Job Description

THE POSITION

For 141 years, Saint Joseph Notre Dame High School has fostered academic excellence, engaged students in a dynamic and comprehensive curriculum, and prepared students for ethical, faithful lives of scholarship and service. It is one of the only Catholic schools in America attached to a Roman Catholic Basilica, which gives the school an extraordinary presence and position in the community.

Today, this well-respected, co-educational Catholic diocesan parish high school offers a rigorous, college preparatory education to its diverse community of 415 students. As they progress through the unique program at SJND, students develop confidence, generosity, and a commitment to embracing the teachings of Jesus Christ.

Saint Joseph Notre Dame High School strives to instill and promote the ideals that God holds out before us: faith in Him who created us and Who invites us into friendship with Him and with each other; hope in God's plan of justice and peace which He calls us to participate in; and self-less love for each member of our diverse school and community.

The school prides itself on its innovation pathway programs in biomedical sciences and engineering. The school will soon introduce a new social advocacy pathway that will inspire students to consider careers in social service, public interest law, education, and ministry. The school takes pride in its resilience against the challenges of the COVID pandemic and emerged with a greater commitment to mental health and wellness support for its students, faculty, and staff.

The school is currently raising funds for its Raising the Bar project to enhance its weight and equipment room, wellness space, and refreshed cardio and floor exercise space. A new safety and security program is underway that will see enhanced measures implemented over the next two years.

The school seeks a new Principal, effective July 1, 2023, who who will continue to innovate for the betterment of its students and the people they will serve as compassionate, dedicated alumni in their chosen fields of work.

The Principal reports to the Pastor of St. Joseph Basilica Parish and serves on the school’s Board of Limited Jurisdiction within the Diocese of Oakland. Providing overall leadership and vision, the Principal ensures quality in the academic and student affairs programs in order to achieve the fullest attainment of the school’s mission. As overall chief administrator, the Principal oversees all administrative functions of the school including business, finance, advancement, enrollment, and teaching and learning. The Principal serves as a role model for staff and students and bears ultimate responsibility for the integration of faith and learning within the school. The successful candidate will be a capable and committed educational leader who fully embraces this faith-filled, academically ambitious community of learners.

ACADEMICS

Students at SJND gain foundational skills that pave the way for continued success and increased levels of independence. Teachers emphasize important skills that support the development of engaged and creative scholars, such as critical thinking, clear and effective communication, and collaboration. The school’s academic advantages include personalized education, strong community relationships, and college preparation. Students pursue coursework in theology, English, languages other than English (French, American Sign Language, and Spanish), math, science, social studies, physical education, and the visual and performing arts. SJND’s tech-rich environments enhance the learning experience. Science labs are equipped with state-of-the art tools and all classrooms are equipped with LCD projectors and high quality wireless Internet.

SJND aspires to offer its diverse student population authentic learning experiences that meet them where they are and lead them to become engaged and creative scholars. Our goal is to offer an accessible, clearly articulated, college preparatory curriculum through differentiated and student-centered instruction. We aim to utilize restorative assessment/grading practices that accurately reflect what students know and are able to do.

The school’s Bring Your Own Computer program increases the use and development of 21st Century learning skills that promote self direction and college readiness. SJND’s robust online Student Information and Learning Management systems increase the rate of teacher feedback and stimulate collaboration.

In 2019, SJND introduced the mobile IDEA (Innovation Design Engineering Art) Lab which includes various technologies for use across campus. Tools range from 3D printers to Oculus Go headsets, a One-Button-Studio, and much more. In conjunction, the school's new Engineering Pathway teaches the foundations of engineering, with an emphasis in computer science engineering. This program includes science, math, and computer science courses and culminates in a semester-long, project-based capstone course on the fundamental engineering principles of research, design, and building.

Another unique component of the SJND experience is the Biomedical Sciences Program. Qualified students can elect to undergo this four-year certificate program focused on human physiology, medicine, research processes, and bioinformatics. Through the program, whose innovative STEM curricula developed by Project Lead the Way offers several opportunities for project-based learning, students prepare for college and for careers in STEM-related fields. This program is recognized and admired by college partners across the country.

Academic Immersion Faculty at SJND recognize the importance of hands-on, global learning and service. Each year, students can experience Academic and Service Immersion Trips through various departments, learning about wildlife, botany, culture, people, and historical events. Recent trips include Greece, Italy, Costa Rica, the Galapagos Islands, and Peru (to be replaced by the Dominican Republic).

COLLEGE ACCEPTANCES

Students perennially go on to attend some of the most selective colleges and universities in the country. Their experience at SJND prepares them well for success in college and beyond.

The following is a partial list of colleges and universities to which SJND graduates were recently accepted:

Amherst College Berklee College of Music Boston University Brown University Dartmouth College Duke University Fordham University Georgetown University Harvard University Johns Hopkins University Loyola Marymount University Marquette University New York University Northwestern University Occidental College Princeton University

Saint Mary's College of California Santa Clara University Seattle University Syracuse University Tufts University University of Arizona University of California (all campuses) University of Massachusetts University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill University of Notre Dame University of Oregon University of Pennsylvania University of Southern California University of Washington

STUDENT LIFE

SJND embraces its Catholic traditions and teachings while providing a welcoming environment for all faiths. Students experience a strong sense of belonging that supports and values faith and spirituality. They may become involved in campus ministry, planning and participating in prayer services, retreats, liturgies, and service opportunities. Each class embarks on an annual retreat, which helps students strengthen their faith, their relationship with God, and their classmates.

