President - Messmer Catholic High School - Spano Pratt

Overview

ORGANIZATION Messmer is a distinguished Catholic high school located in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, and is a community anchor in the northside of the city for almost 100 years. Messmer is dedicated to fostering academic excellence, spiritual growth, and the development of moral and ethical responsibility in its students. With a rich tradition rooted in Catholic values, Messmer aims to create leaders who are well-prepared to contribute positively to society and the Church. Messmer remains committed to its original mission to help students find success in high school and beyond. Messmer strives for graduates to: • Recognize the value of becoming life-long learners and critical thinkers capable of applying and transferring knowledge to other experiences and decisions in life • Be people of faith that serve their fellow citizens with courage and compassion • Meet life’s obstacles and challenges with confidence and optimism • Build their community through their rightful place in each profession • Live with integrity and have a positive impact on their families, communities and the Church Messmer students, parents, alumni, educators, supporters and board members unite around and act upon its enduring values. The four pillars of Messmer High School: Faith Our lives are an act of gratitude to God for the gift of life and the grace that sustains us. Parents have the right to choose a faith-based education for their children. We call our students to serve others generously through their chosen vocations. Knowledge We expect proficiency in intellectual and life skills. We challenge ourselves to seek truth throughout our lives. Leadership We are accountable for our integrity. We commit to lasting change. We instill character through our example. Service Providing an excellent education to all children is a matter of justice, rooted in the dignity of the human person. Fulfillment of our mission uplifts the entire community, especially for those who deserve a pathway out of poverty. We commit to serve others throughout our lives.

Responsibilities

POSITION OVERVIEW The President of Messmer Catholic High School serves as the chief executive officer of the school, responsible for ensuring its successful operation and strategic direction. This individual will embody the mission and values of the Catholic faith, leading with vision, integrity, and a deep commitment to the development of our students and community. The President will work closely with the Board of Directors, faculty, staff, students, parents, and the wider community to uphold and enhance the school's reputation and educational standards. KEY RESPONSIBILITIES Vision and Strategy Development: • Craft and articulate a clear vision for the school's future, aligning with Catholic values and the evolving needs of the community. • Develop and implement strategic plans to achieve long-term goals, including academic excellence, spiritual growth, and financial sustainability. Fundraising and Financial Oversight: • Work with the Director of Advancement to act as the primary fundraiser for the school, cultivating relationships with donors, alumni, and potential benefactors. • Enthusiastically engage alumni, parent groups, and related stakeholders at selected events, initiatives, and activities. • Oversee financial planning, budgeting, and resource allocation to ensure fiscal responsibility and long-term viability. Marketing and Enrollment: • Spearhead marketing initiatives to promote the school, attract and retain students, and increase visibility within the broader community. • Utilize a variety of platforms and strategies to showcase the school's strengths and unique offerings. Catholic Culture and Identity: • Ensure that the school's operations, curriculum, and extracurricular activities promote the mission of the school and foster an atmosphere of learning, achievement, cooperation, and spirituality. • Engage with the school community to foster a vibrant spiritual life and commitment to service. Administrative Leadership: • Provide effective management and leadership to the school's administrative functions, including academic affairs, student services, finance, human resources, and facilities. • Mentor and support faculty and staff, encouraging professional growth and excellence. • Build a pipeline of board directors. • Provide board governance. Community Connections and Networking: • Build and maintain strong relationships with local parishes, diocesan offices, community leaders, and other educational institutions. • Leverage these connections to enhance the school's presence and influence within the community. • Build and maintain a strong alumni network.

Qualifications

QUALIFICATIONS & EXPERIENCE • Knowledge of best practices in management of organizational behavior. • Advanced degree in Education, Business, or a related field. • Minimum of 10 years of leadership experience in a diverse range of work settings, including but not limited to education, nonprofit management, executive leadership in business, or other relevant field, demonstrating a proven track record in strategic planning and organizational development. • Demonstrated effective leadership skills across different work contexts. • Experience with development and fundraising processes, public relations, and financial operations. • Excellent written and oral communication skills. • Ability to perform job responsibilities with a minimum of supervision. • Collaborative team-building skills. • Experience with successful conflict resolution strategies and problem solving. • Awareness and commitment to the spiritual, intellectual, social, emotional, and physical needs of high school-aged students. Personal Qualities: • A practicing Catholic who possesses an active and integrated faith life. • Willingness and awareness to base decisions and moral responsibilities in Gospel values. • Ability to deal gracefully with stress, conflict, and failure. • A management style that fosters healthy relationships. To learn more about Messmer High School: • Messmer PRIDE! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2ElkK4jMYWM • HS Tour https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0DRJ9XVfNvY • Messmer High School Student Video https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lBCLJC9SyLo This position is not just a job; it's an opportunity to be part of Messmer Catholic High School’s legacy. To be considered for this opportunity, please submit a cover letter and resume to: Diana Kreiling, Senior Executive Search Consultant dkreiling@spanopratt.com 847-710-0060 Spano Pratt Executive Search www.spanopratt.com