POSITION ANNOUNCEMENT - PRESIDENT/CEO

Richmond, VA -- Start date September 2024, flexible

This is an exciting executive position for a mission-inspired, faith-based leader who is open to new opportunities and challenges. Leaders from a wide variety of professional backgrounds are encouraged to apply. One’s professional path does not need to be in education, but s/he must believe in the power of education to transform lives.

About Cristo Rey Richmond High School and the Corporate Work Study Program

Cristo Rey Richmond High School (cristoreyrichmond.org) is a Catholic college preparatory high school that serves young men and women in grades 9 – 12. The school opened its doors in 2019 and currently serves 216 students, with a goal to grow to 375-400 students. Cristo Rey Richmond has 53 employees. Its operating budget of $4.4 million is primarily covered through fundraising, the Corporate Work Study Program (CWSP), and tax credit scholarships. Cristo Rey Richmond is religiously sponsored by the Bon Secours Mercy Ministries. Cristo Rey students earn a portion of their tuition by spending four days a week in college preparatory coursework and one day in a professional, entry level job. The CWSP operates as a state and federal government-approved youth workforce development program that functions as a fee-for-service, temporary employment agency. By providing an extraordinary college preparatory education and a unique four-year, integrated corporate work study experience, Cristo Rey Richmond is transforming Richmond one student at a time.

About the Cristo Rey Network

Cristo Rey Richmond High School is part of the Cristo Rey Network of 39 high schools located throughout the U.S. Cristo Rey schools empower student formation through the integration of rigorous college preparatory academics, four years of professional work experience, support to and through college, and Catholic educational values. Cristo Rey students earn money towards their own private education through the Corporate Work Study Program.

About the Position

While the President/CEO role is largely external facing and forward looking, s/he is also responsible for setting the internal culture of the school by modeling mission and inspiring all stakeholders. S/He will be a high-profile ambassador for the school in business, philanthropic, and faith communities. S/He will focus on mission-vitality and financial stability through fundraising, securing corporate work study jobs for students, and enrollment. The school utilizes the President-Principal leadership model, wherein the Principal is responsible for curriculum, student life, and daily operations.

The President/CEO will be hired by, and report to, Cristo Rey Richmond High School’s Board of Directors. S/He will be responsible for inspiring and supporting a Leadership Team that includes the following direct reports: Principal, Chief Operating Officer, Chief Financial Officer, Director of Enrollment Services, Vice President of Advancement, and Vice President of Corporate Work Study. Other stakeholder groups with whom the President/CEO will be expected to maintain strong relationships include the Cristo Rey Network, Bon Secours Mercy Ministries, Diocese of Richmond, Corporate Work Study partners, faculty/staff, students and parents, donors, and the greater Richmond community.

Professional Qualifications and Personal Qualities

Executive presence and leadership experience in the following:

• Inspiring and supporting a senior leadership team

• Strategic planning and leading organizational growth

• Philanthropic fundraising

• Business development

• Financial acumen, including annual and multi-year budget development

• Working with economically disadvantaged communities

• Networking and relationship-building

• Excellent communicator, oral and written

Application Process

Lester Consulting Group, Inc. has been hired to facilitate the search process. Inquiries and applications may be directed to: Lorcan Barnes, President; CRRichmondSearch@lcginc.net; or (916) 826-5703. Applications are due by July 19, 2024, or until a successful candidate is identified. For more information on the opportunity and the application process, please see the more detailed Candidate Profile at cristoreyrichmond.org.