Job Description

Job Description: School Principal

Pilgrim Lutheran School (PreK–8), Chicago, IL

Founded in 1920, Pilgrim Lutheran School (part of Pilgrim Lutheran Church founded in 1912) currently serves students in grades PreK–8. The School serves a diverse community of learners on Chicago’s North Side, combining small-classroom attention with innovative teaching practices and a strong sense of community engagement.

Pilgrim Lutheran School is faith-based with rigorous academics and a strong commitment to service learning. Our mission is to provide a high-quality education within a nurturing Christian community so that each student can grow academically, spiritually, emotionally, socially, and physically. Sponsored by Pilgrim Lutheran Parish congregation, a member of the ELCA, Pilgrim equips students to make positive contributions as courageous and active members of society.

The Principal of Pilgrim Lutheran School is both the educational and spiritual leader, fostering academic excellence, faith development, and a caring Christian community where every child can thrive. The Principal partners with the Pastor, Board of Education, faculty, and families to advance the mission of the school.

The next Principal will be a visionary and hands-on leader who demonstrates passion for both education and faith formation. Key responsibilities include:

- Leading faculty and staff in curriculum, instruction, and professional growth.

- Promoting Christian values and modeling faith-centered leadership.

- Building strong relationships with families, the congregation, and the wider community.

- Managing school operations, managing outside vendors, finances, facilities, and accreditation requirements.

- Developing and executing strategic initiatives to increase student enrollment through targeted outreach, marketing, streamlined admissions processes, data-driven recruitment strategies, and community partnerships

- Supporting fundraising efforts.

- Valid Illinois Professional Educator License (Elementary or Middle School endorsement).

- Illinois Principal/Administrator License (or eligibility/in process).

- Minimum of 5 years of teaching and/or school administration experience.

- Demonstrated leadership, communication, and organizational skills.

- Master’s Degree in Educational Administration.

- Active commitment to Christian values and participation in congregational life.

- Strong relational skills and ability to partner with diverse families and staff.

- Demonstrated experience in increasing enrollment growth and retention.

- Ensure curriculum, instruction, and assessment align with Pilgrim’s mission and high academic standards.

- Collaborate, support, and supervise teachers through regular classroom visits, coaching, and professional development.

- Maintain programs that nurture the whole child—academically, socially, spiritually, emotionally, and physically.

- Oversee extracurricular offerings (arts, athletics, service, technology, etc.).

- Lead accreditation, evaluation, and school improvement processes.

- Model Christian faith and values through conduct, attitude, and service.

- Partner with the Pastor to integrate faith development throughout school life.

- Build strong relationships with parents, congregation, and the broader community.

- Represent Pilgrim Parish as an ambassador in church, community, and educational networks.

- Oversee school operations, outside vendors, scheduling, facilities, safety, and compliance with city/state regulations.

- Manage budgets, financial procedures, and resource allocation in partnership with the Board and Church Treasurer.

- Collaborate with hiring committees to recruit new staff.

- Cultivate a collaborative and supportive culture.

- Ensure accurate recordkeeping (student data, attendance, assessments, state/federal reporting).

- Assist in creation and implementation of recruitment efforts to retain students and increase enrollment through admissions, outreach, marketing, and public relations.

- Partner with the Church Council, Board and congregation on fundraising, grant opportunities, and community partnerships.

- Communicate school achievements through multiple channels (newsletters, website, church publications, social media, local media).

- Reports to the Board of Education and works under the supervision of the Pastor.

- Partners closely with the Board to develop and implement policies.

- Serves as a bridge among the Parish consisting of the staff, families, congregation, and community.

- School-based environment with regular classroom and playground interaction.

- Evening/weekend responsibilities for school, church, or community events.

- Active participation in Parish life.

- Compensation is competitive and commensurate with experience; benefits include [health insurance, retirement, tuition discount, etc.].

How to Apply:

Please send a cover letter, resume, and references to:

Brennan Downes

Hiring Committee Lead, Pilgrim Lutheran School

employment@pilgrimchicago.org | (630) 849 5821

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