The Erie Catholic School System (ECSS) is seeking an experienced and visionary leader to serve as its next President. The President will report to the Board of Directors and collaborate closely with system leadership, school principals, and key stakeholders. As the chief executive of the ECSS, the President will be responsible for advancing the Catholic mission, ensuring the academic excellence of the schools, promoting financial sustainability, and fostering relationships within the broader community.
This role requires a dynamic individual who can lead six K-8 Catholic schools, representing over 1,600 students, and provide visionary leadership in an ever-evolving educational landscape. The President will focus on shaping the future of Catholic education in Erie while continuing to build a cohesive system that serves the spiritual, academic, and social needs of its students.
Strategic Leadership: Lead the Erie Catholic School System with a vision that aligns with its Catholic identity and ensures a vibrant future for its students, staff, and community.
Mission and Values: Uphold and strengthen the Catholic mission, ensuring that faith formation is integral to the education provided by the ECSS.
Academic Excellence: Oversee academic policies and programs, ensuring that each of the six schools fosters student success, including high academic achievement and strong high school placement.
Operational Management: Collaborate with school principals to standardize practices where beneficial, support school leadership, and ensure operational excellence across all schools.
Financial Stewardship: Ensure long-term financial health through strategic planning, cost management, fundraising, and sustainable enrollment practices. Work closely with the finance team to develop and manage budgets and financial aid programs.
Advancement and Community Engagement: Serve as the face of the ECSS to the broader community, including alumni, donors, parishioners, and potential families. Cultivate relationships with key stakeholders and drive engagement through strategic communication.
Enrollment Growth: Lead efforts to increase enrollment by identifying and promoting the unique selling points of the ECSS, including faith-based education, small class sizes, and a safe, supportive environment.
Board and Stakeholder Relations: Report to the Board of Directors, providing regular updates on key metrics, strategic initiatives, and areas for growth. Collaborate with parish leaders and other community partners to strengthen the system's role in the community.
Culture and School Climate: Foster a supportive and inclusive environment for staff, students, and families, reinforcing the values of civility, service, and respect. .
Bachelor’s degree required; advanced degree preferred (e.g., Master’s in Education, Business Administration, or related field).
Proven experience in executive leadership, preferably in education or nonprofit management, with a strong background in Catholic education highly desirable.
A practicing Catholic, or strong understanding and commitment to the principles of Catholic education.
Experience with managing multisite operations, including overseeing financial, academic, and community outreach initiatives.
Demonstrated success in leading strategic initiatives, including financial management and sustainability planning.
Strong leadership presence with excellent communication and interpersonal skills to effectively represent the school system to internal and external stakeholders.
Visionary Leadership: A forward-thinking individual who can guide the Erie Catholic School System through growth and change while maintaining fidelity to its Catholic values.
Collaborative: A team player who can work with diverse groups, including school leaders, families, donors, and parishes, to foster a strong sense of community.
Financial Acumen: A leader with a strong grasp of financial management and the ability to maintain financial health while promoting long-term growth.
Inspirational: An effective communicator and motivator who can inspire confidence, lead with integrity, and foster a sense of shared purpose across all schools.
A School System of The Diocese of Erie
525 E. 34th St.
Erie, PA 16504
p: 814.806.2423 | f: 814.833.6132