Cristo Rey Charleston High School is a college preparatory, Catholic school for students of all faiths, that will educate young people of limited resources to become persons of faith, purpose, and service. Cristo Rey Charleston is the 42nd Cristo Rey model school in the United States and will welcome the founding class of students in 2027. The school will be located in North Charleston, SC and will serve approximately 400 students in grades 9-12 from across the greater Charleston area. Each student participates in the Corporate Work Study Program (CWSP), an integral part of the Cristo Rey model in which every student works one day a week throughout their four years at the school. The one day per week students are at work, teachers have extended planning and collaboration opportunities.
Cristo Rey Charleston High School’s Mission and Vision Statements
Mission: Cristo Rey Charleston High School, a Catholic college preparatory school open to students of all faiths, delivers rigorous academics and real-world work experience to students from families with limited resources. Our goal is clear: to ensure every student is accepted into college and supported through graduation and beyond.
Vision: Cristo Rey Charleston strives for a world where our students, guided by God’s love and grace, use their talents to create positive change and serve others.
Cristo Rey Charleston High School Ideal Job Candidate
Cristo Rey Charleston attracts and hires capable individuals of character who are called to cultivate the God-given talents within each student. We've chosen to answer the call because we are committed to helping develop students who will impact the world through showcasing their excellence.
An ideal candidate should have an appreciation of the school’s mission and it's unique operating model.
Cristo Rey Charleston High School is seeking its founding academic leader. This position is an opportunity for an experienced school leader both to serve the students at Cristo Rey Charleston High School, and also to be part of the largest network of Catholic high schools in the country that exclusively serves under-resourced youth.
About Cristo Rey Charleston High School
Cristo Rey Charleston High School is the 42nd Cristo Rey school in the United States and will open in August 2027 to a founding freshman class of approximately 100 students. At full enrollment in 2031, the school will serve over 400 students in grades 9-12. Cristo Rey schools empower student formation through the integration of rigorous college preparatory academics, four years of professional work experience, support to and through college, and Catholic educational values.
Beyond the academic and extracurricular programs, the Cristo Rey model includes a Corporate Work Study Program wherein students work in professional jobs off campus one day every week. One hundred percent of Cristo Rey Charleston students will participate in Corporate Work Study, which funds 50% of the annual cost of education for each student. Leading the school in maintaining a rigorous academic program in this unique model will be key to the success of the founding principal and the school.
About the Position
The Founding Principal will be the instructional and academic leader of the school, collaborating with fellow administrators, parents, faculty, and staff to ensure a school environment and instructional program that is aligned with the Cristo Charleston High School mission and vision. Working together with the President and the Vice President of Corporate Work Study, the Principal ensures that highly effective instruction is taking place [BC1] and that the social/emotional well-being of students is maintained to facilitate a safe, productive, and enthusiastic learning environment.
The Principal will be hired by, and report to, Cristo Rey Charleston High School’s President. S/He will build, lead, and develop a team that includes the faculty and the following non-faculty direct reports: Assistant Principal, Dean, Director of Social Emotional Counseling and Director of College Counseling.
Professional Qualifications and Personal Qualities
• Substantial teaching experience with a deep understanding of effective pedagogy
• Experience leading and mentoring teachers, esp. in the areas of teaching methodology and classroom management
• Strong verbal and written communication skills and the ability to communicate effectively with faculty, students, parents, and business partners
• Demonstrated commitment to working with diverse communities
• Open and flexible problem solver ready to lead the academic team towards excellence and rigor in a nontraditional school environment and schedule
• Understands and embraces both our identity as a Catholic school for students of all faiths and the Cristo Rey mission
• Practicing Catholic preferred, but not required
• Spanish speaking a plus, but not required
• Master’s degree in educational field
• At least 5 years of experience in school site leadership and 3 years of high school teaching experience
Statement of Nondiscrimination
Cristo Rey Charleston High School is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, sex, color, national or ethnic origin, age, religion, disability, or any other category protected by federal, state or local law in the administration of any of its educational programs and activities or with respect to employment.
Application Process
Submit a cover letter, resume, and three references to careers@cristoreycharleston.org.
Initial Interviews will take place mid-January through February. The Principal will be able to begin service in June or July 2026.
Cristo Rey Charleston High School is looking for its founding Coordinator of Communications & Operations. This dynamic role blends marketing, social media management, event planning, and executive assistant responsibilities to support the founding years of Cristo Rey Charleston High School. This role supports the President and the Leadership Team in building and advancing our school’s vision. This is a uniquely dynamic role that combines strategic communications, event coordination, community engagement, and executive-level administrative support.
