The President is the Chief Executive Officer responsible for providing visionary leadership and strategic direction to ensure the school’s continued growth and success. The President will emphasize alumni and community engagement, enrollment growth, and development initiatives to support the mission and values of the Roman Catholic faith within the Archdiocese of Philadelphia. This role requires a dynamic leader with a strong commitment to Catholic education, exceptional communication skills, and a proven track record in organizational leadership and development.
The President is appointed by Archbishop Nelson Pérez in collaboration with the Father Judge High School Board and the Office for Catholic Education (OCE). The President reports to the Chief Operating Officer of OCE in matters pertaining to the administration of the school and works in collaboration with the Father Judge High School Board of Directors in accordance with the bylaws of Boards of Specified Jurisdiction in the Archdiocese of Philadelphia.
The President will assume the role at an important time for the Archdiocese of Philadelphia. Strategic management and operation of the secondary schools is provided by the OCE, which has planted the seeds for innovation, opportunity, and leadership. The Archdiocesan school system envisions itself as part of the world’s premier teaching mission of the Church and holds high standards for all members of the organization.
Specific Responsibilities
Leadership and Vision
- Provide strategic leadership and direction to the school community, ensuring alignment with the mission and values of the Roman Catholic Church while promoting the essential characteristics and fundamental values of Catholic school.
- In collaboration with the Board of Specified Jurisdiction, school administration and faculty, develop and execute a strategic long-range plan that is consistent with the mission of the school and the policies of the archdiocesan secondary school system.
- Foster a positive and inclusive school culture that promotes academic excellence, spiritual growth, and personal development.
- Provide broad leadership of all faculty and staff working closely with the Principal who is charged with the development of academic and co-curricular programs.
Development and Fundraising
- Serve as the school’s chief fundraiser, directing marketing efforts, recruiting strategies, fundraising programs and alumni activities in collaboration with the OCE Advancement Team, the Father Judge High School Board, The Friends of Father Judge High School, Inc. Board, and key staff.
- Oversee the development and execution of a comprehensive fundraising strategy, including annual giving, capital campaigns, and planned giving.
- Cultivate and steward relationships with donors, corporate work sponsors, alumni, parents, and community partners to secure financial support for the school’s programs and initiatives.
- Collaborate with the development team to identify grant opportunities and prepare grant proposals.
Operational and Financial Management
- Oversee the effective and efficient operation of the school, including budget management, facilities oversight, and compliance with Archdiocesan policies.
- Work closely with the Board of Directors and administrative team to develop and implement policies and procedures ensuring the safety, security and well-being of students, faculty, staff and volunteers.
- Approve all policies and programs, provided they are consistent with Archdiocesan policies, the school bylaws, and the stated mission of the school as a Catholic community, an academic center, and an Archdiocesan institution.
- Maintain oversight of financial operations and obligations of the school, working closely with the Chief Financial Officer.
- Participate in the envisioned real estate development planning for the school, in cooperation with OCE.
Communications and Community and Alumni Engagement
- Serve as the chief spokesperson responsible for communicating the philosophy and programs of the school to various stakeholders, including working with parent groups and representing the school at civic, religious, and other public forums.
- Working closely with the Board of Directors and Development staff, develop and implement strategies to strengthen relationships with alumni, encouraging their active participation and support in school activities, fundraising, and mentorship programs.
- Engage with the local community, including parishes, businesses, and civic organizations, to enhance the school’s visibility and reputation, creating a highly visible profile to assist Father Judge High School in distinguishing itself in the educational marketplace.
- Attend and engage at school social, academic, and athletic events, including alumni reunions, community outreach programs, and networking opportunities.
Enrollment Management
- Collaborate with the OCE, the Board of Directors and key school staff in marketing and developing initiatives to increase enrollment and retention to meet annual enrollment goals as set in collaboration with the OCE.
- Collaborate with the admissions team to develop effective marketing and recruitment strategies.
- Monitor enrollment trends and implement data-driven decisions to enhance the student experience.
Academic Excellence
- Working closely with the Principal, support and enhance the school’s academic programs, ensuring they meet the highest standards of quality and innovation.
- With a mindset of growth, leadership, and innovation, ensure the best talent in education is pursued in order to provide an outstanding educational experience for all students.
- Promote professional development opportunities for faculty and staff to stay current with educational best practices.
Qualifications
- Minimum of 10 years of experience in education, business, nonprofit, or organizational leadership, preferably within a Catholic school setting.
- Must be a practicing Catholic with a strong commitment to the mission and teachings of the Roman Catholic Church.
- Significant management experience with demonstrated success in addressing immediate organizational needs while also driving toward long-term goals with buy-in from stakeholders.
- Visionary and strategic planning capabilities to be applied toward the development of an innovative fundraising program and the leadership necessary to ensure its successful implementation.
- Proven track record in alumni relations, community engagement, enrollment, fundraising, revenue generation, and budget management.
- Excellent communication, interpersonal, and organizational skills with demonstrated capability to engage and inspire a wide range of stakeholders, building creative and mutually beneficial relationships with philanthropic, corporate, public, and nonprofit sectors.
- Master’s degree in Education, Business Administration, or a related field preferred.
- Limited travel required; must be available to attend events after school hours and weekends as needed.
THE INSTITUTION
Founded in 1954, Father Judge High School is a nationally recognized all boys secondary school within the Archdiocese of Philadelphia. Firmly rooted in its longstanding relationship with the Oblates of St. Francis de Sales, the school is guided in all things by the foundational teaching of its patron: “Be who you are, and be that well.”
Father Judge has proudly graduated over 28,000 young men. Molded in the values of St. Francis de Sales, these Salesian Gentlemen, also affectionally known in the Philadelphia region and beyond as “Judge Guys,” span every industry, profession, mission, and calling. Regardless of where they are in life, the common thread that binds Father Judge alumni together is their shared heritage forged in Salesian spirituality and grounded in a core belief in the school’s motto: Non Excidet (He will not fail).
For additional information, please visit their website https://www.fatherjudge.com/.
