Join Us In Shaping the Future of the Erie Catholic School System

We are embarking on a nationwide search for a visionary leader to guide our six-school system into its next chapter of growth and success. Rooted in our commitment to faith-based education, academic excellence, and community service, the Erie Catholic School System is seeking a president who will inspire our students, staff, and families while championing the mission of Catholic education in Erie County.

About Erie Catholic

The Opportunity

Ideal Candidate Profile

Key Responsibilities


About Us: Erie Catholic School System


The Erie Catholic School System was founded in 2017 as a result of a visionary consolidation of six parish-run schools. Committed to academic excellence, spiritual growth, and moral development, our schools serve over 1,800 students across Erie County.

Our mission is to provide a safe, faith-based education that prepares students for leadership, service, and lifelong learning.


Our next president will lead us in achieving our vision of a unified, thriving school system that continues to foster the academic, spiritual, and personal growth of our students.

The Opportunity

The Erie Catholic School System is conducting a national search for a dynamic, visionary leader to serve as our next president. The president will provide strategic leadership across all six schools and work closely with the board of trustees, principals, faculty, and community stakeholders to promote the mission of Catholic education in Erie County.



This individual will lead efforts to ensure financial sustainability, enhance academic programming, increase enrollment, and foster a strong sense of community among students, families, and alumni.

The Ideal Candidate

The next president of Erie Catholic School System will be a collaborative leader, a strategic thinker, and a dedicated advocate for Catholic education. The successful candidate will possess:


  • A deep commitment to the mission and values of Catholic education.
  • Proven experience in leadership, education, or nonprofit management.
  • Strong financial and operational management skills.
  • The ability to engage with and inspire a diverse community of stakeholders.
  • A forward-thinking approach to education and innovation.


Key Responsibilities

The president will be responsible for:


  • Developing and executing the strategic vision of the Erie Catholic School System.
  • Leading fundraising and advancement efforts to secure financial support.
  • Overseeing the enrollment management and marketing strategies.
  • Building relationships with parishes, local businesses, and alumni.
  • Ensuring academic excellence and spiritual development in our schools.
  • Managing the system’s finances and ensuring long-term sustainability.


View the Presidential Profile

To Apply

Interested and qualified candidates will ultimately need to submit the following as separate PDF documents:

  • A cover letter expressing their interest in this particular position;
  • A current resume
  • A list of five professional references with name, relationship, phone number, and email address of each reference.




Email Your Application

"The Erie Catholic School System is committed to being the school system of choice for families by instilling in its students strong moral character, academic excellence, and a passion for service to others, all rooted in the principles of the Catholic faith. The next president will play a key role in ensuring that this mission continues to thrive for generations to come."

Ann Carlin, Chair
Board of Directors
Erie Catholic School System

About Carney, Sandoe & Associates

We are pleased to share that we have partnered with Carney, Sandoe & Associates (CS&A), one of the nation’s leading consulting firms specializing in independent and Catholic school leadership searches. With experience working with over 1,800 schools across the country and around the world, CS&A brings a deep understanding of Catholic education and has a dedicated practice focused on schools like ours. Their commitment to mission-driven leadership and their extensive network make them the ideal partner to help us find our next president.

Our search process, designed in collaboration with CS&A, will prioritize input from our entire Erie Catholic community. Faculty, staff, parents, students, and others will have opportunities to provide feedback, ensuring that we select a leader who is aligned with our values and vision for the future. As part of this process, members of the CS&A team will visit each of our six campuses to meet with key stakeholders and gain a full understanding of what makes our system unique.

The search process includes:

  • Engagement with our community: Multiple opportunities for input from faculty, staff, parents, alumni, and donors.
  • Transparent communication: Regular updates will be provided as we progress through the search process.
  • A transformational leader: Our goal is to select a president who will honor our Catholic mission, preserve our tradition of excellence, and lead with vision and integrity.

We will keep you informed every step of the way.

News and Updates

Update on President Search for Erie Catholic

December 31, 2024
As we continue our journey to identify the next President of the Erie Catholic School System, I wanted to share an update on our progress. After a thorough nationwide search and careful review of applications, we are pleased to announce that first-round interviews were completed in December. We are excited about the caliber of candidates who have expressed interest in this leadership role and are optimistic about the opportunity to find a visionary leader who will further strengthen our schools and community. Our search committee remains committed to a rigorous and thoughtful process, ensuring that we select a candidate who aligns with the mission, values, and future goals of the Erie Catholic School System. We've identified our shortlist of top candidates and will invite these candidates to Erie for campus tours and meaningful engagements with our faculty, staff, and other stakeholders. This next phase will be an important opportunity for the candidates to experience the vibrant and faith-filled environment that makes Erie Catholic so special. We will continue to keep you informed of key milestones in the search process and are grateful for your prayers and support as we work to find the right leader to guide us into the future. Sincerely, Ann Carlin, Chair Board of Directors, Erie Catholic School System

Erie Catholic Launches Search for Next President

October 18, 2024
Erie, PA – The Erie Catholic School System launched a nationwide search for its next president. The search, which is now officially underway, aims to identify a visionary leader who will guide the system in fulfilling its mission of providing a premier Catholic education. The position will be available starting July 1, 2025. The Erie Catholic School System, which includes six preschool-through-eighth-grade Catholic schools, serves nearly 2,000 students across the Erie area. The incoming president will have the opportunity to oversee the system’s Catholic mission and identity, academic programs, strategic planning, and institutional advancement, working closely with the Board of Directors to drive the system’s growth and success. “The Erie Catholic School System is committed to being the school system of choice for families by instilling in its students strong moral character, academic excellence, and a passion for service to others, all rooted in the principles of the Catholic faith,” said Ann Carlin, current chair of the Erie Catholic School System Board of Directors. “The next president will play a key role in ensuring that this mission continues to thrive for generations to come.” The ideal candidate for this leadership role will be a practicing Catholic with a master's degree or higher, at least five years of management experience, and a demonstrated track record of leading change in complex situations. The position offers a unique opportunity to make a lasting impact on Catholic education in the Erie region. Interested candidates may learn more about the position by visiting www.eriecatholic.org/president-search. Applications are now being accepted and all inquiries will be kept strictly confidential.