DIVINE SAVIOR HOLY ANGELS HIGH SCHOOL Milwaukee, Wisconsin President July 1, 2018 dsha.info
THE POSITION As Divine Savior Holy Angels High School (DSHA), a Catholic, all girls college preparatory day school, celebrates its 125th anniversary of educating young women of faith, heart, and intellect, the school seeks a president to lead DSHA into its next chapter. After two decades of outstanding leadership, current President Ellen Bartel will depart in June 2018, leaving DSHA in a position of enviable strength: proud of the school’s history, success, and momentum for what is to come. Under the current president’s leadership, enrollment has grown to capacity, a substantial annual wait list has been maintained, and faculty and staff compensation is very competitive in the Milwaukee education marketplace. In fact, DSHA was recently named one of the 2016 Best Places to Work in Milwaukee by the Milwaukee Business Journal. It was also named by Niche as one of the top three Independent schools in Milwaukee Metro and the #1 Catholic secondary school in the region. DSHA graduates are proudly listed among the most prominent civic, governmental, corporate, and educational leaders in the Greater Milwaukee community. A Who’s Who of rising stars, several of the most recent “40 under 40” women leaders in Milwaukee included prominent alumnae of DSHA. Two major facility additions in the last 15 years provide first-rate, state-of-the-art support for all aspects of the school’s mission. In 2016, the school surpassed the goal for the Building on Our Faith capital campaign, raising over $20 million to support DSHA capital improvements, endowment growth, and annual operations. The school has increased its commitment to diversity and tuition assistance, and over one third of its students now receive need-based aid. A national search is currently underway to find a worthy successor to President Bartel. The board seeks a faith-filled, practicing Catholic — female or male — with exceptional entrepreneurial leadership skills to build on this impressive institutional platform and take the school to the next level. Since the school operates in the President/Principal Leadership Model — in which the principal is responsible for the day-to-day academic operations, reporting to the president/CEO — the board seeks dynamic president candidates with outstanding institution building skills and a desire to lead one of the premier, all-girls Catholic schools in America. This is one of the finest Catholic school leadership opportunities available today, and we encourage high performing leaders to consider this. Application requirements may be found at the end of this document.
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WHO WE ARE
Mission Statement Divine Savior Holy Angels High School is a Catholic college preparatory high school for young women that excels at developing the whole person. Sponsored by the Sisters of the Divine Savior (Salvatorians) and grounded in their mission to make known the goodness and kindness of Jesus Christ, we develop our students into capable young women of faith, heart, and intellect who accept the gospel call to live lives that will make a difference.
Vision Statement DSHA will be #1: recognized as the premier choice for a girl seeking to grow into her full potential as a woman of faith, heart, and intellect.
“All girls makes all the difference” With 695 students — all girls — grades 9-12, DSHA offers an environment in which young women thrive without distractions or compromises. Each girl is fully allowed to be herself, focusing on life-long learning, rooted in courage and integrity. An educational approach based entirely on girls and the way they learn, coupled with exemplary, college preparatory academic and co-curricular opportunities, inspire students to explore and realize their passions.
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INNOVATION IN WHOLE-PERSON EDUCATION Approach and Environment
While grounded in its 125-year tradition, DSHA is committed to a progressive, innovative, and integrated approach to education. Highly intentional about all aspects of the DSHA experience, the school recognizes the imperative to combine strong academics and superb college preparation with a deliberate and successful commitment to the development of the whole person. The result: a school-wide commitment to grounding students in an understanding of and ability to manage their own wellness — intellectual, spiritual, physical, emotional, and social during high school years and beyond. Woven into both the curriculum and the co-curricular program, this approach makes a lifelong impact on the formation of each student.
