PRESIDENT – POSITION DESCRIPTION
A Catholic school in the Jesuit tradition, Loyola High School was founded in August 1993 as a concerned response to the pressing need for urban male education in Detroit and is a joint venture between the Archdiocese of Detroit and the Midwest Province of the Society of Jesus. With the strong involvement of parents and staff, it aims to form graduates who are “Men for Others. Men for Detroit” who demonstrate the level of academic, physical, social, emotional, and spiritual growth envisioned in the school’s mission.
We are now looking for a dedicated, compassionate, energetic and visionary leader who will inspire and take our students and staff to even greater heights in the years to come.
THE POSITION OF PRESIDENT – RESPONSIBILITIES AND DUTIES
- As the chief executive officer of the school, the President has overall responsibility for upholding the Mission, pursuing the Strategic Vision, driving the five-year Strategic Plan, and achieving the Annual Plan of Loyola High School.
- The President is responsible for the oversight of Loyola and for providing leadership consistent with the practices of the Roman Catholic faith and the Society of Jesus. The President is the primary contact and presence with the Midwest Province of the Society of Jesus, the Archdiocese of Detroit, and the State Department of Education in addition to other agencies and organizations.
- The President’s highest priority is to successfully implement the school’s strategic plan and achieve the annual business plan through sound management of the school’s resources. The President oversees all business operations, finances, and development of the annual budget for final approval by the Board of Directors.
- The President is responsible for supervision, evaluation, and professional development of all personnel under his/her direction.
- Supported by the Principal, the President is charged with sustaining the academic reputation of the school and ensuring that the school maintains its accreditation with the Michigan Association of Non-Public Schools (MANS) and retains its sponsorship from the Midwest Province of the Society of Jesus.
- The President, as the Chief Mission Officer and religious leader of the school, must maintain and nurture the Catholic, Jesuit identity of Loyola while appreciating and including other faith traditions. The President oversees the implementation of Ignatian pedagogy and the spiritual direction of the school in a manner faithful to Roman Catholic and Jesuit education.
- The President must work effectively with the Director of Advancement to ensure that fundraising objectives – including endowment, annual giving, and capital initiatives – are achieved to meet the present and future needs of Loyola. The President oversees relationships with current and potential donors, as well as the solicitation of grants and donations from alumni, foundations, trusts, organizations, and select individuals.
- As a part of overall fundraising and student formation, the President will enhance and grow the Loyola Work Experience Program (work-study) by assisting the Advancement Office of the program in recruiting business partners and retaining those relationships.
- The President reports to the Board of Directors and works with the Board to develop policies of the Board of Directors and then effectively implements those policies.
- The President is the institutional spokesperson and embodies Loyola to its varied constituencies both internally and externally. The President must model, articulate, communicate, and implement the mission and vision of Loyola. The President must be an effective communicator with all the school’s constituents – students, parents, faculty, staff, alumni, Board of Directors, neighbors, donors, media and other stakeholders.
- The President must have the ability to establish and manage a performance-driven culture in which management, staff, and others are held accountable for executing tasks in a professional, high-quality manner, utilizing clear metrics and sound processes.
- The President creates and fosters a stimulating, collaborative, and professional community environment in which faculty and staff interact to discuss and resolve academic and related operational issues.
- The President represents the school at functions sponsored by the Archdiocese of Detroit, the Midwest Province of the Society of Jesus, and the national Jesuit Schools Network, and others.
GOVERNANCE AND OPERATIONS
The President is hired by and reports to the Board of Directors which, in turn, is elected by the Board of Members (two representatives from the Midwest Province of the Society of Jesus and two representatives of the Archdiocese of Detroit).
Whether Jesuit or lay, the President is missioned to the position as Director of Work and is ultimately accountable to the Archbishop of Detroit and the Provincial of the Midwest Province.
The administration of the school operates under a team model, with the President overseeing the activities of his/her direct reports, including the Principal, Advancement Director, Finance Director, Facilities, and the Marketing & Communications Director.
The Board has the expectation that the President will delegate responsibility, provide effective and appropriate supervision and evaluation of direct reports, and exercise the leadership to advance the mission and vision of Loyola High School.
CANDIDATE QUALIFICATIONS AND SKILLS
The President has a genuine understanding, passion, and commitment to the mission and identity of Loyola as a Catholic school in the Jesuit tradition of education. The President will be a dynamic, creative, visionary, forward-thinking, and innovative leader who fosters learning, growth, and collaboration inside and outside the classroom.
In addition to being a person of faith, the successful candidate will lead Loyola into the next phase with enthusiasm for, and expertise in, urban education, and must possess high interpersonal skills and good problem identification and solving. This is an ideal position for the person who likes challenges and working with good people to share a vision for a school of excellence in all areas.
Successful Traits and Characteristics
- High energy executive who demonstrates a bias for action.
- Has strong business acumen derived from years of experience.
- Has a documented history of delivering results (“the what”) via effective servant leadership (“the how”).
- Possesses a genuine affection for the human and Christian education of the young, especially in an urban setting.
- Has the ability and willingness to relate to students as well as be visible to and interact with them regularly on campus and at school events.
- Has an accessible and approachable style, with a willingness to listen and encourage the development of new ideas while also offering creative solutions to a variety of challenges.
- Respects the dignity of every person and models the behavior that demonstrates appreciation for all individuals.
- Possesses a successful track record of working collaboratively within a school community in a broad leadership role.
- Has a proven ability to create an environment where individuals motivate themselves and can develop teams.
- Possesses both oral and written presentation skills that inspire confidence with internal and external audiences.
Minimum Requirements
- Is a practicing Catholic, with a strong commitment to implementing the Jesuit educational philosophy and to continuous immersion in the Jesuit tradition.
- Bachelor’s Degree required.
- Proven track record of achievement and transferable skills with respect to development, sales or other business/institutional fund-raising (e.g., Annual Fund, Endowment building, Capital Campaign, Planned Giving).
- Demonstrated capacity for broad institutional leadership (can be obtained through a variety of career paths including education, non-profit or corporate career tracks).
- Previous budget management experience with balanced/surplus results and strategic planning experience.
- Strong communication skills.
Preferred Requirements
- Advanced degree (e.g., Education, Religion, Business or other related degree).
SUBMISSIONS
The candidate should provide the following information on a confidential basis no later than Oct. 1, 2025 to:
Dr. Patrick Callaghan
President
HR Partners, Inc.
Please include the following in your email communication:
- A brief (one to two pages) personal essay about your educational, fundraising and administrative philosophy.
- Your vision for the future of Loyola High School and how your background and leadership would enrich Loyola, accelerate the school’s momentum, and ultimately achieve your vision.
- A current resume, including your telephone number and email address.
- Salary history and requirements.
- Three professional references.
