Prospectus: President of Holy Cross Academy

The President of Holy Cross Academy serves as the Chief Executive Officer and a spiritual leader of the Academy. She/He leads the team responsible for the Academy's academic and faith formation programs and directly manages finance, operational efficiency, advancement, marketing, enrollment and related organizational affairs.

 

About Holy Cross Academy

Holy Cross Academy is a unique Catholic elementary school supporting four parishes in the Archdiocese of St. Louis: Annunciation, Our Lady of Providence, Saint Michael the Archangel, and Seven Holy Founders.

HCA was formed in 2012. Since that time the innovative model has continued to evolve. Today the Academy is comprised of four schools on four separate campuses. This model enables the Academy to focus resources and encourage collaboration by grade level while more nimbly addressing needs and fluctuating class sizes.

• The Seven Holy Founders campus on Mackenzie Road operates as the Early Childhood Education Center. Year-round care and offerings for 2-year olds through pre-kindergarten are provided at this centrally located campus where the footprint is perfect for young children.
• St. Michael the Archangel serves as the Primary Campus for kindergarten through second grade. This campus has a smaller footprint that is ideal for young learners, with a playground, indoor gym, dedicated library and art spaces.
• Our Lady of Providence, our Intermediate Campus, serves all third through fifth grade students. This campus offers a gym, a large outdoor field for PE and recreation, an outdoor classroom and garden, and space for a science lab.
• Annunciation operates as the Middle School Campus for all sixth through eighth grade classes. This footprint includes a gymnasium, outdoor spaces for learning and recreation, and a large art space that our students use for many of our electives.

We center our programming upon the Person of Jesus Christ and the traditions of the Catholic faith. We are committed to offering a leading educational experience that meets the learner where he or she is, using modern resources and best practices backed by data. Additionally, we are committed to an inclusive environment where children with physical or intellectual disabilities are educated in the general classroom, shoulder to shoulder with their peers. We offer reasonable tuition to encourage families to choose Catholic education while also providing living wages and benefits to our employees.

Holy Cross Academy offers a consistent and unified curriculum throughout the entire Academy that emphasizes not only the elements of what is considered "quality" education - basic literacy in mathematics and science, appreciation of literature, good grammar skills, and a grasp of our nation's history - but also what is expected of productive citizens in the 21st century. Such skills as high level critical thinking, problem solving, creativity, teamwork, and leadership are hallmarks of the Holy Cross Academy educational program.

Mission Statement

Our mission is to provide the highest quality academic and faith formation program where each student develops spiritually, intellectually, and socially. Rooted in the Person of Jesus Christ and in the Catholic tradition, we strive to prepare our students to live a faith-filled life.

Core Values

Faith Formation: At the foundation of the Catholic faith is the call to evangelization: 'to make disciples for the Lord'. Informed by Sacred Scripture and Tradition, nurtured and lived through prayer and deed, Holy Cross Academy strives to purposefully provide opportunities for all students to grow in their faith.

Academic Excellence: Every child at Holy Cross Academy is given the opportunity to experience academic success. Academic resources and engaging teaching strategies are combined to provide students with classroom environments that are challenging yet nurturing. Our teachers work collaboratively to differentiate instruction, supporting or enriching the learning opportunities as needed.

Community: We are many parts, we are all One Body. Holy Cross Academy is a community of learners, ministers and servants. To help students grow in their personal relationships with Christ, doctrinal instruction, meaningful liturgies and service opportunities come together to create a united community of faith. Our community is diverse, and we celebrate the uniqueness of the four parishes and the individuals within them as well as our school families who are members of other parishes or who do not affiliate with a parish.

Social Justice: Holy Cross Academy upholds the Church's special regard for the poor and marginalized. Academy curricula incorporate this mission through service opportunities, reflection and academic instruction.

Stewardship: Holy Cross Academy students are stewards of the world around them. Students learn the importance of voluntarily giving of their time, talents and treasure so as to fully grasp the meaning of being "good stewards of the earth and each other."

As a Catholic school within the Archdiocese of Saint Louis, Holy Cross Academy is ultimately governed by the Archbishop. From him, authority flows to the three pastors of the supporting parishes. One pastor is appointed by the Archbishop as the Designated Pastor for the Academy. The Designated Pastor and the President represent the daily governing authority of the Academy. The President works closely with all three pastors when making strategic decisions about the Academy.

The President serves as a faith leader of the Academy, embodying the mission of the Catholic Church while guiding the school's administration and representing the living word of God. In addition, the President acts as the Chief Executive Officer and Chief Operating Officer, responsible for ensuring the Academy's short-term and long-term viability and sustainability. The President works in consultation with a Board of Directors. The primary role of the Board is advisory.