Qualities of a Graduate In 2003, the four Qualities of a DSHA Graduate were introduced. Driven by the school’s mission, coupled with a rigorous four-year college preparatory curriculum, and exemplary co-curricular opportunities, it is by purposeful design that the educational experience of a DSHA student promotes her development as a confident and capable woman. These qualities have since become intrinsic to the DSHA experience and serve as a filter through which all educational opportunities occur: • She is a Believer – grounded in Catholic Christian values which encourage her to act on God’s call to a life of justice, service, and integrity, recognizing the loving presence of God in all peoples and places. • She is a Critical Thinker – applying problem solving skills, creativity, and analytical curiosity, focusing on quality processes, enlightened perspectives, and life-long learning. • She is a Communicator – articulate, perceptive, and responsive to others, effectively exchanging ideas with the ability to adapt her message to various audiences. • She is a Leader – taking initiative to lead by positive influence, to collaborate, motivate, and empower others to develop their own potential, respectful of the viewpoints of others and their cultures. The Search Group | Carney, Sandoe & Associates
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INNOVATION IN WHOLE-PERSON EDUCATION ACADEMICS Faculty/Student Relationship With an average class size of 24, and a teacher-student ratio of 13 to 1, faculty build relationships with students that help guide, motivate, and inspire their learning. The faculty at DSHA actively works toward establishing strong, engaging relationships with students, seeking to maximize intellectual abilities of young women. They work together on behalf of each student to create one of the most innovative and dynamic approaches to whole person education for high school girls anywhere in the U.S. In addition, the DSHA faculty is an established group of experts in their field, with over 600 years of teaching experience combined, and 82% with or working toward a master’s degree.
Influencers in Education DSHA faculty have become leaders in education, exercising influence throughout the greater Milwaukee area and beyond. Many schools are sending faculty and administration to campus to learn more about this unique approach to whole-person education and the environment in which it occurs — particularly with regard to the integration of wellness into the daily lives of students.
AWARDS & RECOGNITIONS (previous five years)
ACADEMIC FACILITIES
• DSHA faculty and administrators have presented at numerous local, state, national, and international conferences. • Faculty have been published in peerreviewed journals in math, science, and philosophy. • Faculty have been requested and served as editors for textbooks. • Faculty have participated as AP readerreviewers. • DSHA was recognized as a Program of Promise by the Wisconsin School Counselor Association for excellence in school counseling programs, marking the first time a private or parochial school has received the award.
• 2015 saw the opening of the ALPHA Academic Center along with a complete renovation of Student Services, Guidance, and the College Center. • Five new World Language classrooms, two music rooms, a new Health Education Classroom, and a Commons for informal study were all added during the 2015-2016 academic year.
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Academic Profile • Fourteen Advanced Placement (AP) classes are offered; 87% of students who took AP tests received qualifying scores for college credit. • The average ACT for the Class of 2017 is 27.2, compared to the Wisconsin average of 20.7 and national average of 20.8. • Annually, 100% of DSHA’s senior class is accepted to college; typically 50% of a class will continue on to a Catholic college or university. • 50% of DSHA’s graduates enroll in out of state colleges and universities. • Course offerings: In addition to English, math, science, and social studies courses, all girls study Spanish, French, or Latin; explore business; and enroll in four years of theology classes, in which they delve into various aspects of faith. Furthermore, a large selection of electives allows students to seek and discover new areas of interest—from digital publishing and oceanography, to Latin American Studies and orchestra, there is a passion for every girl at DSHA. • Partnerships with local universities for dual credit programs: Cardinal Stritch University and University of Wisconsin Whitewater. • ALPHA Academic Center: Modeled after university academic resources centers, the ALPHA center was opened in 2015 and offers academic coaching and support. Over 1,200 student dropin sessions occur each semester.
