SEARCH LEADERSHIP & PARTNERSHIP

ACELA Solutions has been retained to conduct a national executive search for the next President of San Juan Diego Catholic High School. ACELA is honored to partner with the school’s Board of Directors, in collaboration with the Diocese of Austin and the Congregation of Holy Cross (Moreau Province), to identify and secure a faith-filled executive leader whose vision, relational leadership, and commitment to Catholic education align with the school’s mission and long-term future.

ABOUT SAN JUAN DIEGO CATHOLIC HIGH SCHOOL

Founded in 2002 and co-sponsored by the Diocese of Austin and the Congregation of Holy Cross, San Juan Diego Catholic High School is a mission-driven Catholic secondary school serving students in grades 9–12 from across the greater Austin region. Rooted in Gospel values and the Holy Cross charism, the school is committed to forming young people of faith, purpose, and service.

Known nationally as “The School That Works,” San Juan Diego offers a rigorous college-preparatory curriculum integrated with a nationally recognized Corporate Internship Program (CIP). Through this program, all students participate in professional internships one day per week throughout the school year, gaining real-world experience while remaining fully engaged in their academic and faith formation. As the school approaches its 25th anniversary, it continues to grow in enrollment, partnerships, and regional impact, with a clear focus on mission fidelity and long-term sustainability.

ABOUT THE POSITION

The President serves as the chief executive and mission leader of San Juan Diego Catholic High School, providing visionary direction, faith-centered leadership, and strategic oversight across the institution. Appointed within a co-sponsored governance framework, the President works closely with the Board of Directors, the Superintendent of Catholic Schools for the Diocese of Austin, and the Congregation of Holy Cross.

Operating within a President–Principal leadership model, the President focuses on vision, strategy, advancement, enrollment, finance, culture, and long-term sustainability, while empowering the Principal and leadership team to lead daily academics and student life with excellence and accountability. As the school’s primary external ambassador, the President builds trust, visibility, and support among parents, alumni, benefactors, parishes, civic leaders, and business partners throughout Austin and beyond.

THE OPPORTUNITY

This is a rare opportunity to lead a mission-driven Catholic high school at a moment of momentum and promise. With a distinctive educational model, a strong Catholic identity, and an engaged Board and leadership structure, San Juan Diego Catholic High School is well positioned for its next chapter of growth and impact.

The next President will steward a powerful mission, strengthen Catholic identity, expand philanthropic and community partnerships, and ensure the continued vitality of an innovative model that integrates faith, formation, and real-world professional experience. This role offers the chance to lead at the intersection of Catholic education, workforce formation, and mission-centered innovation—shaping lives while stewarding a distinctive Catholic mission for generations to come.

THE IDEAL CANDIDATE

San Juan Diego Catholic High School seeks a practicing Catholic in good standing who brings executive leadership experience, relational credibility, and a deep commitment to Catholic education as a transformative force. The ideal candidate demonstrates:

• A lived Catholic faith and comfort serving as a ministerial leader of the Church
• Strategic, relational, and mission-driven leadership grounded in stewardship
• The ability to serve as the public face of an institution and build authentic relationships across diverse communities
• Experience in education, nonprofit leadership, workforce development, foundations, or other mission-driven settings
• Strength in storytelling, advancement, partnership-building, and organizational leadership

While experience in education is valued, it is not required. Candidates whose leadership background reflects integrity, vision, cultural fluency, and the ability to build and lead high-performing teams are strongly encouraged to explore this opportunity.

APPLICATION PROCESS & NEXT STEPS

On behalf of the Board of Directors of San Juan Diego Catholic High School, in collaboration with the Diocese of Austin and the Congregation of Holy Cross, ACELA Solutions invites qualified, mission-aligned leaders to submit materials for consideration for this President opportunity.

Interested candidates are invited to submit the following materials for consideration:

• Letter of Interest – Rather than a traditional cover letter, candidates are asked to submit a thoughtful letter describing what draws them to San Juan Diego Catholic High School, their sense of vocational calling to this role, and why this President opportunity is compelling at this moment in their professional journey.
• Resume or curriculum vitae, with all relevant positions and dates clearly included
• Statement of Educational Philosophy and Vision reflecting leadership of a Catholic secondary school rooted in the Holy Cross charism and integrated with a Corporate Internship (work-study) educational model
• Five references representing a balance of personal, professional, and mission-aligned perspectives

References will be used as part of a holistic discernment process. No references will be contacted without the candidate’s prior knowledge and explicit permission, and confidentiality will be safeguarded with the utmost care throughout the search.

This search anticipates a start date of July 2026 or sooner, as discerned. All inquiries and applications will be handled with discretion, professionalism, and respect for the discernment process.