Position Summary: The president of a Diocesan High School is the executive leader of the Catholic school and, as such, has responsibility for the following: personnel, finances, including budget development and implementation, institutional advancement programs, business affairs, facilities, and overall Catholic educational program. The president is primarily responsible for serving as a faithful Catholic witness who will collaborate with Catholic partners (and donors) who will uphold the mission and vision of a Catholic school, in addition to being responsible for the external affairs of the school, ensuring sufficient resources, maintaining sound fiscal management and financial stability through direct oversight of the business operations, development and fundraising, alumni, community relations, and enrollment management activities.
Additional Job Responsibilities: In addition, the president is the primary liaison between the school, the advisory council, and the Diocese of Charleston. Other roles include being the chief spokesperson for the school, providing visible and personal Catholic leadership in promoting all aspects of the school and assuming the duties of director of the advancement in the absence of a dedicated person.
The president is hired by and accountable to the Bishop of the Diocese of Charleston. In addition, the president reports directly to the Superintendent of Catholic Schools.
The president is expected to abide by the established policies and procedures of the Diocese of Charleston, the Catholic School’s Office, and the directives of the superintendent of Catholic Schools. In addition, as a diocesan employee, the president participates in the annual evaluation process and must pursue continuing education and professional development.
The president is a (faithful/devout), practicing Roman Catholic in full communion with the Church who desires to lead a community of families toward Sainthood.
Classification: Exempt Reports To: Superintendent
Responsibilities – Catholic Identity
· Work collaboratively with the school principal, chaplain, campus ministry, and administrative staff; ensure that Catholic virtues permeate the entire curriculum and culture of the school, and all teachings are in alignment with the Magisterium of the Catholic Church.
· Emphasize and respect the dignity of all members of the school community and the sanctity of life.
· Lead the review, evaluation, and development process of the school’s mission, vision, and philosophy statements.
· Articulate the mission statements of the high school to the alumni, parents, students, faculty, staff, and the community at large.
· Model a Catholic lifestyle and commit to ongoing faith formation and growth in personal holiness.
· Ensure the school’s policies, procedures, and practices are consistent with the teachings of the Catholic Church.
· Provide a Christian basis for all relationships and decision-making.
Responsibilities – Administrative and Academic
· Hire, supervise, evaluate, and dismiss the principal and administrative team in collaboration with the Superintendent and Human Resources.
· In consultation with the administrative team, the president makes the final decision for all hiring, change of duties, and dismissal decisions (approved by Human Resources) of teachers and staff.
· Meet regularly with the principal and administrative team to ensure that the school complies with all diocesan, accreditation, and school policies.
· Prepare and provide a written job description of all positions that report directly to the president, defining their responsibility, authority, and accountability.
· Encourage opportunities for professional development of the administrative team.
· Provide annual evaluations of the principal and administrative team using evaluation materials approved by the Catholic Schools Office and based upon their written job descriptions, personal performance objectives, and strategic planning goals.
· Ensure the school has a professional development and evaluation system for all faculty and staff.
· Attend appropriate diocesan meetings and other professional meetings/training to continue professional development.
· Complete any other duties assigned by the superintendent of Catholic schools.
Responsibilities – Advancement and Enrollment
· Supervise the Advancement Office and assist with planning, implementing, and monitoring the school’s development programs, including the annual fund, endowment, and capital funding to ensure the growth of institutional resources.
· Take direct responsibility for the position and expectations of the director of advancement and ensure implementation and evaluation of all initiatives.
· Serve as the chief spokesperson for the High School
· Approve all programs, campaigns, and marketing materials of the development office.
· Ensure all development efforts reflect the school’s mission and beliefs.
· Attend all meetings and functions related to institutional development and public relations.
· Review historical trends to develop a thorough understanding of the school’s religious, demographic, and socioeconomic composition to help with future planning.
· Ensure proper oversight of the student recruitment and retention effort of the school.
Responsibilities – Business and Operations
· Ensure the preparation of the annual operating budget with input from the administrative team, finance committee, and advisory council.
· Implement and follow the budget approval process for the Diocese of Charleston.
· Develop and update, in cooperation with the school’s advisory council, the strategic plan, including short-term and long-term goals and objectives.
· Communicate the strategic plan, short-term and long-term goals and objectives, and the mission to the school community and the broader community through a “State of the School” report.
· Operate as the ex-officio officer for the school’s advisory council and its committees and serve directly on the council’s advancement and finance committees.
· Prepare annually, with the administrative team’s and advisory council’s assistance, a three-year projection for finance, development, admissions, and enrollment.
· Supervise the fiscal operations of the school.
· Oversee school policy regarding the administration of financial aid and collection of tuition.
· With the assistance of the administrative team and advisory council, create a school facilities plan for current maintenance and capital improvements and a campus plan.
Working Conditions/Physical Requirements: The candidate should know how to use a computer and associated software, copier, fax machine, phone, and postage machine. A driver’s license is required to occasionally run errands, pick up supplies for events, etc. This position involves standing, walking, sitting, talking, hearing, using hands and feet, climbing/balancing, stooping/kneeling/crouching/crawling, reaching above shoulders, and tasting/smelling at least 1/3 of the time. The candidate should also be able to lift up to 25 lbs in order to move files, purchase supplies, carry materials to events, etc.
