EXECUTIVE AND SENIOR LEADERS
ACELA Leadership Readiness Network
On behalf of Catholic Organizations Across the Nation
A DISCERNMENT-CENTERED PARTNERSHIP
ACELA Solutions partners with Catholic schools, dioceses, religious communities, foundations, and social ministries during moments of leadership transition, succession planning, and strategic growth. Many of these engagements involve confidential or time-sensitive searches that are not publicly announced.
This posting reflects the types of leadership opportunities ACELA is frequently engaged to support. It is not a public search, but an invitation to remain connected through the ACELA Leadership Readiness Network.
Leadership discernment does not follow a calendar. Boards and senior leaders often seek guidance quietly—well before a role becomes publicly visible—and in many cases, a search never reaches a public job board.
Through its ongoing work, ACELA maintains relationships with experienced, mission-aligned leaders so that when confidential leadership needs arise, we can engage thoughtfully and with discretion. The Leadership Readiness Network supports this work by allowing a small, trusted group of leaders to be considered early—often before an opportunity is broadly shared, and sometimes when no public announcement is planned.
AN INVITATION, NOT AN APPLICATION
Participation in the ACELA Leadership Readiness Network does not signal active job seeking or create any obligation. It reflects a willingness to remain open, prepared, and engaged as leadership needs emerge.
When an opportunity aligns, ACELA reaches out directly and in confidence to begin a conversation.
A QUIETLY SHARED, ADVANCED LEADERSHIP NETWORK
The ACELA Leadership Readiness Network represents a discreet, relationship-based community of leaders who have chosen to remain prepared and engaged. It is not an open marketplace or résumé pool.
Leaders within the Network may:
- Be considered as part of a confidential, pre-vetted group for high-profile leadership roles
- Receive early, direct outreach when alignment emerges—often ahead of any public visibility
- Be engaged respectfully and privately, reflecting the sensitivity of many senior leadership transitions
This approach mirrors how many Catholic leadership appointments are responsibly stewarded—through trust, timing, and discernment rather than broad public searches.
LEADERSHIP ROLES ACELA IS OFTEN ENGAGED TO SUPPORT
While each engagement is shaped by the unique needs and context of the institution, ACELA is frequently invited to support leadership transitions in roles such as:
- Superintendents and system-level administrators
- Executive Directors and Chief Executive Officers
- Presidents and Heads of School
- Principals and academic leaders
- Chief Financial Officers and senior operations leaders
- Directors and Vice Presidents of Advancement and Development
- Senior enrollment, mission, and administrative leaders
Many of these opportunities emerge confidentially and are shaped through conversation rather than public announcement.
THE IDEAL LEADERSHIP PROFILE
Leaders who resonate with opportunities supported by ACELA typically bring:
- Demonstrated leadership experience within Catholic or mission-driven organizations
- A commitment to Gospel values and Catholic teachings expressed through professional practice
- The ability to lead collaboratively while honoring governance, culture, and local context
- Strong relational and communication skills with boards, leadership teams, and stakeholders
- Professional maturity, discretion, and openness to vocational discernment
- An openness of mind and heart—attentive to God’s call, trusting in God’s plan, and willing to discern where their gifts may best serve the mission
PREPARATION, GUIDANCE, AND LEADERSHIP READINESS
Beyond early awareness of opportunities, participation in the ACELA Leadership Readiness Network provides leaders with access to guidance and resources designed to support thoughtful preparation for future service.
This may include:
- Expert perspective on leadership readiness, timing, and fit
- Support in discerning next steps within Catholic leadership pathways
- Access to formation and professional development resources aligned with senior leadership roles
- Ongoing insight informed by ACELA’s national experience and search work
The goal is thoughtful readiness—so that when the right opportunity arises, leaders are prepared to engage with clarity, confidence, and alignment for both the individual and the institution.
A DIFFERENT KIND OF SEARCH PARTNERSHIP
ACELA’s approach is rooted in long-standing relationships and national perspective. When institutions engage ACELA for confidential searches, interim leadership, or quiet succession conversations, the Leadership Readiness Network allows us to respond efficiently with leaders who are already known, trusted, and aligned.
For leaders, this results in fewer transactional applications and more purposeful, confidential conversations—guided by readiness, fit, and timing.
NEXT STEPS
Leaders interested in remaining connected are invited to share their background and interests through the ACELA Leadership Readiness Network. Submitting a resume allows our team to better understand your experience, context, and readiness, and helps inform future, confidential conversations as opportunities arise.
JOIN THE ACELA LEADERSHIP READINESS NETWORK
Submit your resume to begin a confidential, exploratory conversation and receive early awareness of leadership opportunities, expert guidance, and readiness resources as they become available.