Executive Director

Executive Director

Location: Chesterfield, MI 48051

Organization: Austin Catholic High School (ACHS)

Role & Responsibilities

The Executive Director is expected to embody Augustinian values and become an integral part of the overall school community. This includes providing broad leadership and fostering the traditions, relationships, and practices that create a conducive and inspiring climate and culture. The Executive Director works closely with the Principal and is equally responsible for the operation of the school through effective delegation of responsibilities to the administrative team, faculty, and staff.

The Executive Director is responsible for community relations, networking, and maintaining and growing the constituencies that support the school. This includes parents, faculty, staff, alumni, neighbors, community partners, the Archdiocese of Detroit, the Midwest Augustinian community, government agencies, and local, state, regional and national education organizations, and accrediting agencies.

1. Admissions, Marketing, and Financial Aid (10–15%)

• Support institutional growth through strategic enrollment and marketing initiatives.
• Oversee admissions, recruitment, and financial aid strategies.
• Manage the school’s external communications, branding, events, and digital presence.

2. Advancement and Fundraising (40–50%)

• Serve as chief fundraiser and external ambassador, ensuring the financial vitality of ACHS through donor engagement and resource development.
• Lead fundraising strategy and execution with the Advancement team, including annual fund, capital campaigns, planned giving, and major events.
• Develop and strengthen relationships with donors, alumni, and the local business community.
• Oversee alumni engagement, networking, and communications.
• Coordinate verbal and digital communications with Advancement.
• Expand donor and alumni databases.
• Support and collaborate with the Principal in supervising volunteer fundraising efforts of individuals, parent advisory groups, and committees.

3. Board of Directors Relations (15–20%)

• Ensure effective collaboration with the Board of Directors, supporting governance functions as sole employee and chief strategic officer.
• Manage the school overall—financially, structurally, culturally, and spiritually—in accordance with Board policy.
• Coordinate Board and Executive Committee meetings, planning, agendas, and maintain all records.
• Prepare and present strategic initiatives, budgets, and reports for Board approval.
• Participate in all Board subcommittees.

4. Business, Finance & School Operations (15–20%)

• Oversee development and management of the school’s annual operating budget, including income, expenses, and cash flow.
• Maintain proper financial records and coordinate annual audits.
• Supervise human resource matters in collaboration with the Principal (contracts, compensation, benefits, retention, policies, etc.).
• Oversee facilities maintenance, cleaning, and capital improvements, including major repairs and purchases.

5. Curriculum and Instruction (less than 5%)

• Maintain high-level oversight and coordination of educational direction in coordination with the Principal.
• Hire and evaluate administrative staff.
• Oversee contractual matters and faculty-related decisions.
• Ensure alignment of facilities and technology with instructional needs.
• Maintain a safe and effective physical learning environment.

6. Mission and Catholic Identity (5–10%)

• Serve as the spiritual and cultural leader of the school, ensuring Catholic identity is embraced in all aspects of school life.
• Ensure the mission and values of Catholic education and the Augustinian tradition are visibly lived out.
• Build and nurture a culture of faith, formation, service, and community.
• Serve as a spiritual leader and public witness of the school’s values in the broader community.

7. Qualities and Qualifications

• Practicing Catholic in good standing, committed to the mission of Catholic education and Augustinian values.
• Demonstrated leadership in finance, fundraising, advancement, and institutional growth.
• Executive-level experience in education, nonprofit, or related sectors with proven success in strategic planning, enrollment management, alumni engagement, and facilities oversight.
• Strong relationship-builder with the ability to engage effectively with educators, donors, community leaders, and partners.
• Skilled communicator with understanding of Catholic education dynamics and passion for advancing ACHS’s mission.

8. Education & Experience

• Master’s degree preferred (school administration preferred); superintendent’s certificate preferred.
• Experience in education, particularly at the 9–12 level.
• Software knowledge is a plus.
• Previous experience may include education, nonprofit management, corporate or public sector, or entrepreneurial successes.
• Must demonstrate knowledge, vision, innovative thinking, and leadership skills to ensure ACHS’s continued growth, success, and sustainability.

9. Application Process

To apply, please submit the following four (4) documents via online application, email, or USPS:

• Cover letter aligning your experiences and skills with the school's current needs as you understand them.

• Statement of Catholic educational leadership philosophy.

• Resume with chronological dates, employers, and immediate supervisor.

• References (4) including name, physical address, phone number, and email address. No references will be contacted without your knowledge.

Email: Attach required PDF documents and send to:
[email protected]

Attention: Chairman of the Board, Salvatore Simone

Mailing Address:
Austin Catholic High School
c/o Chairman of the Board Salvatore Simone
25925 23 Mile Road
Chesterfield, MI 48051
(Certified mail recommended)

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