Assistant Principal

Description

School Name: Vincent Memorial High School

Location: 525 Sheridan St., Calexico, CA 92231

Reports to: Principal

Employment Type: Full Time

FLSA Status: Exempt

Salary Range: $85,000

To apply, please include the following materials:

In addition to your cover letter, please respond to the following questions (no longer that 1,000 words total): 

• What brings you to apply for the position of Assistant Principal?  
• How would you describe your philosophy of education? How would you put it into practice at Vincent Memorial Catholic High School? 
• How would you describe your leadership style? 
• What experiences have prepared you to be the Assistant Principal at Vincent Memorial Catholic? 
• What is your vision for the ideal graduate of Vincent Memorial Catholic? 

Vincent Memorial Catholic High School seeks a mission-driven, collaborative, student focused, community centered Assistant Principal to serve as one of the formational leaders at Vincent Memorial Catholic. The Assistant Principal reports directly to the school’s Principal and serves as a critical member of the school’s administrative team.  

About VMCHS: 

Vincent Memorial Catholic High School is the only Catholic high school in the Imperial Valley serving students from the Mexicali and Imperial Valleys. Founded by Fr. Vincent who believed in the mission of Catholic education and supporting the charism of the sister Servants of the Blessed Sacrament (adoration and education), Vincent Memorial Catholic High School strives to provide rigorous academics and spiritual formation. 

About the Assistant Principal Role Vincent Memorial seeks an Assistant Principal for the 2025-2026 School Year, ideally beginning on July 1, 2025). 

The Assistant Principal fulfills the mission of Vincent Memorial Catholic school by working with the principal in the management of the school, faculty, staff, students, and families with a major emphasis on instructional leadership. This position reports to and is evaluated by the principal.

The Assistant Principal’s specific responsibilities include: 

•  Support and adhere to the Code of Conduct and policies and procedures of the school and Diocese of San Diego 
• Maintain confidentiality regarding school matters 
• Support and assist with the responsibilities of the principal 
• Oversee the academic programming of the school in collaboration with the Principal 
• Serve as the acting principal in the principal’s absence 
• Assist in the general administration of the school 
• Develop and deliver the communication, observation, coaching, and supervision of the faculty and staff 
• Oversee development and documentation of curriculum planning 
• Support the principal, and teachers in carrying out the disciplinary policies and practices of the school 
• Assist in building the master course schedule and oversee the student course registration and course change process 
• Assist in planning and facilitating faculty meetings and professional development in collaboration with the principal 
• Provide direct supervision of school sponsored activities, morning arrival, passing periods, and afterschool programming (sports events) 
• Work alongside coordinators to AP, PSAT, and other standardized and/or diagnostic or placement testing 
• Communicate effectively with students, parents, and other professionals, establishing rapport with all constituents 
• Demonstrate professionalism in conduct, demeanor, and work habits 

Leadership and Collaboration 

• As a member of the administrative team, set clear expectations and standards for academic success. 
• Be a regular presence in classrooms, informally observing and following up with teachers and students in order to support a positive learning environment, engaging opportunities, and high expectations for student work and outcomes. 
• Collaborate with peers to enhance the work environment and support instructional planning 
• Work with the Principal to monitor students regarding tardiness, absences, and those on academic probation. 
• Help facilitate faculty and staff committees, as assigned 
• Observe and evaluate instruction, providing constructive feedback on performance. 
• Oversee the preparation of faculty and student handbooks in collaboration with the Principal 

SJS Identity and VMCHS Mission 

• Ensure that the school’s Catholic, SJS, vision and mission drive school decisions and positively support all school stakeholders, ensuring liturgical practices, prayer, and Catholic culture are integrated into school life 
• Allocate time and resources for the spiritual formation of teachers 
• Ensure that all members of the school community are treated fairly, equitably, and with respect and compassion. Protect the rights and confidentiality of students and staff 

Instruction and Curriculum 

• Ensure that all students are being challenged in an academically rigorous, college prep setting 
• In partnership with the Principal, oversee the development and evaluation of a comprehensive academic program
• Write new curricula and development of new course requirements
• Develop and execute an effective faculty professional development program including regular faculty meetings and other formal meetings as needed 
• Complete regular/frequent classroom observations, giving feedback to teachers 
• Assist teachers, parents, and staff in interpreting and understanding student data 
• Help develop and implement a vision for VMCHS summer program to prepare incoming ninth graders (Summer Readiness), remediate students who are behind, and provide enrichment for all students. Select and supervise academic summer program leaders and support the hiring of summer faculty/staff 
• Oversee the director and programming of Summer School and all summer enrichment opportunities  
• Help facilitate Academic Leadership initiatives to improve student retention and college success 
• Oversee coordination of Advanced Placement courses and testing  
• Establish clear unit plans for every course, collecting and giving feedback to teachers on unit plans in collaboration with department chairs 
• Align test prep, academic skill work, reading and writing abilities, and other essential aspects of unit plans 
• Help departments align AP skills and foundations to increase AP pass rates 
• Develop and maintain grading system 
• Collaborate with the Principal to lead work on horizontal alignment 
• Establish grade level norms 
• Establish grade level support structures and interventions 
• Establish grade level skills to be taught across departments 
• Provide professional development for grade level leads and teams 
• Evaluate, approve, and support implementation and maintenance of educational technology and programs 

