philosophy statements
• Develop organizational and promotional materials for the school
• Select textbooks, instructional resources, and uniforms
• Specify and procure furniture, instructional technology, and classroom equipment
• Recruit and recommend for hire the founding faculty and staff
• Lead enrollment marketing, registration, and community outreach
• Plan the school’s liturgical and sacramental life with the pastor of St. Anne Parish
• Begin the Florida Catholic Conference accreditation process
• Participate in developing the school’s first operating budget

From opening forward, the Principal serves as the spiritual, instructional, and administrative leader of the school.

Qualifications

Required

• Practicing Catholic in good standing, able to give faithful witness to the teachings of the Catholic Church
• Master’s degree in educational leadership, administration, curriculum, or a closely related field
• Florida certification in Educational Leadership or School Principal. Equivalent out-of-state administrator certification will be considered; Florida certification must be applied for upon hire
• Minimum five years of successful teaching experience
• Demonstrated project management and budgeting skill

Preferred

• Five to seven years of experience as a principal
• Catholic school leadership experience
• Experience opening a new school or leading a school through accreditation
• Conversational or fluent Spanish

In compliance with Florida HB 531, the Florida Background Screening Clearinghouse Education and Awareness website can be found at https://info.flclearinghouse.com