Bishop Dwenger High School, Fort Wayne - Director of Operations and Strategic Advancement

Director of Operations and Strategic Advancement

Bishop Dwenger High School is seeking a strategic, entrepreneurial, relationship-focused, and mission-driven leader to serve as Director of Operations and Strategic Advancement. This position will provide leadership in the business, marketing, enrollment, and organizational operations of the school, helping Bishop Dwenger strengthen its financial sustainability, grow enrollment, enhance its public presence, and strategically position the school for the future.

Working closely with the Principal, Administrative Team, Development Director, Business Office, and School Board, the Director will help connect the various business and external-facing functions of the school into a cohesive strategy. The position requires someone who can think both strategically and operationally—someone who can analyze data, identify opportunities, build relationships, develop systems, and turn ideas into measurable results.

The Director will serve as a key member of the school leadership/Administrative team and will bring a business-minded perspective to Catholic education, ensuring that growth and operational decisions remain rooted in the mission, Catholic identity, and long-term sustainability of Bishop Dwenger High School.

Strategic Leadership & Operations

• Collaborate with the Principal and Administrative Team to develop and implement Bishop Dwenger's strategic plan and long-term vision.
• Develop and monitor key performance indicators related to enrollment, marketing, revenue, community engagement, and operational effectiveness.
• Analyze school data, enrollment trends, and community demographics to identify opportunities and challenges.
• Help identify systems and processes that improve efficiency, accountability, communication, and customer service.
• Identify opportunities for partnerships, new programs, revenue generation, and strategic growth.
• Assist with long-range planning related to facilities, marketing, fundraising, and institutional growth.
• Evaluate programs and initiatives based on mission alignment, effectiveness, cost, and long-term sustainability.
• Work collaboratively with the Business Office on budgeting, forecasting, and resource allocation as assigned.

Enrollment

• Provide strategic leadership for enrollment growth and student retention initiatives.
• Collaborate with the Administration and Admissions Coordinator to establish annual enrollment goals, strategies, and measurable outcomes.
• Develop and monitor the enrollment process from initial inquiry through enrollment and retention.
• Analyze prospective student data and trends to identify opportunities for recruitment and engagement.
• Strengthen relationships with Catholic partner schools, parishes, homeschool communities, extracurricular organizations, and other community partners.
• Develop strategies to increase awareness of the Bishop Dwenger experience among prospective students and families.
• Plan and evaluate the effectiveness of recruitment events, shadow experiences, Open House, Saints Day, and other enrollment initiatives.
• Assist in developing strategies to improve student retention and family satisfaction.
• Help position Bishop Dwenger competitively within the Fort Wayne educational market.

Marketing, Communications & Brand Development

• Develop and oversee a comprehensive marketing strategy that communicates the mission, identity, academic excellence, and student experience of Bishop Dwenger.
• Strengthen and protect the Bishop Dwenger brand across print, digital, social media, and community platforms.
• Work closely with the Communications Coordinator and Development Director to ensure consistent messaging.
• Develop targeted marketing campaigns for enrollment, events, programs, fundraising, and community engagement.
• Utilize data and analytics to evaluate marketing effectiveness.
• Oversee the development of marketing materials, publications, digital campaigns, promotional materials, and other external communications.
• Identify opportunities to increase Bishop Dwenger's visibility and reputation throughout the greater Fort Wayne community.
• Develop relationships with media, community organizations, businesses, parishes, alumni, and other external stakeholders.
• Ensure that all marketing and communications reflect the Catholic mission and identity of Bishop Dwenger.

Business & Financial Mindset

• Bring a strong business perspective to strategic decision-making.
• Assist in analyzing revenue, expenses, enrollment, staffing, and program data to support institutional decisions.
• Identify opportunities to increase revenue and maximize existing resources.
• Evaluate the financial and strategic impact of new initiatives and programs.
• Support efforts to ensure the long-term financial sustainability of Bishop Dwenger.

School Culture & Customer Experience

• Develop systems for gathering and responding to family and community feedback.
• Identify opportunities to improve the overall student and family experience.
• Collaborate with faculty and staff to ensure that the school's external messaging accurately reflects the experience students receive inside the school.
• Serve as a visible and enthusiastic ambassador for Bishop Dwenger.

Catholic Mission & Identity

• Demonstrate a commitment to Catholic education and the mission of Bishop Dwenger.
• Ensure marketing and enrollment strategies accurately communicate the school's Catholic identity.
• Support the teachings and mission of the Catholic Church and the Diocese of Fort Wayne-South Bend.
• Model servant leadership and ethical decision-making.

Reports to:  Principal

Start Date:  To be determined upon hiring

More Information/Questions:   Jason Schiffli, Principal

                                                     260-496-4708  or jschiffli@bishopdwenger.com