ANNOUNCEMENT OF SCHOOL ADMINISTRATIVE POSITION

CATHOLIC SCHOOL PRESIDENT 

Mater Dei Catholic High School / Mater Dei Juan Diego Academy, Chula Vista, CA

Diocese of San Diego, California

Mater Dei Catholic High School (MDCHS) / Mater Dei Juan Diego Academy (MDJDA), in coordination with the Diocese of San Diego, is seeking an experienced visionary leader. A qualified candidate is someone who is deeply committed to further the development of the total faith, life, advancement, and academic excellence of the school.  Mater Dei Catholic High School, located in Chula Vista, California, is a diocesan, college-preparatory, co-educational institution. Presently, MDCHS has 987 students enrolled (up 46 students from previous school year). Mater Dei Juan Diego Academy is a dual-language school located on the campus of MDCHS. In its sixth year of a seven-year rollout, MDJDA currently enrolls 377 TK-7 students (up 69 students from previous school year). MDCHS is fortunate to have a supporting organization called Mater Dei Catholic High School Foundation with a sizeable endowment that provides funding for the operational expenses of the school on an annual basis.

The position is effective July 1, 2021. For more information about the schools, go to https://www.materdeicatholic.org/ and https://mdjda.org/. 

President Job Description:

The President is appointed by and directly reports to the Diocesan Director for Schools. The President is the chief administrator of the school in collaboration with the Principal(s) and bears responsibility for the schools’ operation and policies, concentrating primarily on its Catholicity, core value, mission and vision, finances, development and fund-raising efforts, care of the physical facilities, marketing, public information and maintenance of positive relations with pastors, parents, other schools, and the civic community. The President is primarily responsible for ensuring sufficient resources, sound fiscal management and the long-term financial stability of the school. The President is the primary liaison to the school’s Board of Directors.

President Religious & Professional Qualifications:

The President shall be:

Religious: 

• A leader/facilitator of the school’s Catholic identity
• A practicing Roman Catholic with a  clear and knowledgeable understanding of the Catholic faith
• Deeply committed to the development of his/her own faith and that of the faculty and staff, parents, and students
• Understanding and dedication to the ministry of Catholic education

Professional:

• Master’s Degree in Educational Leadership, Business, Organizational Management (or related field) preferred, and/or California Administrative Credential

• Have a minimum of five years successful administrative experience in Catholic Schools

President Leadership Characteristics, Skills and Abilities:

?      Outstanding intellectual, organizational, and managerial skills

?      Able to make sound business decisions and demonstrate good judgment

?      Excellent listening, written and verbal communication and presentation skills

 ?      Ability to effectively represent the school and the Church

?      Strong, inspirational leader capable of working collaboratively with all constituencies to plan, implement and lead change effectively

?      Ability to lead and engage others in short- and long-term planning

?      Strong interpersonal, motivational and team-building skills—ability to work with all stakeholders and the external community

?      Passionate and committed to the education of young people and the needs of a diverse school community

?      Proven Success at marketing, recruitment, management, budgeting and finance, administration, fundraising and communications

?      Attitude and mindset characterized by creativity, initiative, innovation and optimism

?      A person of integrity, honesty, inclusivity and of excellent character

Specific President Duties & Responsibilities

Faith Community

?      Oversees the development and enhancement of the faith community in conjunction with the school principals and campus ministry team     

?      Assures that the spirit of the Catholic faith is embodied in the educational mission expressed throughout MDCHS/MDJDA and its community

?      Ensures that the alumni and those beyond the immediate school community are involved in the faith life of the school

Board Relations

?      Serves as administrative officer to the Board of Directors/Diocese

?      Serves as an officer on the Mater Dei Catholic High School Foundation Board

?      Serves as liaison between the school community and the Board of Directors/Diocese

?      Ensures that board in-service training is conducted on areas of governance responsibility 

Academics

?      Working with the Principal(s), ensures that policies are promulgated and implemented concerning academic and student affairs

?      Leads and promotes sound innovative pedagogical practices

?      Continue the emphasis of each graduating student being college-ready

?      Understands the components of an effective dual-language program at the elementary school level

Business, Financial Management

?      In conjunction with the Board of Directors/Diocese,

• assists in formulating and disseminating school policy and regulations
• coordinates long-range/strategic planning
• oversees all financial procedures and school investments

?      Oversees all of the business operations, finances, and development of the annual budget for final approval. 

?      Ensures compliance with school and diocesan policy in areas of tuition, insurance, faculty salaries and benefits, curricular, co-curricular and extra-curricular programs

Development

?      Ensures fundraising objectives, including endowments, annual giving and capital initiatives are achieved to meet present and future needs

?      Ensures appropriate promotion, public relations, and media relations are cultivated and maintained both domestically and across the border

?      Coordinates marketing programs for image and enrollment, ensuring the overarching strategy and planning for recruitment of new students and increasing enrollment is fulfilled

?      Oversees communications with Diocesan officials and area parishes/pastors

Direct Reports:

Provide overall direction, and is responsible for supervision, evaluation and professional development of all personnel under his/her direction, to include, but not limited to the Principals, Chief Financial Officer, Director of Development, Director of Admissions, and Human Resources Director.

Salary:

Negotiated based upon experience, education and qualifications

Application Process:

              Please send current résumé with cover letter to:

              John Galvan

Director, Office for Schools

Diocese of San Diego

              P.O. Box 85728

              San Diego, CA 92186-5728

                            or

              jgalvan@sdcatholic.org

Upon receipt of the above, an application form will be forwarded to and completion requested from prospective candidates.  Applications will then be reviewed and references contacted.  All acceptable candidates will be interviewed by the MDCHS Interview Committee, chaired by the Director for Schools.  (Given the current CA Stay-at-Home Order, initial interviews will be facilitated remotely. Should the Order be lifted and public health officials deem travel to be safe, candidates contacted for an in-person interview.)

Deadline for Résumé /Letter of Interest:

Friday, February 19, or until the position is filled.