Principal, St. Joseph Center Special Learning

DIOCESE OF ALLENTOWN

St. Joseph Center for Special Learning

Position Title:

Principal

Reports To:

Board of Directors

FLSA Status:
Exempt

Position Type:
Full-Time, Twelve-Month Position

The Principal serves as the chief executive and educational leader of St. Joseph Center for Special Learning, providing strategic leadership for both the school-age educational program and the adult services program. Reporting directly to the Board of Directors, the Principal is responsible for ensuring exceptional educational and adult services, maintaining compliance with all educational and Medicaid regulations, fostering strong partnerships with school districts and community stakeholders, managing organizational resources, and advancing the mission of the organization, a uniquely Catholic special learning center within the Diocese.

This position serves as the primary liaison between the organization and families, school districts, government agencies, community partners, donors, and the Board of Directors. The Principal is responsible for promoting a culture of excellence, collaboration, accountability, and respect for the dignity and unique abilities of every individual served.

• Provide leadership and oversight for all educational programs serving students with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
• Ensure implementation of high-quality instructional practices, curriculum, and student support services.
• Maintain compliance with all federal, state, diocesan, and local regulations governing special education.
• Oversee the implementation and monitoring of Individualized Education Programs (IEPs), ensuring that all services, accommodations, modifications, and supports are provided in accordance with student needs and legal requirements.
• Develop and maintain collaborative relationships with local school districts to support student placements, educational programming, and contractual agreements.
• Participate in IEP meetings, evaluations, transition planning meetings, and other student-centered planning activities as needed.
• Monitor student progress and program effectiveness through data-driven decision-making.
• Lead school improvement planning, accreditation activities, and strategic initiatives.
• Foster a positive, inclusive, and faith-filled school culture that promotes student success and staff engagement.
• Ensure student safety, well-being, and adherence to organizational policies and procedures.

• Serve as the executive leader of the Adult Program and ensure high-quality, person-centered services for adult participants in collaboration with the director.
• Oversee all adult services and supports in accordance with Medicaid Waiver requirements and Office of Developmental Programs (ODP) regulations in collaboration with the director.
• Ensure compliance with licensing requirements, quality management standards, incident management protocols, and participant rights in collaboration with the director.
• Develop and expand community-based opportunities that promote independence, inclusion, and meaningful participation for adult program participants in collaboration with the director.
• Collaborate with Supports Coordinators, county agencies, families, and other stakeholders to ensure quality services and positive outcomes in collaboration with the director.
• Monitor program performance and implement continuous quality improvement initiatives in collaboration with the director.

• Provide strategic leadership and vision for the organization consistent with its Catholic mission, values, and long-term goals.
• Work collaboratively with the Board of Directors to develop and implement organizational priorities and strategic plans.
• Establish policies, procedures, and systems that support operational excellence and organizational effectiveness.
• Ensure compliance with all applicable educational, Medicaid, employment, and nonprofit regulations.
• Prepare reports and recommendations for the Board of Directors.
• Oversee risk management, safety planning, emergency preparedness, and organizational security.

• Develop, monitor, and manage organizational budgets in collaboration with Director of Finance, the Board of Directors, and Finance Committee.
• Oversee tuition billing, school district contracts, Medicaid billing, grants, fundraising revenue, and operational expenditures.
• Ensure responsible stewardship of…