President Jobs

Saint Ignatius Loyola Academy is pleased to work with DRG to conduct this search.

Read the full opportunity statement here: https://drgtalent.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/St.-Ignatius-Loyola-President-FINAL.pdf

History

With a passion for education and a deep understanding of the impact educational attainment has on forming young men to be strong citizens and leaders as well as its contribution to the strength and stability of a family and community, Father William J. Watters, S.J. founded St. Ignatius Loyola Academy (SILA) in 1993. The Academy was the first school of its kind in Maryland and focused on educating middle school boys from underserved neighborhoods in Baltimore City. At the time, young men in Baltimore City were facing a crisis with only 40% completing and graduating from high school. Recognizing that interventions in high school were often too late, Father Watters focused his attention on providing educational opportunities for boys in middle school, opening doors to Baltimore’s college preparatory independent and parochial high schools, and inspiring boys to become Men for Others.

Father Watters sought support from the Maryland Jesuit Conference, local leaders, philanthropists, experienced educators, and volunteers, many of whom were parishioners of Saint Ignatius Church. On August 30, 1993, in the building adjacent to the church, the Academy welcomed 20 young men into its first 6th grade class, eventually growing through 8th grade. In 2013, the Academy moved from its original site on Calvert Street to a newly renovated school building in Federal Hill. The move enabled the Academy to increase its class size and add a 5th grade class.

From the start, Saint Ignatius Loyola Academy has been an independent, tuition-free, Jesuit middle school for boys from underserved communities. The children we serve lack access to high-quality schools and support programs that can change the trajectory of their lives. Through our innovative educational program, the Academy offers a path of hope and resolve to young men in Baltimore City. The educational experiences and opportunities the Academy provides are designed specifically to address the needs of urban boys by developing the intellectual, physical, and social qualities of each student leading to their success in high school, college, and adult lives.

The results are clear and powerful. Over the school’s 30-year history, 98% of graduates have received a high school diploma. Eighty-eight percent of graduates go on to immediately enroll in college or other post-secondary education, surpassing the Maryland and national rates. The Academy is a private institution with a very public purpose.

Mission

St. Ignatius Loyola Academy is an independent, tuition-free Jesuit school for boys in grades 5-8 serving low-income families of diverse ethnicities and faiths. We develop the intellectual, physical, and spiritual qualities of each student. Our rigorous and well-rounded program builds character and creates opportunities that lead students to success in high school, college, and lives where they are Men for Others.

Competencies, Experiences, Qualities

When surveyed about the skills and experiences most needed in the next President, community members cited budgeting and financial expertise, fundraising experience, and an understanding of Jesuit education. Professional skills most cited were effective communicator, strategic thinker, and strong management and supervision skills.

Using the DRG Competency Generator, the search committee, board members, and school administrators identified six competencies they most seek in their next President:

Drives Vision & Purpose

Painting a compelling picture of the vision and strategy that motivates others to action.

Communicates Effectively

Developing and delivering multi-mode communications that convey a clear understanding of the unique needs of different audiences.

Instills Trust

Gaining the confidence and trust of others through honesty, integrity, and authenticity.

Builds Effective Teams

Building strong teams with a strong identity that apply their diverse skills and perspectives to achieve common goals.

Strategic Mindset

Seeing ahead to future possibilities and translating them into breakthrough strategies.

Financial Acumen

Interpreting and applying an understanding of key financial indicators to make better decisions.

In the interview process, candidates will be asked to give examples of how these competencies have played out in their past work and how they will factor into the following aspects of the job description:

Leadership for Mission

The President…

• Serves as primary contact for all school matters relating to the USA East Province Jesuits.
• Articulates the mission and vision of the Academy to parents, faculty, staff, students, supporters, donors, and the wider community.
• Ensures that the Catholic, Jesuit, and Nativity character of the school is developed and promoted among students, faculty, staff, parents, and trustees.
• Serves as the spiritual leader of the Academy

School Management and Administration

The President…

• Is the chief executive and administrator of the school and is responsible for the management and continuous improvement of advancement, financial management, and facilities functions.
• On recommendation from the Principal, Chief Advancement Officer, Graduate Support Director, or Finance Director, approves the hiring and dismissal of all members of the faculty, administration, and staff.
• Ensures that there are professional systems of evaluation and development for faculty, administration, and staff.
• By delegation to the Graduate Support Director, the President is responsible for the high school placement of, and ongoing support provided to graduates through the Academy’s programming.
• Directly manages, supervises, and evaluates the performance of the Principal, Chief Advancement Officer, Finance Director, and Graduate Support Director
• Approves the dismissal of students.
• By delegation to the Principal, the President is responsible for the well-being and operation of the educational program of the school.
• In collaboration with others plans for capital expenditures and projects.
• By delegation to the Finance Director, the President oversees all financial planning, budget implementation, and the independent audit of the school.
• Ensures the Academy maintains an accreditation status with AIMS or other accrediting bodies.

Relationship with the Board of Trustees

The President…

• Serves as an ex-officio member of all board committees.
• Keeps the Board informed about the state of the school and presents to the Board periodic evaluations of the school’s progress in achieving its mission.
• Serves as an ex-officio member of the Board of Trustees.
• Implements any Board approved long-range plans and strategic plans for the school.
• Approves capital expenditures and projects.
• Oversees all financial planning for the school and presents the annual operations budget to the Board of Trustees for approval and monitors its implementation.

Fund Raising and Public Relations

The President...

• Represents the Academy to the public, especially at important events in the lives of students, parents, and benefactors.
• Seeks to enlist the interest of and support from foundations, individual benefactors, and the public at large.
• Represents the Academy in other school and community organizations such as AIMS, the Federal Hill South Neighborhood Association, the Downtown Partnership, and other relevant organizations.
• Serves as the chief spokesperson for the Academy and helps to project a positive image of the school to the public through an active public relations program.
• Attends appropriate meetings and functions related to institutional advancement and public relations.
• In partnership with the Board of Trustees and the Chief Advancement Officer, participates actively in fundraising planning and activities.

Start Date: July 1, 2024

Application Deadline: September 27, 2023. Interviews through October. Candidates should apply below by submitting a cover letter, resume, statement of educational/leadership philosophy, and five references. (References will not be contacted until the finalist stage of the search.)

Salary Range: $175K - $225K

This Opportunity Statement is based upon material provided by St. Ignatius Loyola Academy, an equal opportunity employer.