About Cristo Rey Charleston High School
Cristo Rey Charleston High School is the 42nd Cristo Rey school in the United States and will open in August 2027 to a founding freshman class of approximately 100 students. At full enrollment in 2031, the school will serve over 400 students in grades 9-12. Cristo Rey schools empower student formation through the integration of rigorous college preparatory academics, four years of professional work experience, support to and through college, and Catholic educational values.
Beyond the academic and extracurricular programs, the Cristo Rey model includes a Corporate Work Study Program wherein students work in professional jobs off campus one day every week. One hundred percent of Cristo Rey Charleston students will participate in Corporate Work Study, which funds 50% of the annual cost of education for each student. Leading the school in maintaining a rigorous academic program in this unique model will be key to the success of the founding principal and the school.
About the Position
Marketing
Develop and implement a comprehensive social media strategy — create and manage content across platforms, engage audiences, and build community.
Draft and disseminate newsletters, press releases, brochures, and key communications that reflect the school’s mission and values. • Contribute to the development of the school’s brand identity as the institution grows.
Maintain and update website content — news, announcements, events, and impact stories.
Capture photos/videos and compile stories that highlight student achievements, community events, and school life.
Events & Community Engagement
Support the School Leadership Team in planning, coordinating, and executing school events: open houses, information sessions, community outreach, donor events, and student/family gatherings.
Manage logistics: scheduling, invitations, registrations, materials, décor, volunteer coordination, vendor relations, and post-event follow-up. • Cultivate a welcoming, inclusive environment that reflects the school’s mission and values.
Build and maintain relationships with families, community partners, donors, and other stakeholders.
Administrative & Operational Support
Provide high-level administrative support to the President: calendar management, scheduling, meeting coordination, and preparation of materials.
Coordinate correspondence and follow-up tasks.
Assist in preparing reports, presentations, and board/leadership materials.
Support day-to-day office operations and project tracking in a fast-paced, growing organization.
The Coordinator of Communications & Operations will be hired by and report to Cristo Rey Charleston High School’s President.
Professional Qualifications and Personal Qualities
The ideal candidate embraces an entrepreneurial mindset and thrives in a start-up environment where passion, adaptability, and creativity are essential. This role offers significant opportunities to influence how the school is perceived — and to shape how we grow and serve our families, students, donors, and broader community.
Familiarity with social media platforms and basic design or content creation tools (e.g., Canva, Adobe Express).
Bachelor’s Degree
Comfortable with scheduling software, project management tools, and standard office applications.
Able to work independently, manage priorities, and maintain discretion in handling sensitive information.
2 + years of relevant experience preferred
Understands and embraces our identity as a Catholic school for students of all faiths, as well as the mission of Cristo Rey schools
Open and flexible problem solver ready to support school leadership
Demonstrated commitment to working with diverse communities
Demonstrated organizational skills, attention to detail, and capacity to manage multiple simultaneous tasks.
Strong verbal and written communication skills and the ability to communicate effectively with faculty, students, parents, business partners, volunteers, and donors
Statement of Nondiscrimination
Cristo Rey Charleston High School is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, sex, color, national or ethnic origin, age, religion, disability, or any other category protected by federal, state or local law in the administration of any of its educational programs and activities or with respect to employment.
Salary Range
$50,000 to $60,000 and benefits.
Application Process
Submit a cover letter, resume, marketing sample(s), and three references to careers@cristoreycharleston.org. Interviews will take place in January/February, with the ability to begin service ASAP.
How to Apply
If you have the requested background and a passion for the mission, we invite you to apply. Applications will be accepted until the successful candidate is found. This position will start as soon as possible. Please email your Cover Letter, Resume and at least three references (will not be contacted without permission) as an attached PDF to careers@cristoreycharleston.org and include the position title in the email subject line.
Equal Opportunity Employer
Cristo Rey Charleston High School is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All employment decisions, policies, and practices are made in accordance with applicable federal, state and local anti-discrimination laws. Cristo Rey Charleston will not engage or tolerate unlawful discrimination on the basis of actual or perceived race, creed, color, religion, alienage or national origin, ancestry, age, disability or handicap, sex, marital status, citizenship, veteran status, sexual orientation, genetic information, or any other characteristics.