College Placement The following is a partial list of schools to which members of the Class of 2016 matriculated: • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •
Arizona State University Beloit College Bentley University Boston College Bradley University Creighton University DePaul University Emerson College Emory University Lake Forest College Loyola University, Chicago Marquette University Massachusetts Institute of Technology Miami University, Oxford Milwaukee Institute of Art & Design Northwestern University Purdue University Quinnipiac University Saint Louis University Saint Mary’s College
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• • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •
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Syracuse University Texas Christian University The Catholic University of America University of the Arts London University of Dayton University of Denver University of Iowa University of Kentucky University of Michigan University of Minnesota, Twin Cities University of Mississippi University of Notre Dame University of Rochester University of Southern California University of St. Thomas University of Wisconsin, Madison University of Wisconsin, Milwaukee Winona State University Xavier University Yale University search@carneysandoe.com | www.carneysandoe.com
INNOVATION IN WHOLE-PERSON EDUCATION FAITH FORMATION, CAMPUS MINISTRY, & SERVICE
Rooted in Salvatorian service and sponsored by the Sisters of the Divine Savior, a DSHA education offers multiple opportunities for a student to grow as a spiritual individual and a young woman leader in the Church – from retreats and worship, to service and study of theology. The hope is that each girl will grow into a globally aware citizen, living her faith and using her talents to advocate for justice and the needs of others. The eight semesters of theology nurture spirituality through knowledge of faith, while daily prayer and all-school liturgies allow for growth in community. Campus Ministry is student-driven with over 240 leadership positions, allowing for meaningful personal development and multiple opportunities for active expression of faith. Grounded in scripture and based on a model of peer ministry, retreats provide a safe, productive place for students to explore and ignite their faith through shared experiences. Service is at the heart of the faith life at DSHA. With over 22,000 hours of student service occurring throughout a school year, students do not just learn about their faith, they live it — by being the hands and feet of Christ in the world. Rooted in the goodness and kindness of Jesus Christ, students live out the Gospel call to advocate for the poor and vulnerable populations of the world. All seniors participate in a two-week service immersion program, Vocare, as a capstone to her four years of service at the school.
AWARDS & RECOGNITIONS
In 2014, DSHA was awarded Exemplary Recognition in Catholic Identity – given by the Archdiocese of Milwaukee, the only high school to be recognized with this honor. CAMPUS MINISTRY FACILITIES Built in 2015, The Mother of Our Savior Chapel, in the Sylvia DuBois Chapel and Campus Ministry Center, opened as the spiritual heart of the campus. The chapel offers students a beautiful place for reflection, worship, and gathering, while the Campus Ministry Center offers a fantastic space for planning and fellowship. The Search Group | Carney, Sandoe & Associates
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INNOVATION IN WHOLE-PERSON EDUCATION WELLNESS
After years of internal data pointing to the need for students to learn the skills of personal balance and wellness, the school embarked on a bold plan to integrate wellness training across all four years, embedded in both curriculum and resources. DSHA’s whole-person approach to overall wellness is a result of knowing its students, seeing them run on empty, and understanding — to the point of action — it was necessary for the adults in the lives of these young people to introduce healthy choices and the opportunity to develop healthy habits. After looking for an example of integrated wellness education in practice and finding none, DSHA created its own program via Project WISH — Wellness Initiative for Student Health. Areas of focus include everything from sleep and stress management, to eating and physical fitness habits, to study and prayer. This integrated institutional focus on wellness is not found in any secondary school across the United States, positioning DSHA to be a thought, action, and category leader, trailblazing a course for other institutions across the country. DSHA continues to study and research the efficacy of its wellness programming initiatives, receiving multiple grants to do so, with the goal of developing a model for use and practice by other secondary schools. To assist with research efforts, DSHA is partnering with University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee and Marquette University, which has also assisted in presenting the Project WISH findings at national conferences.
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HOW IT WORKS To accommodate this innovative approach to whole-person education, the school schedule was adjusted to allow students four wellness periods each week. Two of the four periods are allotted for fitness disciplines — from Zumba and Pilates, to team sports and weight training. Two additional periods offer a student the opportunity to determine what is most beneficial for her total well-being — she can meet with a teacher, seek academic assistance in the ALPHA center, visit a guidance counselor, study, visit the chapel for prayer and reflection, or work out in the brand new fitness center.
WELLNESS FACILITIES In 2015, DSHA opened the new 63,000 square-foot addition, including the stateof-the-art Sarah M. Hegarty Fitness Center for students to use during their wellness periods. A multi-purpose group fitness room accommodates Zumba, yoga, dance, mindfulness, and more, for both students and faculty/staff. During wellness hours of choice, you will also find students using the chapel, new music suites or art studios, spending time in the new commons, or visiting with a faculty member in the new ALPHA Academic Center.
