SEARCH LEADERSHIP & PARTNERSHIP

ACELA Solutions has been retained as the exclusive executive search partner to support the Board of Directors of Don Bosco Trade High School in the recruitment of its Founding Principal. This search represents a rare opportunity to help launch a pioneering Catholic school grounded in the Salesian tradition and committed to forming young people through faith, craftsmanship, and purpose. ACELA is honored to walk alongside the Board, founding benefactors, and leadership partners in identifying an academic leader whose vocation, experience, and relational leadership align with the mission and long-term vision of this new school community.

ABOUT DON BOSCO TRADE HIGH SCHOOL

Rooted in the Salesian charism of St. John Bosco and animated by a deep belief in the dignity of work, Don Bosco Trade High School is poised to redefine Catholic Career and Trade Education (CTE) in Massachusetts. Opening to students in Fall 2027, the school will serve as a co-educational, faith-based Catholic high school integrating rigorous academics, hands-on trade training, and opportunities for entrepreneurship—preparing students for skilled work, leadership, and lives of purpose.

Guided by the motto Work, Faith, and Purpose, Don Bosco Trade High School bridges workforce needs, higher education pathways, and meaningful career opportunities. Students will learn in a modernized facility featuring labs, workshops, and collaborative spaces that foster both technical mastery and moral formation.

With early support from regional building and trade unions, the school is developing strong industry partnerships that will provide authentic hands-on experiences, certifications, and pathways into sustainable, dignified careers. Few Catholic schools nationally are founded expressly around a mission of Career and Trade Education, positioning Don Bosco Trade High School as a bold and innovative model of Catholic education.

THE POSITION

The Founding Principal serves as the chief academic and student-life leader of Don Bosco Trade High School. Working in close partnership with the President and Board of Directors, the Principal is responsible for shaping the academic, technical, and formational life of the school from the ground up.

This role is central to translating vision into daily practice. The Principal leads curriculum design, faculty formation, student life, and faith integration—ensuring that Catholic identity, Salesian spirituality, academic excellence, and professional formation are fully woven into the life of the school. As a start-up leader, the Principal will play a formative role in establishing systems, culture, and expectations that will guide the school for generations.

THE OPPORTUNITY

The inaugural Principal of Don Bosco Trade High School will have a once-in-a-generation opportunity to help build a Catholic school from its earliest foundations. Beginning in advance of the school’s opening, the Principal will recruit and form the founding faculty and staff, shape instructional and trade programs, and establish the culture and rhythms essential to a successful launch.

Catholic education continues to evolve to meet the needs of students who learn best through creating, building, and applying knowledge in real-world contexts. This opportunity calls for a leader who believes deeply in the dignity of skilled work, the power of formation through doing, and the integration of faith, learning, and craftsmanship. The Principal will lead a team of pioneering educators in creating a joyful, disciplined, and mission-centered environment where students are known, challenged, and prepared for life.

THE IDEAL CANDIDATE

The ideal candidate is a faith-filled educational leader with a passion for Catholic education, student formation, and workforce-aligned learning. Candidates should bring a deep appreciation for the Salesian charism of reason, religion, and loving-kindness, and a commitment to forming young people through presence, relationship, and high expectations.

Successful candidates will demonstrate strong academic leadership, experience in curriculum development and faculty formation, and the ability to lead effectively in a dynamic start-up environment. Familiarity with Career and Trade Education, technical programs, or workforce development is strongly valued. The Principal must be a visible, approachable, and relational presence—modeling joy, integrity, and purpose in daily school life.

APPLICATION PROCESS & NEXT STEPS

On behalf of the Board of Directors of Don Bosco Trade High School, ACELA Solutions invites qualified, mission-aligned leaders to submit materials for consideration for this founding Principal opportunity.

Interested candidates are invited to submit the following materials:

• Letter of Interest – A thoughtful letter describing what draws the candidate to Don Bosco Trade High School, how their Catholic faith informs their approach to educational leadership, and why this founding Principal opportunity is compelling at this moment in their professional and vocational journey.
• Resume or Curriculum Vitae, with all relevant positions and dates clearly included.
• Statement of Educational Philosophy and Vision, addressing Catholic secondary education within a Career and Trade Education model informed by the Salesian charism.
• Five references representing a balance of personal, professional, and faith-based perspectives. References will be used as part of a holistic discernment process and will not be contacted without the candidate’s prior knowledge and explicit permission. Confidentiality will be safeguarded with the utmost care throughout the search.

Review of candidates will begin immediately and continue until the position is filled. All inquiries, nominations, and applications will be handled with discretion, professionalism, and respect for the discernment process.