Principal

About Us:

Downers Grove Christian School (DGCS) is a private Christian school serving preschool through eighth grade. For more than 55 years, DGCS has sought to pair academic excellence with a biblical worldview in a caring, collaborative community of students, families, and educators. The school describes its work as a ministry of the church, grounded in a shared love of Christ and the pursuit of what is good, true, and excellent

School Verse

“Those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles.” Isaiah 40:31

Our Mission Statement

Providing a quality, Christ-centered education in a loving environment.

About the Position:

The Principal provides spiritual, instructional, relational, and operational leadership for DGCS. Working in partnership with the School Board and other designated school and church leaders, the Principal supports the school’s Christian mission, strengthens teaching and learning, develops faculty, cares for students and families, and advances responsible long-term vision and planning. Specific decision rights and reporting lines will be defined by the Board.

Salary: $75,000 – $105,000

Benefits: Insurance, Retirement Plan, Holidays and Breaks Off, Paid Vacation, Personal and Health Leave, and Student Tuition Discount,

Location: Downers Grove, IL

Job Duties

Christian mission and school culture

Model an active Christian faith and Christlike character in leadership, decision-making, and relationships.
Promote a biblical worldview across school life and support age-appropriate spiritual and character formation.
Faithfully witness and share the Gospel, encouraging students, families and staff to grow in their relationship with Jesus Christ.
Cultivate a welcoming, accountable, caring community for students, families, faculty, and staff.

Academic and instructional leadership

Oversee PK–8 instructional quality, curriculum selection and alignment, and effective classroom practice.
Use appropriate assessment and other evidence to identify student needs and guide academic improvement.
Support instruction for students with diverse learning needs within the school’s programs and resources.

Faculty and staff leadership

Lead, coach, mentor, and evaluate faculty and assigned staff; foster collaboration and professional growth.
Manage recruiting, onboarding, retention, and personnel decisions within delegated authority.
Address performance and interpersonal concerns fairly, promptly, and consistently.

Student care, conduct, and safety

Maintain a safe, orderly, nurturing school environment and consistent student conduct practices.
Partner with families and staff on student development, discipline, and support needs.
Oversee implementation of applicable student safety, child protection, and emergency procedures within assigned authority.

Operations and stewardship

Coordinate effective school policies, administrative processes, educational technology, and day-to-day operations.
Participate in budgeting, resource planning, facilities awareness, and financial stewardship in cooperation with the School Board and church staff.
Provide timely, accurate operational updates and recommendations to the School Board.

Enrollment, families, and community

Partner with the Director of Advancement on enrollment, retention, family engagement, and the school’s reputation within the Village of Downers Grove and the surrounding communities.
Communicate proactively and respectfully with parents and guardians, including when resolving concerns.
Represent DGCS constructively in the broader Christian education community.

Strategy and governance

Translate Board-approved priorities into practical plans and measurable school improvements.
Collaborate with the School Board on school performance, risks, opportunities, and future planning.
Respect the distinction between governance and management and operate within agreed decision-making authority.

Required Qualifications

A born-again Christian with an active personal relationship with Jesus Christ and commitment to Christian education.
Bachelor’s degree in education or a related field.
At least five years of teaching experience, preferably with PK–8 students, or a Board-approved equivalent combination of relevant experience.
Appropriate teaching or school leadership credential acceptable to DGCS; precise certification requirements to be confirmed.
Demonstrated competence in curriculum, instructional leadership, staff development, school operations, and family communication.
Strong judgment, interpersonal skills, written and verbal communication, and competence with school information systems and common office technology.

Preferred Qualifications

Leadership Attributes

Master’s degree in education, educational leadership, school administration, or a related discipline.
Two or more years of school administrative or comparable educational leadership experience; the Board may elect to make this a requirement.
ACSI school leadership certification, Illinois administrator/educator credential, or other relevant qualification as approved by DGCS.
Experience in Christian schooling, ministry, school improvement, enrollment collaboration, and financial planning.

A compelling candidate will demonstrate spiritual maturity, integrity, humility, discernment, emotional intelligence, instructional credibility, sound organizational judgment, a collaborative leadership style, and the ability to combine compassion with accountability.

Measures of success

Initial priorities and measurable goals should be agreed with the Board. Potential measures include faculty development and retention, instructional quality, student well-being, family satisfaction, enrollment stability, budget stewardship, and progress against Board-approved strategic priorities.