President

PRESIDENT

San Juan Diego Catholic High School

Austin, Texas

Ministerial Character

Catholic schools in the Diocese of Austin share in the Bishop’s ministry of Catholic education. The President of San Juan Diego Catholic High School serves as a minister of the Church, leading with faith, integrity, and pastoral care. The President must comply with the Ethics and Integrity in Ministry (EIM) policies of the Diocese and model the moral and ethical teachings of the Catholic Church in all professional and personal conduct.

Purpose of the Office of the President

The President serves as the chief executive and spiritual leader of San Juan Diego Catholic High School, providing visionary direction, faith-centered leadership, and strategic oversight across all aspects of the institution. The President advances the mission and values of Catholic, Holy Cross education; ensures institutional vitality and growth; and builds the relationships and resources that sustain the school’s long-term strength.

As the external face of the school, the President serves as chief ambassador to parents, alumni, benefactors, civic leaders, parishes, feeder schools, and business partners across Austin and beyond—ensuring that San Juan Diego is known, trusted, and loved for its faith, excellence, and impact.

Distinct from the Principal, who leads daily academics and student life, the President focuses on vision, advancement, culture, and sustainability—empowering the Principal and leadership team to deliver on mission with excellence and accountability.

Appointment and Accountability

• Appointed jointly by the Bishop and Congregation of Holy Cross and accountable to the Superintendent of Catholic Schools for the Diocese of Austin.
• Serves under the policies and oversight of the San Juan Diego Catholic High School Board of Directors.
• Works collaboratively with the Congregation of Holy Cross (Moreau Province) as co-sponsor of the school’s mission and charism.
• Evaluated annually by the Superintendent and the Board of Directors in consultation with the Holy Cross Congregation.

Co-Sponsorship, Governance, and Reporting Relationships

San Juan Diego Catholic High School is a co-sponsored Catholic secondary school, jointly entrusted to the Congregation of Holy Cross (Moreau Province) and the Diocese of Austin. The school operates under the leadership, guidance, and shared mission of both entities, reflecting a collaborative model of Catholic governance that honors diocesan oversight and religious charism.

The President serves as the chief executive officer of the school, leading its mission, strategy, and long-term sustainability, while operating within this co-sponsored framework.

The governing Board of Directors holds responsibility for the hiring and dismissal of the President, subject to the approval of the Congregation of Holy Cross and the final approval of the Bishop of Austin, consistent with diocesan policy and sponsorship agreements.

In the exercise of day-to-day leadership, the President:

·        Reports to and is evaluated by the Superintendent of Catholic Schools for the Diocese of Austin, who provides oversight in alignment with diocesan policies, standards, and strategic priorities.

·        Collaborates closely with the Congregation of Holy Cross to ensure the faithful expression of the Holy Cross charism, mission, and educational philosophy within the life, culture, and leadership of the school.

·        Works in partnership with the Board of Directors to advance institutional goals, ensure accountability, and steward the mission entrusted to the school.

·        This governance structure reflects the Church’s commitment to shared stewardship, subsidiarity, and mission fidelity, and requires a President who is comfortable navigating relationships of trust, collaboration, and accountability across multiple ecclesial partners.

Supervises

Principal, Chief Financial Officer/Director of Finance, Director of Advancement, Director of Marketing and Communications, Director of Enrollment Management, Director of Corporate Internship Program (CIP), and Administrative Support Staff.

Member of

• Executive Leadership Team (Chair)
• Board of Directors (Ex Officio Member)
• Finance, Advancement, and Governance Committees
• Holy Cross School Leadership Network

RESPONSIBILITIES

1. Mission Leadership and Catholic Identity

• Serves as chief mission officer, ensuring the school’s identity as a Catholic, Holy Cross institution is visible in every aspect of life and operations.
• Leads with Gospel-centered vision and cultivates a culture of faith, inclusion, and hospitality.
• Partners with the Principal and Campus Ministry to ensure that the mission is lived daily in teaching, learning, service, and community engagement.
• Supports mission formation and professional faith development for faculty, staff, and leadership teams.
• Strengthens collaboration with the Diocese of Austin, the Congregation of Holy Cross, and local parishes.
• Represents the school at diocesan, parish, and civic functions, embodying the mission in both word and presence.

2. Vision, Strategy, and Organizational Leadership

• Provides strategic leadership that ensures institutional vitality, growth, and sustainability.
• Leads the development and implementation of a multi-year strategic plan that advances Catholic education, the Holy Cross charism, and the mission of the Diocese.
• Partners with the Board of Directors to set institutional goals, evaluate performance, and uphold governance best practices.
• Ensures the integration of the Corporate Internship Program (CIP) into the broader vision of the school as a defining pillar of mission, formation, and financial strength.
• Empowers the Principal and leadership team to lead their offices with clarity, accountability, and mission alignment.
• Leads succession planning and leadership development to ensure long-term continuity and stability.

