ASSOCIATE PRINCIPAL OF ACADEMICS (2026 - 2027 School Year)
Bishop O’Dowd High School
Oakland, California
Full Time 11 month position
Salary Range: $150,000.00 To $180,000.00 Annually, DOE

Mission Statement
Bishop O’Dowd High School is a Catholic college-preparatory community, guided by the teachings of Jesus Christ, that educates its diverse student body to build a more just, joyful, and sustainable world.

Charism
Finding God in All Things calls us to community in diversity, strength of character, academic excellence, kinship with creation, social justice, and joy.

About Bishop O’Dowd High School
Bishop O’Dowd High School is a nationally recognized Catholic college-preparatory school serving approximately 1,280 students from the East Bay and beyond. The school is known for academic excellence, outstanding student support, a warm and joyful culture, strong co-curricular programs, and innovation in environmental science and educational technology. O’Dowd prepares students to create positive change in their communities and in the world.

Situated on a 20-acre campus in the Oakland Hills overlooking the San Francisco Bay, Bishop O’Dowd reflects the diversity, creativity, and pursuit of excellence that define the Bay Area. Owned by the Diocese of Oakland, the school is experiencing strong enrollment momentum and is advancing institutional priorities focused on Catholic identity, educational excellence, equity, and innovation. This is an exceptional opportunity for a collaborative academic leader to partner with the Principal and President in shaping the next chapter of the school’s success.

Position Overview
The Associate Principal of Academics reports directly to the Principal and serves as a senior academic leader of the school. As a visible member of the school’s leadership team, the Associate Principal must support and model the values, teachings, and mission of the Catholic Church and Bishop O’Dowd High School in both professional practice and community engagement. While the role emphasizes instructional excellence, faculty formation, and curricular coherence, it also carries primary responsibility for core academic operations and systems, as well as leading academic culture and change management initiatives. 

The Associate Principal provides strategic and operational leadership for curriculum and instruction; faculty hiring, formation, and evaluation; academic scheduling; grading and student academic records; academic systems and compliance; and student academic success, all in alignment with the school’s Catholic mission and Charism.

The Associate Principal of Academics oversees all academic departments except Religious Studies, Fine Arts, Social Studies, and Physical Education, and provides leadership for the Academic Support Program. Working closely with department chairs, counselors, academic leaders, and fellow administrators, the Associate Principal ensures coherence across teaching and learning, academic policies, and institutional expectations.

Direct Reports
The Associate Principal of Academics directly supervises the Academic Dean, Academic Coordinator, Director of Academic Support and the Academic Support Program, Department Chairs (excluding Religious Studies, Fine Arts, Social Studies, and Physical Education), faculty in supervised departments, and the Head Librarian.

Key Responsibilities

Curriculum, Teaching & Learning, and Emerging Technologies
The Associate Principal for Academic Leadership leads curriculum development, review, and innovation aligned with the school’s mission and WCEA Educational Improvement Plan goals. The role chairs Academic Council meetings, advances accreditation-related action plans, oversees interdisciplinary curriculum initiatives, supports the development of innovative academic programs, and supervises the publication of the annual course catalog.

In collaboration with the Director of Technology, Data, and Innovation, the Associate Principal oversees the adoption, evaluation, and ongoing adjustment of curriculum and instructional practices in response to artificial intelligence and other emerging technologies. This includes supporting faculty in the ethical, effective, and pedagogically sound integration of new tools, ensuring alignment with Catholic values, academic integrity, and the school’s educational mission.

Faculty Hiring, Formation, and Evaluation
In partnership with the Principal, the Associate Principal assists with faculty hiring and department chair selection. The role oversees faculty observation and evaluation aligned with best instructional practices, equity goals, and the school’s Charism. In coordination with the Academic Dean, the Associate Principal designs and implements professional development, supports instructional coaching, and collaborates with Educational Technology, Library Services, and academic leaders to strengthen teaching and learning.

Academic Support and Student Success
The Associate Principal oversees the Academic Support Program and works closely with Counseling and Academic Support staff to identify and respond to students’ academic and social-emotional needs. The role monitors student academic progress, probation, and graduation requirements and oversees academic integrity processes through the Academic Dean. The Associate Principal collaborates with counselors, the Registrar, and administrators to ensure clear communication with students and families regarding academic progress.

Academic Operations and Systems
The Associate Principal oversees academic scheduling, course placement, grading, and student academic records. The role works closely with Counseling, the Registrar, and the Tech Department to manage PowerSchool, Schoology, and related academic platforms, ensuring effective use, compliance, and data integrity. The Associate Principal oversees standardized testing programs, academic budgets, and substitute teacher recruitment.

Summer Academy
The Associate Principal, in consultation with the Summer School Principal and the Academic Dean, oversees the design, staffing, budgeting, promotion, and implementation of Summer Academy programs, including remediation, bridge programs, and enrichment. The role supervises curriculum development, staffing, and program evaluation to ensure effectiveness and alignment with school-wide academic goals.

Leadership and Institutional Responsibilities
The Associate Principal serves in significant leadership roles in accreditation and institutional planning processes; gathers and analyzes data to inform program evaluation and continuous improvement; serves as a liaison with parents and guardians regarding academic matters in accordance with school communication protocols; contributes to school publications and the school website; and performs other duties as assigned by the Principal.

Qualifications

Bishop O’Dowd High School seeks a mission-driven educational leader with a strong commitment to Catholic education, academic excellence, and equity. The successful candidate must be able to support and uphold the Catholic mission and identity of the school and serve as a visible role model of Catholic values within the school community. The successful candidate will be a collaborative, effective communicator who thrives in a diverse school community and brings a demonstrated commitment to instructional leadership and faculty development.

A qualified applicant will possess a master’s degree in education or a related field, an administrative credential (or eligibility), and a minimum of three to five years of successful educational leadership experience. Experience in Catholic or faith-based education and a demonstrated record of leading curriculum, teaching and learning, and instructional improvement are preferred.

Practicing Catholic candidates is highly preferred.  

Salary and Benefits
This is a full-time, 11-month position. Salary is competitive and commensurate with experience and qualifications. Benefits include health, dental, and vision insurance; long and short-term disability insurance; and an annual contribution to a 403(b) retirement plan.

Application Process
Review of applications will begin immediately and continue until the position is filled. Qualified candidates are asked to submit a cover letter, résumé, contact information for five professional references, and a one- to two-page statement on the role of the associate principal in driving innovation and educational excellence in a Catholic high school. All applications must be submitted through our online recruitment portal.

Applications should be submitted through ADP via the Bishop O’Dowd High School website at AP of Academics. Pre-employment background screening is required. For more information on our school, go to https://www.bishopodowd.org.

Equal Opportunity Statement
Bishop O’Dowd High School is an equal opportunity employer. As a Catholic institution, the school seeks employees who support and advance its mission and Catholic identity. Consistent with applicable law, religion may be considered as a qualification for positions involving essential religious functions.