High School President

Job Description

High School President
Full-Time starting July 2025
City & State: Harrisburg, PA
School: Bishop McDevitt High School (https://www.bishopmcdevitt.org)

Apply online at https://www.hbgdiocese.org/bmpresident

Bishop McDevitt High School is seeking a full-time President. The School President is appointed by the Secretary for Education in the Diocese of Harrisburg and is directed and supervised by the Board of Directors of Bishop McDevitt High School. The School President must be faithful to the Magisterium of the Church and to the directives of the Diocese of Harrisburg. Must be a professed, practicing Catholic who is in good standing in the Church and is actively involved in the Catholic Community. The candidate must have a successful background in business with the ability to oversee, supervise, direct, and manage multiple departments including the Departments of Finance, Advancement and Development, and Buildings and Grounds. The successful candidate must also have the proven ability to raise money. An MBA or CPA degree or equivalent business experience is required. McDevitt ties are a plus but not required.

This position will be following the Co-Equal leadership model (see the job description below). Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis.

Governance Model: President/Principal as partners (Co-equals)
Qualifications: The School President is appointed by the Secretary of Education. The School President must be faithful to the Magisterium of the Church and to the directives of the Diocese of Harrisburg. Must be a professed, practicing Catholic who is in good standing in the Church and is actively involved in the Catholic Community. Has a comprehensive understanding of the local community. Has demonstrated sound strategic vision and strong management skills. Has related well to the business community and has been a successful fundraiser. An advanced degree is preferred. (Master's Degree)

Appointed by: The Secretary for Education in consultation with the Board of Directors
Reports To: Board of Directors and Secretary of Education

Summary Responsibilities: The School President in collaboration with the Principal will provide overall direction for the High School, with the President specifically responsible for institutional advancement and school facilities operations. The president is always conscious of the school's spiritual mission and shares this responsibility with the principal. The School President represents the school before the local community, is the chief spokesperson for the school, is responsible for the advancement operations of the school, maintains oversight of the budget, financial operations, and obligations of the school, and collaborates with the Principal in general school operations.

General Responsibilities:
1) Leads in communicating the vision, mission, and strategic plan to the school and local community, in keeping with expectations of the Diocese and local pastors.
2) With the Principal, administers the school according to Diocesan and local policies.
3) Provides leadership for achieving the goals of Catholic Education
4) Knows and understands the Catholic Philosophy of Education
5) Nurtures the bond between the local community and the high school
6) Helps the Principal furnish Christian and constructive leadership to the faculty, staff, and student body.
7) In cooperation with the Principal, ensures that the educational program is professionally administered, renewed, and evaluated and is consistent with the needs of the students, the requirements of the Diocese, and the State and provides for the future needs of the students whether college-bound or work-force bound.
8) Assists the Principal in integrating the Philosophy, Mission, Beliefs, and Objectives of the school with those of the Diocese and local Parishes.
9) Supports the work of the Director of Advancement by participating regularly in visits, whether on or off-site, with those alumni, potential donors and foundations, and business and community leaders.
10) Is accountable to the Board of Directors and Secretary of Education.

Relationship with the Principal:
1) Works collaboratively with the Principal for the overall good and betterment of the school, faculty, staff, and students.
2) Works collaboratively with the Principal to ensure and advance the spiritual mission of the school.
3) Assists the Principal in the hiring process for new faculty and staff.
4) Assists the Principal in the removal, dismissal, and firing of faculty and staff.

Relationship with the Board:
1) Prepares for and attends meetings of the Board of Directors.
2) Facilitates the formation of school policies with the Principal. Both administrators are responsible for implementing the school policies approved by the Board of Directors and all diocesan policies.
3) Maintains open lines of communication with the Board of Directors.
4) Presents a financial report annually, a copy of which report shall be filed with the minutes of the annual meetings.
5) To be available as a member of all committees of the Board.

Director of Finances:
1) Oversees the annual budget process in consultation with the Principal, Board Finance Committee, and Board of Directors.
2) Oversees and approves all the expenditure of funds according to the budget set by the Board of Directors.
3) Oversees the development of an overall financial plan for the school, working with the Board Finance Committee and Board of Directors to develop and implement a long-range financial plan.
4) Oversees the collection of all funds received in the School's name.
5) Supervises Finance Office Staff.
6) Is consultative to the Finance Committee.

Director of Advancement:
1) Oversees the other school organizations with regard to their fundraising activities.
2) Direct the financial aid program.
3) Direct the public relations function of the Advancement Office
4) Oversee the recruitment and retention of students.
5) Manage Relationships with all foundations.
6) Supervises Advancement Staff.

Director of Property and Grounds:
1) Oversees the maintenance of the physical plant.
2) Develops both short and long-range maintenance and improvement goals in conjunction with the Head of Maintenance.
3) Supervises Maintenance Staff.

Public Relations, Recruitment, Alumni/Alumnae, and Parents:
1) Provides for the future of the school through ongoing attention to student recruitment, publicity, and fundraising.
2) Cultivates stronger bonds between high school and alumni/alumnae.
3) With the Principal, serves as a spokesperson for the school at all public events. Is the primary spokesperson to the press and community.
4) In conjunction with the principal, keeps parents and alumni informed through regular school bulletins on the website or in print form.
5) With the principal, meets regularly with the Principals of the elementary partner schools.
6) Provides the students of the elementary partner schools with opportunities to visit, and take part in sports, the band program, and in other activities offered by the school.

Educational/Work Experience Requirements:
1) Minimum Bachelor's Degree in Finance, Business, or Education; however, a Master's degree is preferred. Proven experience in these fields will be considered in lieu of the advanced degrees.
2) Minimum 5 years of progressive leadership and management in the field of education or an organization of equivalent complexity.
3) Excellent communication skills.
4) Demonstrates instructional leadership and managerial skills in team building, technology, advancement, and finance.
5) Demonstrates a record of achievement in leading and managing an organization, dealing with financial challenges, and commitment to significant fundraising success.
6) Sound knowledge of the overall operations of a secondary school, including academics, finances, alumni relations, and care and maintenance of a school's physical facilities.

The job of the President shall also include other duties assigned by the Diocese or the Board.

Apply online at https://www.hbgdiocese.org/bmpresident

About the Employer

Bishop McDevitt High School, a Catholic, college-preparatory coeducational school located within the Diocese of Harrisburg, serves students of diverse intellectual, socio-economic, and religious backgrounds. We strive to nurture the whole person by creating a challenging academic environment rooted in Gospel values. Our community aspires to graduate well-rounded Christian men and women committed to living moral lives of holiness, integrity, justice, and responsible citizenship.