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INNOVATION IN WHOLE-PERSON EDUCATION CO-CURRICULARS
Co-curricular clubs and activities are another facet of the DSHA whole-person development. Daily Dasher Time offers students the opportunity to explore their passions during school hours. Cocurricular opportunity within school hours is particularly important given the diversity of the student population and difficulty for many students to take part in activities outside of standard school hours. Students work together and serve one another through these co-curricular offerings, benefiting from the opportunity to collaborate in a wide array of activities, encompassing a variety of disciplines — from academics and athletics, to arts, advocacy, and social and cultural identities. Co-curricular offerings include forensics, business, photography, creative writing, ministry, robotics, and more, allowing girls the opportunity to dig into new interests, practice leadership, and balance their academic, spiritual, and social lives, fostering wellness and engagement in the process.
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INNOVATION IN WHOLE-PERSON EDUCATION FINE ARTS
The DSHA Fine Arts Department holds offerings for every interest and ability level allowing students freedom of expression through a variety of mediums. An extensive curriculum and numerous co-curricular opportunities let students express and develop confidence and abilities, personality, and creativity. VISUAL ARTS DSHA’s comprehensive visual arts program offers classes in everything from graphic design and photography, to fibers and painting. Studio courses incorporate multiple learning techniques. MUSIC Numerous instrumental and choral ensembles provide opportunities for all musicians to showcase their talent – from orchestra and three choral ensembles, to a handbell choir and the Angelaires select show choir. THEATRE Students have the opportunity to select from eight theatre classes and participate in four annual productions, growing as communicators and public speakers. Annual productions include a fall musical, winter drama, spring studio show, and a summer Community Theatre Works musical.
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AWARDS & RECOGNITIONS−2016 • The DSHA theatre program earned multiple 2016 Tommy Awards (Wisconsin version of the Tony), extending its five-year run for all major acting, stage, and directing Tommy awards. • Nine visual arts students received Scholastic Art Awards, across a variety of mediums, with their art displayed at the Milwaukee Art Museum. • One ensemble and eight soloists received Wisconsin School Music Association State Awards with two soloists receiving exemplary recognition. 52 solo musicians and two ensembles were recognized with WSMA District Awards.
FINE ARTS FACILITIES Built in 2002, the Robert and Marie Hansen Family Fine Arts Theatre is in a class of its own, setting the stage for award-winning productions. Thanks to generous leadership gifts from alumnae, newly renovated visual arts and music suites give DSHA some of the finest facilities in the state.
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INNOVATION IN WHOLE-PERSON EDUCATION
DASHER ATHLETICS
RECENT STATE CHAMPIONSHIPS • • • • • •
SOCCER: 2014, 2016 VOLLEYBALL: 2014, 2015 BASKETBALL: 2015 ICE HOCKEY: 2015 RUGBY: 2014, 2016 CROSS COUNTRY: 2016 (indv.)
ATHLETIC FACILITIES Completed in 2015, the Chris and John McDermott Gymnasium with three courts is perfectly situated for multiple games/ practices in tandem, or one center-court competition. The Sarah M. Hegarty Fitness Center provides athletes a state-of-theart facility for year-round workouts and commitment to fitness and training.