 

Key Responsibilities of the President

The President has a broad and significant role, balancing academic excellence with the spiritual and ethical formation of students, while also ensuring operational efficiency and fiscal stability. The key responsibilities of the role are as follows:

1. Leadership and Vision
   • In collaboration with the Pastors and the Board Members, provide overall leadership and vision for the Academy.
   • Set long-term goals and objectives to ensure the school's growth, success, sustainability, and alignment with Catholic values.
   • Foster a strong school community, including students, staff, parents, and alumni.
   • Ensure the Catholic mission and teachings of the Church are integrated into all aspects of the Academy's culture.
2. Administrative Oversight
   • Supervise the daily operations of the Academy including budgeting, expense management, staffing, and policy implementation.
   • Oversee school leadership including administrators, department heads and other support staff (transportation, food service, custodial, maintenance, medical) to ensure the effective operation of academic, spiritual, and extracurricular programs.
   • Oversee the Academy's finances ensuring fiscal responsibility and sustainable operations.
   • Ensure compliance with educational regulations, accreditation standards, and diocesan policies.
3. Faith Formation
   • Ensure the Academy's Catholic identity is reflected in its curriculum, worship, and student activities.
   • Oversee religious education programs, sacramental preparation, and opportunities for prayer and spiritual growth.
   • Work closely with the four parishes and diocesan leaders to strengthen the Academy's connection to the broader Church community.
4. Development and Fundraising
   • Lead efforts in fundraising, donor relations, alumni engagement, and local community partnerships to secure financial resources for the Academy.
   • Help to develop and participate in events, campaigns, and initiatives that promote the Academy's fundraising mission.
5. Strategic Planning and Policy Development
   • Develop and implement a strategic plan for the Academy's growth and sustainability.
   • Establish and review Academy policies on academic performance, student conduct, and employee relations.
   • Regularly assess the Academy's progress toward its goals and make necessary adjustments.
6. Public Relations and Communication
   • Serve as the primary spokesperson for the Academy in the community and to the media.
   • Maintain effective communication with parents, staff, alumni, and other stakeholders through newsletters, meetings and social media.
   • Promote the Academy's achievements and initiatives to the broader community to enhance its reputation and visibility.
7. Student Well-Being
   • Ensure a safe, welcoming, and supportive environment for all students.
   • Oversee programs related to student health, counseling, discipline, and overall well-being.
   • Advocate for the needs of students and ensure that they receive a well-rounded education that integrates academics, faith, and personal development.
8. Collaboration with the Board Members
   • Work closely with the Board providing regular updates on the Academy's progress and opportunities.
   • Collaborate with the Board to make important decisions regarding school policies, finances, and future direction.
   • Assist the pastors, with advisory input from the Board, regarding governance and strategic planning efforts.

 

Who is the Ideal Candidate?

Key Capabilities:

• An experienced and inspiring leader who has the proven ability to effectively lead multiple groups and communities through evolution, change and, at times, ambiguity.
• A fundraiser who will build institutional capacity by securing resources made available through development and partnerships and will continue to expand a tradition of philanthropic support.
• A skilled financial practitioner whose understanding of fiscal management practices ensures effective management of resources and financial stability of the Academy.

Personal Characteristics:

• Faith-Focused Leader - a practicing Catholic who embodies and promotes Catholic values and teachings which includes being a spiritual leader and role model for students, staff and the broader community.
• Committed to Academic Excellence - dedicated to providing an academically rigorous environment that nurtures students' intellectual, emotional, and spiritual growth.
• Collaborative / Relationship-Builder / Team-Builder - comfortable and confident in engaging others and building productive and effective teams. Able to build strong relationships working alongside Pastors, administrators, faculty, staff, parents and the broader community to promote a shared vision and to achieve common goals.
• Adaptable - flexible and adaptable to new methods, technologies, and strategies in an ever-changing educational landscape while keeping the Academy's mission intact.
• Visionary - able to look ahead and guide the Academy toward long-term goals, identifying opportunities for growth, improvement and adaptation.
• Effective Communicator - able to articulate the Academy's mission and values clearly, address concerns and inspire others across a wide range of stakeholders (students, faculty, parents, Board, etc.).
• Empathetic and Compassionate - understanding the needs of both students and staff building a supportive and nurturing environment.
• Problem-Solver - skilled in approaching situations thoughtfully and making decisions that balance practical concerns with the Academy's mission.
• Financially Savvy - skilled in budgeting, fundraising, and resource allocation to ensure the Academy's stability and continued growth.

Other Requirements:

• Proven leader in business, financial, or related field. Leadership within a learning environment a plus.
• Minimum of 3 years fundraising experience.
• Minimum of a master's degree in business, education or finance field.

 

How to Apply

All interested candidates should submit the following materials electronically to hca-presidentsearch@hca-stl.org. Only those applications with all requested materials will be considered complete. Please direct any questions to John Fechter at (314) 283-5713.

• Current CV/Resume
• Pastor Letter of Reference
• Three Professional References