3. Advancement and Stewardship

• Serves as chief advancement and development officer, cultivating philanthropy and relationships that sustain the school’s mission.
• Oversees Advancement and Marketing teams in donor relations, annual appeals, capital campaigns, and alumni engagement.
• Strengthens the endowment and ensures responsible stewardship of gifts and resources.
• Develops strategic partnerships with benefactors, foundations, and corporations aligned with the school’s mission and values.
• Ensures that philanthropy and stewardship are conducted in a manner consistent with Catholic ethical standards and transparency.
• Collaborates with the CFO/Director of Finance and Board Finance Committee to ensure long-term financial health and operational vitality.

4. External Relations and Community Engagement

• Serves as the chief ambassador and public representative of San Juan Diego Catholic High School.
• Builds relationships with parents, alumni, benefactors, civic and business leaders, and partner organizations to strengthen the school’s reputation and reach.
• Collaborates with the Principal to ensure that both internal and external constituents experience consistent communication and unified culture.
• Represents the school at diocesan, parish, community, and Holy Cross events—building trust and visibility throughout the Austin region.
• Works closely with the Director of Marketing and Communications to oversee messaging, branding, and public relations that authentically reflect the school’s mission and achievements.
• Advances partnerships with local businesses and community leaders to expand the Corporate Internship Program, ensuring mutual benefit and professional integrity.
• Inspires confidence in the school’s vision, value, and future through relational leadership and consistent communication.

5. Financial and Operational Vitality

• Oversees fiscal management, budget development, and long-term financial planning in partnership with the CFO/Director of Finance and the Board’s Finance Committee.
• Ensures responsible stewardship of resources and alignment of budgets with mission priorities.
• Evaluates and monitors all operational areas for effectiveness, efficiency, and sustainability.
• Partners with the Principal to align programmatic and financial decisions with the strategic plan.
• Oversees risk management, facilities planning, and capital improvement initiatives.
• Upholds diocesan and board-approved financial and ethical policies in all operational areas.

6. Corporate Internship Program (CIP) Leadership

• Serves as executive sponsor of the Corporate Internship Program, ensuring it remains a core expression of the school’s mission and brand.
• Builds and maintains strategic partnerships with business, civic, and nonprofit organizations that host student interns.
• Collaborates with the CIP Director to ensure program quality, student preparation, and partner satisfaction.
• Promotes the program regionally as a model for faith-based, experiential education.
• Engages employers, alumni, and benefactors in supporting and expanding CIP opportunities for students.

7. Governance and Diocesan Collaboration

• Works closely with the Board of Directors to ensure effective governance, transparency, and accountability.
• Communicates regularly with the Superintendent of Catholic Schools and diocesan leadership regarding school performance and initiatives.
• Collaborates with the Congregation of Holy Cross to sustain charism formation and shared mission initiatives.
• Ensures adherence to diocesan, state, and accreditation requirements in all school operations.

8. Leadership and Organizational Culture

• Builds a mission-driven leadership team rooted in collaboration, accountability, and faith.
• Partners closely with the Principal to ensure alignment between strategy and execution.
• Serves as a mentor, encourager, and supporter of faculty and staff leadership development.
• Cultivates a culture of joy, integrity, and gratitude that permeates all relationships and initiatives.
• Models servant leadership, transparency, and humility in all decision-making and communication.

9. Marketing, Enrollment, and Reputation

• Oversees the Director of Marketing and Communications to ensure unified messaging, branding, and storytelling that advance the school’s visibility and enrollment.
• Partners with the Principal and Enrollment Office to ensure academic and cultural excellence support recruitment and retention.
• Promotes the value proposition of San Juan Diego’s faith-based, work-integrated learning model to families, donors, and the broader Austin community.
• Serves as spokesperson to media, diocesan publications, and civic organizations.
• Ensures consistent communication with stakeholders through newsletters, reports, and public appearances.

10. Strategic Planning and Mission Continuity

• Leads the development, implementation, and evaluation of the school’s strategic plan, ensuring alignment with diocesan and Holy Cross priorities.
• Establishes measurable goals and benchmarks for mission effectiveness, financial sustainability, and community engagement.
• Partners with the Board, Principal, and leadership team to drive innovation and continuous improvement.
• Ensures leadership succession planning across key positions and ministries.
• Advances San Juan Diego’s reputation as a model of Catholic, college-preparatory, and career-formative education.

Qualifications

• Practicing Roman Catholic in good standing.
• Advanced degree in Educational Leadership, Business Administration, or related field.
• Minimum seven years of progressive leadership experience in education, advancement, or mission-driven executive roles.
• Demonstrated success in strategic planning, fundraising, and community engagement.
• Strong understanding of Catholic education, diocesan collaboration, and the Holy Cross charism.
• Exceptional communication, relationship-building, and leadership skills.

Additional Requirements

• Maintain active EIM compliance.
• Hold valid Texas driver’s license and diocesan safety credentials.
• Willingness to travel locally and regionally to represent the school.
• Availability for evening, weekend, and community events.
• Serve as a faith-filled, visible ambassador of San Juan Diego’s mission and Catholic identity.

Evaluation

The President is evaluated annually by the Superintendent of Catholic Schools and the Board of Directors, with input from the Congregation of Holy Cross, based on leadership effectiveness, mission advancement, institutional vitality, and stakeholder satisfaction.