The DSHA Athletic Department is committed to academic success, athletic excellence, teamwork, leadership, service to others, and sportsmanship. Over 84% of student-athletes are on the honor roll. DSHA has earned a competitive reputation in the state of Wisconsin, with a number of championships across 15 varsity sports including 7 National Championships, 23 WIAA State Championships, 38 WIAA Sectional Championships, and 46 WISAA and 54 WIAA Regionals Championships. The school is also proud of its eight non-cut sports, encouraging students of all experience and ability levels to compete. Over 60% of the student body participates in interscholastic sports. An outstanding staff of coaches works diligently to give student-athletes a quality experience, teaching them not only how to perform in their sport of choice, but how to excel as both a leader and a member of a team, emphasizing lessons in teamwork, perseverance, discipline, and respect. ATHLETIC OFFERINGS: 15 sports | 37 teams • Skiing • Basketball • Soccer • Cross Country • Softball • Field Hockey • Swimming & • Golf Diving • Gymnastics • Tennis • Ice Hockey • Track & Field • Lacrosse • Volleyball • Rugby
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DSHA COMMUNITY
Commitment to Diversity DSHA is committed to enrolling the strongest, most diverse student body possible. Girls come from over 100 area schools, resulting in a diverse population with representation from communities throughout the Milwaukee metropolitan area. One-third of families qualify for financial assistance, and a quarter of students identify as young women of color. From offering co-curricular opportunities during school hours and addressing the individual needs of students and families, to assisting with non-tuitionbased financial aid (foreign language and study trips, uniforms, retreats, graduation gowns, and more), DSHA is committed to fostering the growth, passions, and possibilities of its entire student body. While strongly committed to its Catholic identity, students of any faith are welcome and celebrated.
Current Student Body The spirit of the community among DSHA students is one of warmth and support, and can only truly be known through experience. Whether students are cheering on the faculty band together in a surprise assembly, or rooting for each other during shared activities and experiences, the community of sisterhood is one that lives well past the brick and mortar of DSHA, and certainly beyond graduation.
Total School Community (TSC) Over 100 faculty and staff serve in the TSC. This group is devoted to serving community over self, living out the DSHA mission to give students the best high school experience for girls in the city of Milwaukee — and beyond. Whether guiding Dashers in student-driven Campus Ministry, using expertise to teach a math class, coaching the volleyball team, or ensuring the school is a clean, inviting environment for learning, this dynamic group of individuals works hard, celebrates well, and considers each role in the TSC vital to the mission of DSHA.
Alumnae Celebrating 125 years of all girls’ education, DSHA has a rich history of alumnae – over 15,000 – who are committed and connected to the current mission of the school. Whether serving on the Alumnae Board or attending school events, this population, rooted in sisterhood, is a vital and active part of growing the DSHA community into its intended vision.
Parents Devoted and enthusiastic, DSHA parents are involved in multiple aspects of school life. They can be found serving on the highly successful annual auction committee or a parent association, attending the annual Father Daughter dance, or representing the school to prospective families.
Board of Directors The DSHA Board of Directors is an able and active group composed of alumnae, Sisters of the Divine Savior, parents, community executives, and professionals. They serve to guide the school through the creation and implementation of intentional strategic plans, committed to both preserving legacy and fostering vision. The Search Group | Carney, Sandoe & Associates
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DSHA SCHOOL HISTORY Holy Angels Academy, 1892-1970: The history of DSHA starts in 1892, when eight Sisters of Charity of the Blessed Virgin Mary established Holy Angels Academy with an enrollment of 66 young women. Growing in popularity and enrollment, a new Holy Angels Academy was built in 1927. Divine Savior High School, 1926-1970: In 1926, five Sisters of the Divine Savior opened a convent high school, called Divine Savior, for 20 young women in Milwaukee. In 1948, the school opened its doors for lay students as well, with the expectation that ground would be broken for a new high school building near 100th Street and Capitol Drive. The new and modern facilities for Divine Savior High School opened in 1951. Divine Savior Holy Angels – school combination in 1970: The demographic, social, and economic pressures of the 1960s in the city of Milwaukee brought uncertainty to the futures of both Holy Angels Academy and Divine Savior High School. To ensure the continuation of their shared mission of exemplary education for young women, the two schools combined names, traditions, and alumnae organizations in 1970, joining together to form Divine Savior Holy Angels High School, with continued sponsorship by the Sisters of the Divine Savior. 1992-2017: In 1992, DSHA began a new century of excellence when it celebrated 100 years of Catholic education for young women. The following decades saw important growth and expansion for the school. The school’s first president, Ellen S. Bartel, joined the school in 1998 and led the school to capacity enrollment, while expanding academic and co-curricular offerings. The school continued into the 21st century under the sponsorship of the Sisters of the Divine Savior, but became separately incorporated and governed by its own board of directors. This era brought significant change and growth to DSHA. Major campus expansions took place in 2002 and 2015, along with further development of innovative approaches to a whole-person, all girls’ education. TODAY & BEYOND: At capacity enrollment, the school continues to seek growth and improvement, committed to continually evaluating its impact to ensure the most effective experience for each and every girl. During this stage of evolution and transition, in tandem with legacy and tradition, DSHA looks to the future fully committed to the traditions of its founders—developing young women of faith, heart, and intellect, committed to living lives to impact others for the good.
