President-Catholic High School

President – Catholic High School

Future Opportunities Across the Nation | Part of OnTrack: ACELA’s Leadership Readiness Network

✝️ A Calling Rooted in Mission

At ACELA Solutions, we recognize that the role of a Catholic high school President is more than operational—it is mission stewardship, community leadership, and Gospel-rooted presence. Through OnTrack: ACELA’s Leadership Readiness Network, we are identifying and accompanying exceptional leaders prepared to serve in this vital capacity across Catholic schools nationwide. This is not a current job opening, but part of a forward-looking initiative to build a national bench of discerning, mission-driven Presidents for anticipated future opportunities. We invite those who feel a vocational pull to this kind of leadership to begin the conversation through ACELA OnTrack—a relational, values-based network grounded in Catholic social teaching, discernment, and professional formation.

🛤️ Why Join OnTrack: ACELA’s Leadership Readiness Network?

OnTrack is ACELA’s confidential, prayerful gateway for Catholic leaders discerning their next opportunity to serve. It connects aspiring and seasoned Presidents with upcoming openings and offers:

• One-on-one discernment and career conversations
• Priority access to interim and permanent leadership roles, including many confidential and unadvertised searches we are entrusted to conduct
• Optional executive coaching, mentoring, and spiritual support
• Invitations to Catholic leadership webinars and peer formation cohorts
• A trusted community of Gospel-rooted, mission-aligned leaders

Whether you are actively seeking or simply reflecting on what might come next, ACELA OnTrack offers a purpose-filled pathway into your next chapter of service.

🧭 President Role Overview

The President serves as the chief executive leader of a Catholic high school—responsible for advancing its mission, strengthening its visibility, ensuring financial sustainability, and uniting its community in faith and purpose.

Presidents are entrusted with:

• Stewarding Catholic identity across all dimensions of school life
• Leading strategic planning, advancement, enrollment, and communications
• Partnering with the Principal to foster academic excellence and student life
• Serving as the institution’s ambassador to alumni, benefactors, parishes, and the broader community

The role requires a dynamic, relational, and faith-filled leader capable of sustaining tradition while building toward a bold future.

🌟 Leadership Focus Areas

• Lead with clarity, presence, and purpose rooted in Catholic mission and values
• Strengthen relationships with alumni, benefactors, parents, clergy, and partners
• Oversee fundraising, communications, and strategic marketing initiatives
• Advance enrollment growth and brand reputation within the region
• Support and collaborate with the Principal and senior leadership team
• Ensure effective governance, long-term financial health, and operational alignment
• Unite the community around culture, identity, and long-term vision

🧠 Ideal Candidate Profile

There is no single career path to the President’s office. The most effective Presidents may have risen through:

• Catholic school teaching and leadership
• Diocesan roles or Catholic higher education
• Nonprofit executive leadership
• Corporate leadership with a mission mindset
• Or may even be alumni or parents with deep ties to the school community

Regardless of background, ideal candidates will share:

• A demonstrated passion for Catholic education and formation
• The executive presence, strategic mindset, and relational leadership necessary for institutional growth
• Proven ability to build trust, communicate vision, and foster culture rooted in Gospel values
• Commitment to servant leadership and the advancement of the Church’s educational mission

🎓 Typical Qualifications

• Practicing Catholic with a lived commitment to faith and service
• Master’s degree in education, administration, theology, business, or a related field
• 7+ years of leadership experience in Catholic education, nonprofit, or mission-driven enterprise
• Experience in fundraising, public speaking, governance, or external engagement
• Familiarity with Catholic identity, advancement, enrollment, and strategic planning
• Board experience or executive committee work is a plus



📩 Start the Conversation

This isn’t just a job description—it’s a discernment invitation.

If you feel called to lead a Catholic high school as its next President—now or in the future—consider joining OnTrack: ACELA’s Leadership Readiness Network. Our team will connect with you personally to explore your path and how ACELA can support your leadership journey with purpose, formation, and mission fidelity.