REPORTS TO: ST. LOUIS
PRESIDENT AND DIRECTOR OF WORK
JOB DESCRIPTION
UNIVERSITY HIGH (SLUH) BOARD OF TRUSTEES
POSITION SUMMARY:
The President serves as the chief executive officer of the school, embodying and promoting the Catholic mission and Jesuit identity. As the Director of Work, the President is missioned by the Jesuit Provincial and is responsible for the apostolic animation, strategic leadership and operational management of the school, ensuring alignment with the mission of the Society of Jesus and the Catholic Church.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES
Mission and Identity
• Uphold and promote the Catholic mission and Jesuit identity of the school.
• Ensure the SLUH mission statement guides all decisions and is regularly reviewed and renewed.
• Foster a vibrant community of faith, building on the school legacy as the second-oldest Jesuit school in North America, a thriving institution rooted in faith, academic excellence and vocation.
Leadership and Governance
• Collaborate with the Board of Trustees, Jesuit Provincial and the Archdiocese of St. Louis.
• Maintain close relationships with the Jesuit Provincial and the Office of Pre-Secondary and Secondary Education (PASE).
• Lead the school in apostolic animation, translating vision into daily practice in partnership with the SLUH Principal.
• Assess the performance of the leadership team and support their professional development.
Educational Excellence
• Oversee the development and implementation of a rigorous curriculum aligned with Jesuit educational standards in partnership with the Principal and Academic leadership team.
• Ensure the integration of Ignatian pedagogy across the curriculum.
• Manage all aspects of the school, fostering a culture of continuous improvement across academics, co-curricular programs, admissions, communications and operations.
Spiritual and Religious Formation
• Ensure the school provides comprehensive Catholic religious education and Ignatian spiritual formation.
Director of Work Responsibilities:
• Embody and speak to the Catholic mission and Jesuit identity of the school, ensuring both remain the core identity of the school.
• Maintain close relationships with the Jesuit Provincial and his Office of Pre-Secondary and Secondary Education, as well as with the St. Louis Archdiocese.
• Translate the apostolic vision into professional daily practice within the school.
• Ensure the school’s mission is reflected in all aspects of school life and operations.
• Engage in Ignatian discernment and decision-making processes.
Qualifications:
• Active and practicing Catholic.
• Deep commitment to the Catholic mission and Jesuit identity.
• Promote personal and communal prayer, including the practice of the Examen of Consciousness.
• Actively engage in and support Catholic liturgical life and retreat programs at SLUH.
Operational & Fiduciary Vitality
• Ensure the school finances provide resources for excellent educational and formational programming.
• Engage in strategic planning and Ignatian discernment with the Board of Trustees.
• Collaborate with local law enforcement and government officials to develop and implement policies that ensure a safe and secure school environment
• Oversee contract agreements and negotiations, ensuring compliance, financial responsibility and alignment with the school mission and strategic goals.
Community and Collaboration
• Foster a welcoming environment and culture of respect, civility and cura personalis (care for the whole person).
• Partner with Communications in important public relations and crisis communications efforts.
• Contribute to school publications and ongoing communications to the school community.
Advancement
• Build and cultivate relationships with benefactors to advance the school mission.
• Partner with Advancement in the development of donor proposals and the solicitation of major gifts.
• Attend and play a significant role at important events that foster alumni and parent relations, as well as events that drive fundraising.
• Proven leadership experience in an educational or similar setting.
• Strong understanding of Ignatian spirituality and Jesuit education.
• Excellent communication, organizational, and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to engage in strategic thinking and planning.
• Experience in financial management and advancement development.
Preferred Qualifications:
• Advanced degree in education, theology, or a related field.
• Experience in Jesuit or Catholic educational institutions.
• Familiarity with Ignatian discernment and the Spiritual Exercises