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MILWAUKEE, WISCONSIN Settled on the picturesque western shores and bluffs of Lake Michigan, Milwaukee is the largest city in the state of Wisconsin with a metropolitan population of nearly 1.6 million. With a strong European history — particularly German — Milwaukee is rich in culture and known for its livability, foodie experience and brewing traditions, weekly summer music and cultural festivals, and historic neighborhoods. Home to multiple companies on the Fortune 500 list – from Northwestern Mutual and Harley Davidson, to Rockwell Automation and Manpower Group – Milwaukee truly has something to offer everyone. Historical and cultural attractions make Milwaukee a perfect city for exploring. The renowned and recently expanded Milwaukee Art Museum sits on the shore of Lake Michigan and is a popular destination for art enthusiasts. The Milwaukee Repertory Theater, Florentine Opera, and Milwaukee Symphony host annual calendars featuring everything from classics to the contemporary, while the Riverside and historic Pabst Theaters showcase a rotation of the latest and greatest current musical acts. A playground for the young and old alike, visitors of all ages love to explore the many parks situated directly on the lakefront, visit the Milwaukee Public Museum and County Zoo, or attend the world’s largest music festival, SummerFest, each June/July. The city is also home to a number of institutions of higher education, including Marquette University, the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, the Medical College of Wisconsin, the Milwaukee Institute of Art & Design, the Milwaukee School of Engineering, Alverno College, Cardinal Stritch University, and Mt. Mary University. Sports fans will get their fill from the Milwaukee Brewers who play baseball at Miller Park, the Milwaukee Bucks, minor league hockey team the Admirals, or the Packers who play in Green Bay, about two hours north of Milwaukee. Food and beverage enthusiasts will enjoy the seemingly endless dining options in the city and surrounding areas. Featuring multiple James Beard award-winning and nominated chefs and restaurants, Milwaukee has become known for its growing foodie culture, with four nominees in the running for the prestigious 2017 James Beard awards. The city also boasts several major and microbreweries and distilleries from MillerCoors and the MKE Brewing Company, to Lakefront Brewery, Great Lakes Distillery, and many, many more. While the historic Milwaukee neighborhoods, surrounding towns and villages, and picturesque suburbs make the area an ideal place to live, it also serves as a fantastic location for easy-to-get-to travel and day-trip destinations. Within an hour of city limits, visit the beautiful ice age trails of the Kettle Moraine forest for superb hiking and cross-country skiing, or head west to inland lake country and spend a summer weekend on boat. Only 90 minutes south you will find Chicago – the perfect family day-trip. Drive two and a half hours north to experience Door County – known for its 19 communities scattered across 300 miles of peninsula shoreline – featuring orchards, wineries, art galleries, and multiple opportunities for outdoor enthusiasts with five state parks. To learn more about Milwaukee living, visit: http://www.visitmilwaukee.org/ or http://www.travelwisconsin.com/southeast/milwaukee-county/milwaukee.
