Position Summary
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.
Key responsibilities include:
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.
- Develop and execute strategic initiatives to increase student enrollment through targeted
outreach, marketing, streamlined admissions processes, data-driven recruitment strategies,
and community partnerships
- Supporting fundraising efforts.
Professional Requirements
- 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.
Preferred Qualifications
- 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.
Core Responsibilities
Educational Leadership:
- 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.
Faith & Community Leadership:
- 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.
Administrative Leadership:
- 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).
Advancement & Enrollment:
- 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).
Governance & Relationships
- 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.
Working Conditions
- 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