Lower School Principal

Nardin Academy is an Independent Catholic School located in Buffalo, New York. Nardin asks all in our community to “Inspire hearts and minds to do amazing things for the world through faith, character, academic excellence, and service.” Nardin’s values include Embracing All, Nurturing Talent, Fostering Connection, Living and Serving through Faith, and Igniting Possibilities. Nardin is a diverse and welcoming community that fosters an inclusive environment that celebrates the background and experiences of all.

Nardin Academy is seeking a mission-driven visionary Lower School Principal who leads with integrity, compassion, and purpose. The ideal candidate is a relational and innovative leader who will shape the vision of the Lower School and serve as a key member of the Senior Leadership Team. With a deep understanding of childhood education, a commitment to joyful learning, and strong instructional leadership, the Lower School Principal will ensure a vibrant, student-centered culture aligned with Nardin’s mission and values.

Key Responsibilities

Academic Leadership

• Lead day-to-day academic operations, ensuring alignment with best practices in early and elementary education.
• Oversee curriculum design and instructional programs that integrate character formation, the arts, and physical education.
• Coordinate professional development and support for faculty.
• Supervise and evaluate staff to foster professional growth and accountability.
• Prepare class schedules, academic calendars, and faculty assignments.
• Lead the design, implementation, and evaluation of a comprehensive curriculum that integrates core academic subjects with enrichment areas such as the arts, world languages, physical education, and character education.
• Ensure that the curriculum reflects current research in child development and best practices in pedagogy, including differentiated instruction and inquiry-based learning.
• Promote interdisciplinary connections and the integration of real-world learning experiences to inspire curiosity, critical thinking, and creativity.
• Collaborate with faculty to align curriculum across grade levels, ensuring a seamless progression of skills and knowledge from early childhood through Grade 4.
• Regularly review and refine curricular materials and assessments to ensure cultural relevance, academic rigor, and alignment with Nardin’s values and strategic goals.
• Support innovation in teaching and learning through the incorporation of modern technologies and instructional strategies that enhance student engagement and achievement.

• Recruit, hire, and retain talented educators who reflect the mission and values of the school.
• Promote a culture of collaboration, instructional excellence, and continuous improvement through regular faculty meetings and feedback.
• Ensure timely and effective evaluations of all faculty and staff.
• Champion a learning environment that supports each student’s academic, social, and emotional development.
• Establish and uphold academic and behavioral expectations.
• Lead student-focused events, initiatives, and recognition ceremonies.

• Promote and embody Nardin’s Catholic identity, inclusive values, and commitment to service.
• Serve as a visible leader and trusted liaison among students, families, faculty, and alumni.
• Support the Admissions and Enrollment Team by participating in outreach and recruitment efforts.
• Officiate key events, including awards ceremonies and graduation.

• Collaborate with senior leadership on school-wide planning, budgeting, and policy development.
• Work with the business office on employment agreements and budgeting.
• Serve on Board-designated committees as appropriate.
• Evaluating prospective students for admission and working collaboratively with the admissions team to ensure admissions assessments are reviewed and updated on an annual basis.

• Be actively engaged in daily school life – visiting classrooms, attending events, and building relationships across the community.
• Demonstrate a leadership style rooted in empathy, transparency, and accessibility.

This job…