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OPPORTUNITIES AND CHALLENGES With a powerful Salvatorian mission and Catholic identity at its core, DSHA is a high performing, Tier I independent school. Like all market leaders in their field, DSHA is committed to a culture of excellence. The school has not been reactive but proactive, continually raising the bar on itself and creating rather than responding to market expectations. The ability to delight and inspire is inherent in the DSHA ethos. As a result, the next president will be expected to continue this culture of excellence in all areas of school life – academic, spiritual, co-curricular – and in all areas of family, community, and alumnae engagement. For the right leader, this is truly a rare and wonderful opportunity. Candidates should also be mindful of the following opportunities and challenges: • DSHA is financially sound, well-capitalized, and well-positioned competitively in the Milwaukee community. The school is also at full enrollment, which will need to be maintained. The next president will be expected to capitalize on this enviable market position and momentum, maintain a consistent focus on high achievement, and promote the immense power of the school’s all-girls mission. • As CEO of the institution, the next president will also be expected to engage in extensive fundraising, leading a solid development team to secure all resources necessary to sustain this tradition of excellence. Fundraising will be a critical aspect of the next president’s duties. Enormous fundraising strides have been achieved in recent years, and a strong culture of philanthropy is forming within the DSHA community, as more and more donors step up to support the exciting ambitions of the school. The next president will be expected to lead this effort going forward and continue to foster and solidify this emerging culture of philanthropy.
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• An impressive, three-year strategic plan is in place that has achieved the enthusiastic support of the DSHA community. (Click HERE to access this plan.) The next president will be expected to execute the plan with discipline, making appropriate adjustments as needed to address changing circumstances. • DSHA is also deeply proud of its historic mission of “access” and is committed to increasing diversity across the campus. Equity and inclusion are top priorities for the Board of Directors and the sponsoring Sisters of the Divine Savior. To achieve these ambitious objectives, the next president will need to balance the competing demands of maintaining affordable tuition costs while increasing financial aid. Again, a strategic focus on fundraising and responsible stewardship will be a top priority for the next president. • In recent years, remarkable improvements have been made to the DSHA campus. Plans are in place for further enhancements, which will also require the attention and leadership of the president. • And, finally, all facets of Campus Ministry have seen significant growth over the past five years, becoming a focal point for student passions, activities and service. This has been an exciting development for the DSHA community, and the next president will need to provide focus and support so that Campus Ministry will continue to thrive in strength and sustainability.
DESIRED QUALITIES AND QUALIFICATIONS OF THE NEXT PRESIDENT To qualify for serious consideration, you will need to be a practicing Catholic with passion for the mission and a genuine commitment to the unique power of the all-girls education experience. In addition, the board seeks candidates with the following qualities and qualifications: • Outstanding communications and relational skills combined with unquestioned integrity; • Appropriate education credentials to lead such a premier academic institution; • Joyful and collaborative servant leadership along with a sense of urgency and a track record of exceptional results; • As president, you will also need to be a high-profile leader with outstanding vision and entrepreneurial skills. In the President/Principal Leadership Model, a top priority for the president is to be an “institution builder” – someone who can lead and inspire high performance across the DSHA community, especially concerning: admissions and enrollment management; fundraising and friend-raising; alumnae, community, and family engagement; maintaining effective and professionally rewarding Board and community relations; raising the profile and value proposition of the school in the community; and enriching and sustaining the reputation and brand of the school; • While deep domain knowledge of secondary education is nice to have, it is less important in the president function than bold, visionary leadership and the ability to inspire and create demand for the unique gifts of a DSHA education.
The Board of Directors is also eager to welcome qualified candidates from a variety of mission-driven career platforms including: accomplished leaders from other independent or Catholic schools; higher education executives, especially those in public-facing roles such as external relations, advancement, and admissions, as well as student services, mission and ministry, and the freshman college experience; and other visionary leaders with passion for mission who may have experience leading Catholic foundations, associations, charities, or other non-profit organizations.
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TO APPLY Interested and qualified candidates should submit electronically in one email and as separate documents (preferably PDFs) the following materials: • A cover letter expressing your interest in this particular position and aligning your skills and experiences with the leadership priorities summarized in this document • A current résumé with all appropriate dates • A one-page statement of educational or leadership philosophy and practice • A list of five (5) professional references with name, phone number, and email address of each. References will not be contacted until a serious mutual interest is established, and not without the candidate’s permission. Materials should be sent to: Bob Regan Senior Search Consultant Practice Group Leader, Catholic Schools Practice bob.regan@carneysandoe.com Dr. Dawn Nichols Search Consultant Catholic Schools Practice dawn.nichols@carneysandoe.com
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