SJND provides an Integrated Christian Service program that includes several service learning opportunities for our students, such as the school-wide Pilot Presents program in which homerooms are assigned local families for whom they will provide gift cards and items (gloves, hats, socks, refillable water bottles, etc.,) as they face homelessness.

Students are encouraged to develop their leadership skills, whether through campus ministry, in SJND’s many student clubs, or through arts and athletics. Approximately 70 percent of students participate in the school’s sports program, developing values and life skills that contribute to success in and beyond college. Students may participate in 12 sports: baseball, basketball, beach volleyball, cheerleading, cross country, golf, soccer, softball, swimming, tennis, track, and volleyball. The men's and women's basketball teams are part of a storied program, with the men winning a record six state titles (’91, ’92, ’04, ’11, ’14, and ’16).

ALAMEDA, CALIFORNIA

A charter city in the San Francisco Bay Area, Alameda is located on Alameda Island and Bay Farm Island, just adjacent to the city of Oakland across from San Francisco. According to Money magazine, Alameda is one of the best places to live in America, thanks to its relatively affluent community, large number of educational institutions, eclectic restaurants and libraries, excellent air quality, and moderate weather. The beautiful island is named for the oak trees that line its streets and fill its parks. “The Island City’s” proximity to the San Francisco Bay makes it a welcome haven for wind and kite surfers and other outdoor enthusiasts. The city is known for its lovely Victorian houses, its rollicking Fourth of July parade, and its downtown district located on Park Street. With plenty of local attractions, shops, restaurants, and museums, as well as easy access to San Francisco, Alameda is a wonderful place to call home.

RESPONSIBILITIES OF THE PRINCIPAL

The Principal is expected to:

• Assure that SJND models the Pastor’s and Bishop’s expectations for a school of excellence in the Diocese of Oakland;
• Partner and communicate effectively with the Pastor, Superintendent, Board, Principal of neighboring St. Joseph Elementary School, and the Community;
• Provide leadership in all areas of school operations: business, finance, advancement, enrollment, and teaching and learning;
• Deliver on identified goals and objectives outlined in the E3 Accreditation Educational Improvement Plan;
• Lead the implementation of the mission through the Strategic Plan and the E3 Accreditation
• Plan using the National Catholic Standards as a resource;
• Inspire the faculty and staff to pursue excellence in their teaching and student outcomes;
• Maintain a climate of accountability and a focus on the quality of the student experience;
• Achieve institutional financial and fundraising objectives.

CURRENT CHALLENGES & OPPORTUNITIES

The Principal, working with the Board of Trustees, school leaders, and faculty and staff, will lead the implementation of the current Strategic Plan and the E3 Accreditation Plan to:

• Embrace and maintain the mission, culture, and traditions Integral Student Outcomes and Core Values of this exceptional and diverse Catholic college preparatory high school;
• Lead in the continuing development of a 21st Century curriculum;
• Work with faculty in achieving the school’s academic goals;
• Lead in the continuing development of Advancement, Enrollment Management, Finance and Business Operations. Additionally, the Principal must be eager to work collegially with the Pastor, the parish, and the adjacent elementary school.

QUALIFICATIONS AND QUALITIES OF THE NEXT PRINCIPAL

The school seeks an experienced leader with a passion for mission who possesses these qualities and leadership characteristics:

• A faith-filled, practicing Catholic who embraces the core values of SJND faculty and staff:
• Expertise in Catholic education;
• Advanced college degree;
• A strategic and resourceful approach with deep domain knowledge of secondary school organizational management, fiscal management, and a commitment to best practices in teaching and learning, and the overall quality of the student experience.
• SJND is positioned perfectly for further growth and prominence. The school seeks a relational leader who will serve as the face of the school to the community, continue to raise the profile of the school academically and share its powerful value proposition across the Greater East Bay and Bay Area.

COMPENSATION

The salary range for this leadership position is $150,000-$200,000.

TO APPLY

BY FEBRUARY 20, 2023, PLEASE SUBMIT THE FOLLOWING MATERIALS CONFIDENTIALLY AS SEPARATE PDF ATTACHMENTS IN ONE EMAIL TO GLORIA ESPINOZA, HUMAN RESOURCES DEPARTMENT, DIOCESE OF OAKLAND AT GESPINOZA@OAKDIOCESE.ORG:

• Cover letter that expresses your interest and fit for leading a diocesan Catholic school;
• Current resume that includes dates for all degrees, certifications, and experience
• Statement of educational leadership philosophy and practice in a Catholic parish school;
• List of five references with names, phone numbers, and emails – no references will be contacted without your knowledge and approval;
• Catholic Schools of the Diocese of Oakland (CSDO) Employment Application.

SCHOOL HISTORY

Saint Joseph Notre Dame High School is a consolidation of Notre Dame, founded by the Sisters of Notre Dame de Namur, and Saint Joseph, founded in 1935 by Saint Joseph’s parish and originally run by the Marianist Brothers.

In 1881, five sisters of Notre Dame de Namur purchased the school’s present site in Alameda, erected a convent, and opened a school for girls. In 1935, the Marianist Brothers opened Saint Joseph High School.

After the Marianists left in 1970, the Congregation of the Sacred Heart was tasked with consolidating the two high schools into one coeducational school. In 1985, Saint Joseph Notre Dame High School opened.