Student Learning and Support 

•  Work with the Gradelink coordinator to ensure the effective use of the administrative software 
• With the Principal's Office, support the implementation of bell schedules 
• Publish an on-going revision of the course catalog across different platforms: website, catalog document, A-G approval through UC system 
• With the Principal, determine teaching assignments and room assignments 
• Lead the process of determining the school’s instructional schedule for the school year 
• Assist Principal in the planning of school events of an academic nature, including student award assemblies and family-teacher conferences 
• Support with the planning of graduation activities 
• Provide daily supervision of student activities and student life events 
• Assist Principal and Accreditation Chair with school accreditation procedures related to academics 

• Meet with students and parents regarding retention issues, help counsel students in collaboration with Admissions and the Principal on major behavior issues including potential violence, substance abuse, and repeated behaviors that could lead to removal from school 
• In collaboration with the Principal, oversee school emergency response and serve on the security call list 24/7 
• Collaborate with the Principal on student counseling support, intervention, college, and alumni programming 
• Collaborate with the Principal to ensure best practices for recruiting, interviewing, hiring, onboarding, and retaining highly effective teachers 

School Culture and Family Involvement

• Along with the Principal, develop a school culture that values the unique gifts that all staff, students and families bring, work to guarantee an environment where the dignity of all is respected and upheld, and ensure that parents are welcomed and an integral part of the school community 
• Promote a culture of continuous improvement that focuses on high expectations and high support, drawing particular attention to equity gaps and commit to their elimination 
• Model school values and mindsets and hold self and others accountable to maintaining the standards for a positive school culture 
• Collaborate with the Principal to develop strategies for meaningful and reciprocal family and community engagement 

General School Functioning 

• Assist the Principal in developing and executing strategies to improve performance of academic staff over time, supporting the term success of each academic staff member 
• In collaboration with the Principal, actively participate in the school’s admissions process, helping to set guidelines, timelines, and enrollment goals consistent with the school’s approved operating budget and mission 
• In collaboration with the Principal, identify program needs 
• Partner with the Principal in overseeing accreditation with the Western Catholic Educational Association (WCEA) 
• Assume other duties as assigned by the Principal 

Requirements

Religious Requirements:

• Practicing Roman Catholic with a strong understanding and personal commitment to the Catholic faith
• Experienced in fostering a faith-filled school culture that reflects Catholic values and traditions
• Committed to being a visible spiritual leader and role model for students, staff, and families
• Able to lead prayer, liturgical events, and faith formation opportunities for students and faculty

Professional Requirements:

Candidates for Assistant Principal must have the following qualifications and experience: 

• Bachelor’s degree, teaching credential, and considering pursuing a master’s degree in educational leadership or administration 
• At least two years of experience as a school assistant principal or as a member of an academic leadership team is preferred 
• Demonstrated commitment to Catholic, faith-based education 
• Demonstrated ability to connect with and engage families, including family members for whom English is a second language 
• Demonstrated ability to inspire, lead, manage and work collegially with faculty and staff 
• Strong background in a rigorous, standards-based, college-ready curriculum 
• Demonstrated success as an instructional leader who creates a culture of continuous improvement 
• Evidence of an ability to analyze and use data to increase student achievement 
• Excellent written and oral communication skills 
• Exemplary interpersonal skills with faculty, staff, parents, students and community members 
• Fluency in Spanish is preferred. Some level of Spanish proficiency is required 

Physical Requirements:

While performing the duties of this job the employee is regularly required to remain in an office at a computer workstation and access information from a computer and use a telephone. The employee is required to be mobile to, from, and within the school, as well as maneuver throughout the school facility to attend meetings, briefings, and other work-related events. The employee may be required to conduct trips to, from, and within various city and county-wide locations to attend meetings or events. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 15 pounds.

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.

Please note this position description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities and activities may change at any time with or without notice.

Vincent Memorial High School, as part of the Catholic Diocese of San Diego, is committed to creating a diverse and inclusive workplace. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, gender, national origin, genetics, disability, age or veteran status.