Employment Opportunities
School Profile
Vermilion Catholic, a legacy of Mount Carmel, in Abbeville, LA, in the Diocese of Lafayette, LA is now accepting applications for the position of Principal for the 2027-2028 school year. Starting in January of 2027 is possible but not required.
Vermilion Catholic, a legacy of Mt. Carmel is a parochial school of St. Mary Magdalen parish that carries on the tradition of Mount Carmel School in Abbeville, which was founded by the Sisters of Mount Carmel in 1885. The school currently serves approximately 540 students Pre-K3 through 12th grade. The school serves families throughout Vermilion Parish and Acadiana and is the closest Catholic high school to the proposed site of Starbase Louisiana. We’re expecting a significant impact on the economy and population and want to be prepared to meet those challenges while remaining faithful to our identity and mission.
Role Overview
The Principal serves as the chief educational leader of the school in its mission to provide robust Catholic Formation to the entire community. The Principal administers and supervises the school under the guidance of the pastor. He/She is responsible for the implementation of curriculum; hiring, placing, and evaluating teachers; modeling and monitoring teacher professional growth; managing resources and administering operational procedures.
Qualifications for Principal
Degree: Master's or higher
Experience: School administration; have worked at or attended a Catholic school
Spiritual: Must be a practicing Catholic in good standing with the Church
Other: Must have some knowledge of and/or training in the philosophy and theology of Catholic education
Skills: Robust communication, conflict management, organizational, and long-range planning skills
The Diocese of Lafayette is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate against applicants or employees by reason of race, age, gender, handicap, or national origin.
Applications are available at DioLaf.org/Employment
All inquiries are strictly confidential.
Applications and resumes should be sent to:
Diocese of Lafayette DEADLINE FOR APPLICATION:
ATTN: Jamie Prejean Friday, Dec 11, 2026
1408 Carmel Drive
Lafayette, LA 70501
or via email to jprejean@diolaf.org
Detailed Job Description
The Principal…
Supports and upholds the philosophy of Catholic education and the mission of the school
Models a life of Catholic faith and lived virtue
Promotes healthy staff morale and professionalism
Develops a school climate reflecting Catholic identity
Fosters collaboration between the parish and school
Supports and adheres to the teachings of the Catholic Church, Code of Conduct, and policies and procedures of the Diocese of Lafayette
Communicates effectively and charitably with students, parents, and other professionals
Identifies and effects needed change for school improvement
Ensures the implementation of a comprehensive and deeply Catholic curriculum
Supervises instruction and evaluates the overall effectiveness of the academic program
Ensures that the religious instruction of students meets the guidelines set forth by the Diocese
Promotes Catholic identity within the school through liturgical celebrations, faith development, service to others, and the practice of Christian virtue
Oversees ongoing orientation and staff development in both educational and faith development of faculty and staff
Completes and maintains the accreditation of the school according to Catholic University of America’s Lumen Accreditation
Oversees the certification of religion teachers according to diocesan policy
Responsible for the annual school budget and supervises all expendituresOversees development goals and activities and seeks resources and support beyond the school
Works effectively with the Pastor and Advisory Board to establish goals for school effectiveness
Hires, supervises, evaluates, and terminates all faculty and staff according to diocesan guidelines
Ensures the accurate keeping of records according to diocesan and school policy
Demonstrates professionalism and Christian charity in conduct, demeanor, and work habits
Maintains a work schedule that maximizes availability to the school, students, and staff while also modelling important boundaries
Provides for an orderly school environment and promotes student self-discipline
Develops faculty and student/parent handbooks in accordance with diocesan guidelines
Completes and submits all official forms required by the Diocese of Lafayette, the State of Louisiana, and other relevant public agencies
Implements and reviews long-range strategic planning
Participates in professional development, including diocesan principal meetings and in-services
Oversees the establishment and execution of technology goals in accord with Catholic principles
Basic Qualifications:
- Flexibility, attention to detail, the ability to multitask, and good time management are essential.
- Well-developed communication skills (phone, email, written correspondence).
- Use discretion and tact as required in a professional work environment.
- Interpersonal skills that portray a welcoming atmosphere, friendly disposition, and helpful nature.
- Work cohesively in a team environment as well as work autonomously where required.
- Provide positive, enthusiastic support to staff, students, and parents in a Catholic school environment.
- Experience using Google suite of applications preferred.
- Experience providing administrative services in a school environment is preferred.
Vermilion Catholic enrolls students from Pre-K through 12th grade. Vermilion Catholic serves families throughout Vermilion Parish and Acadiana and is the only Pre-K through 12th Catholic School in the lower Acadiana region.

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