Lake County Catholic Schools Network, LLC - President

Lake County Catholic Schools Network, LLC

Position Announcement

President

The Lake County Catholic Schools Network (LCCSN), LLC, within the Catholic Diocese of Cleveland, Ohio, is pleased to accept applications for the position of Network President. The LCCSN was established in 2024, and it is owned and operated by the parishes of Immaculate Conception (Willoughby), Our Lady of Mount Carmel (Wickliffe), St. John Vianney, St. Justin Martyr, St. Mary Magdalene, and St. Noel to operate on behalf of Mater Dei Academy and All Saints School, both located in Wickliffe, Ohio.  The LCCSN is committed to identifying and supporting robust strategic leadership to enhance and sustain Catholic formation, academic excellence, high-quality learning and formation experiences, strong Catholic culture, and outstanding stewardship and growth of fiscal and physical resources.

 

The Roman Catholic Diocese of Cleveland was founded on April 23, 1847. Under the leadership of the Most Reverend Edward C. Malesic, Bishop of Cleveland, it is the 23rd largest Diocese in the United States. It encompasses the counties of Cuyahoga, Summit, Lorain, Lake, Geauga, Medina, Wayne, and Ashland. There are approximately 650,000 Catholics in the Diocese. Catholic Charities-Diocese of Cleveland is one of the largest diocesan social services systems globally. The Diocese comprises 185 parishes, 100 Catholic schools, one pastoral center, and one mission office. Bishop Malesic has established a strategic plan in which each parish in the Diocese will formally associate itself with a Catholic school. Please go to our website, www.dioceseofcleveland.org, for more information about the mission, persons, and ministries of our Diocese and the Diocese’s Keeping the Faith Initiatives.

 

As a response to Bishop Malesic’s call for action, six parishes of Lake County, Ohio are embarking on a new model for Catholic education in the Cleveland Diocese. This approach will “assure we provide authentically Catholic, academically excellent and well-operating Catholic Schools that are available to all who seek them.”  The “Network” model has proven successful in other Dioceses, and it provides a new path forward for the traditional parish elementary schools in the Diocese of Cleveland.  The Parishes, Pastors, Board and Directors, and the President will pioneer this forward-thinking model of centralized leadership to operate across multiple parish schools. 

 

Under the direction of the Board of Directors, the President serves as the Network’s Chief Executive Officer, Canonical Administrator, and Chief Catechetical Leader. The President will take an oath before the Bishop of the Diocese of Cleveland (or his delegate) that they will administer well and faithfully as provided in Canon 1283, p.1, and take a profession of faith and oath of fidelity according to the formula approved by the Apostolic See.  Cf Canon 833.

 

The President is responsible for the development, implementation, and achievement of the Network’s goals. This role demands a highly dedicated and motivated visionary who can chart the course toward excellence and success with minimal structure or past practices upon which to rely.

 

The President is ultimately responsible for the successful operation of the Network schools through effective delegation of responsibilities to direct reports of the President.  The President is responsible for appointing staff as approved by the Board to assist the President in the following areas:  academics, technology, student and faculty wellness, partnerships with parents and others, and campus ministry.

 

In steadfast support to the over 550 students and their families of both schools, the President works to ensure that schools have the capacity to deliver strong, positive, Catholic education for continued excellence in formation and academics. With keen and objective analytical skills, each year the President shall prepare and present a “State of the Schools” address to the school and parish communities that reports accomplishments and communicates Board-approved strategies for a dynamic and healthy future for the schools.

 

The President is directly responsible for the external affairs of the Network schools and acts as the chief fundraiser while ensuring sound fiscal management, long-term financial stability and plant improvements through direct oversight of business affairs, plant operations and advancement programs.

 

As the executive leader and public face of the Network community, the President is the primary liaison for the Network schools in their relationships with the Board, area parishes and the broader community.

 

Position Qualifications

The President must be a practicing Catholic in full communion with the Catholic Church.  Demonstrated commitment to, and knowledge and understanding of, the teachings, traditions, values, and mission of the Catholic Church is required. 

 

The President should display leadership mastery in the following requisite areas: driving  Catholic mission; Catholic academic excellence, spirituality and the culture expected in Catholic elementary setting; articulating and executing a vision that clearly defines direction and accountability for all; building strong stakeholder relationships that further develop constituent potential; displaying an executive presence that inspires engagement and achievement, fiscal stewardship and school advancement initiatives; and bringing expertise to operational, organizational and strategic planning.

 

Minimum master’s degree in business, organizational development, non-profit management,  education, or relevant degree.  In lieu of an advanced degree, a combination of significant experience and education or certification will be considered.

 

Proven visionary with demonstrated success in addressing immediate school or other organization needs and achieving long term goals.  Experience in strategic planning and implementation, fiscal and other resource management, relationship cultivation, leading successful fundraising campaigns, and effectiveness in leading and managing people.

 

Exceptional communication, interpersonal, and public speaking skills that are components in building successful relationships which inspire and achieve crucial support in the Network’s fundraising and enrollment growth initiatives.

 

Accessible and approachable leadership style, with an ability to relate comfortably with a variety of family leaders, community leaders, direct reports, and other stakeholders, while being extremely visible and interactive in a variety of settings and school campuses.

 

Ability to establish rapport and trust with the Board, pastors, campus communities, alumni/ae, government leaders, and local community partners.

 

Search process

The Search Committee is now engaged in the process of identifying and securing the Lake County Catholic Schools Network’s first President. To be considered for this position, please submit cover letter, resume, and a completed Employment Application to [email protected].  In the subject line please enter:  LCCSN President Application Materials.

 

Position will remain open until filled. Formal review process of all complete submitted materials to identify candidates for interview is planned to be concluded by November 30, 2024. Although subject to change, interviews are likely to be scheduled in the early weeks of December 2024.