DE LA SALLE COLLEGIATE
WARREN, MICHIGAN
PRESIDENT – JOB POSTING
Submission Deadline October 31, 2014
THE SCHOOL AND MISSION
De La Salle Collegiate High School is an all boys, private Catholic High School, conducted by
the Brothers of the Christian Schools (De La Salle Christian Brothers). De La Salle Collegiate is
located in Warren, Michigan, a Detroit suburb. The school was founded in 1926 on the religious
tradition of the Roman Catholic Church and animated by the educational vision of St. John
Baptist de La Salle. De La Salle Collegiate provides a quality education in an atmosphere that
incorporates Gospel values. Our De La Salle community places special emphasis on those school
activities that proclaim Christ’s message of salvation and provides opportunities to practice that
message. The school with a student body nearing 800 boys in grades nine through twelve, offers
a college prep curriculum. While a majority of the students are Roman Catholic, students of all
faiths are welcome. De La Salle Collegiate is accredited by AdvancED and the State of
Michigan’s Department of Education and is part of the District of Eastern North America of the
Brothers of the Christian Schools (www.fscdena.org).
The Mission of De La Salle Collegiate High School is one dedicated to the Catholic education of
its diverse students, including the impoverished and disadvantaged. We are a college preparatory
school inspired by the spirit and tradition of St. John the Baptist De La Salle, where learning
takes place in the presence of God. Each student is encouraged to develop his faith, character,
intellect, and morality. This mission is embodied in the school’s motto: “BUILDERS OF BOYS,
MAKERS OF MEN.”
POSITION DESCRIPTION
As the Board’s sole employee, the President is the school’s visionary leader and principal
institutional spokesperson to all of the school’s constituents as well as the broader community.
The Board, in turn, is responsible to the “Member”, who holds the reserve powers, of the
Brothers of the Christian Schools of the District of Eastern North America. The President has
overall responsibility for the effective management of the school and for promoting the Lasallian
educational mission and its values, with special emphasis on the religious, spiritual, and service
orientation of the school.
The administration of the school operates under the President-Principal model. The Principal, as
well as the Chief Financial Officer, Director of Development, Director of Admissions, and
Director of Maintenance, are direct reports of the President. The Board has the expectation that
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the President will delegate responsibly, provide effective and appropriate supervision and
evaluation of direct reports, and exercise the leadership to advance the mission and vision of De
La Salle Collegiate.
Overall, the President’s highest priority is to successfully implement the school’s strategic plan
through sound fiscal management of the school and leading a Development program that
achieves the plan’s goals and objectives. Additionally, the President creates and fosters a
stimulating and professional community environment in which faculty and staff interact to
discuss and resolve academic and related operational issues. Finally, the President must expect
to travel at times to achieve Development program goals and objectives, as well as attend
professional and mission-based programs and conferences.
RESPONSIBILITIES
The President is primarily tasked with:
1. Ensuring that the school’s Catholic Identity and Lasallian Mission is embraced and fully
alive at De La Salle Collegiate.
2. Achieving the school’s vision and mission, particularly through the implementation of the
school’s Strategic Plan.
3. Hiring and supervising the President’s Direct Reports, in consultation with the Board of
Trustees.
4. Directing an ethical and successful Development program that includes but is not limited to
annual fundraising activities; growing the endowment; running a capital campaign;
strengthening planned giving; on-going donor cultivation; and solicitation of major gifts and
grants from foundations, trusts, organizations, and individuals.
5. Overseeing the process for the hiring, supervising, and termination of all employees. The
President must approve all hires and terminations.
6. Acting as the school’s liaison with the District of Eastern North America and the
Archdiocese of Detroit. This includes participation in the activities and structures of the
District of Eastern North America.
7. Serving as the school’s spokesperson and representative in the school and local community.
In support of this responsibility the President oversees the school’s public relations,
marketing, admissions, alumni, and business activities.
8. Overseeing and giving approval of all school finances including the development of the
yearly budget, subject to the approval of the Board of Trustees.
9. Modifying/adapting the school’s organizational structure, policies, and procedures to meet
new needs, in consultation with the Board of Trustees
TRAITS AND CHARACTERISTICS
The successful candidate for President of De La Salle Collegiate High School will be an
individual who…
• is a practicing Roman Catholic.
• is a strong and inspirational leader partnering with the Trustees, Principal, Faculty, Staff,
Parents, and other school constituencies in support of the Lasallian educational philosophy.
• effectively articulates and communicates our vision and mission to a broad range of
constituents.
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• has the ability to create a collaborative, relational, and inclusive community environment.
• possesses a genuine affection for the human and Christian education of the young, especially
the poor and marginalized.
• has the ability and willingness to relate to students as well as be visible to and interact with
them regularly on campus and at school events.
• has an accessible and approachable style, with a willingness to listen and encourage the
development of new ideas while also offering creative solutions to a variety of challenges
• respects the dignity of every person and models behavior that demonstrates appreciation for
all individuals.
EDUCATION AND CAREER PATH LEADING TO THIS POSITION
At minimum, an undergraduate degree is required, although an advanced degree is strongly
preferred. While the President must have a demonstrated capacity for broad institutional
leadership, it is possible that the prospective President could have attained this experience
through a variety of different career paths, including primary, secondary, or tertiary education;
non-profit management; or work in the corporate or public sector. Regardless of the career path,
the prospective President must have knowledge of and a proven record of achievement in
Development (e.g. Annual Fund, Endowment building, Capital Campaign, Planned Giving). It is
also important that the President have Public Relations/Communication skills as well as
knowledge of finance, particularly relating to budgets and facilities. It also is strongly preferred
that the President have a solid understanding of the field of education and a capacity for
articulating an apostolic and educational vision that incorporates the best aspects of Catholic
education within the context of the Lasallian heritage and charism.
GENERAL INFORMATION
Start Date: Assume responsibilities on or before July 1, 2015.
Salary/Benefits: Competitive salary and benefits for a position with these responsibilities
Application: Due October 31, 2014. Please submit a résumé, letter of intent, and at least two
references. The letter of intent should address why you are interested in and qualified for the
position.
Contact: Please send résumé and other materials by email only addressed to:
Presidential Search Committee
De La Salle Collegiate High School
ministry@fscdena.org
You will receive a confirmation of receipt. By mid-November you will receive information
regarding status of your application.
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