President

About the Role

The President of the Institute for Catholic Liberal Education (ICLE) serves as the chief executive officer and public leader of the organization, advancing its mission to promote and support the recovery and renewal of Catholic liberal education throughout the United States and internationally. The President provides strategic, spiritual, operational, and financial leadership to ensure the long-term vitality, fidelity, and growth of the organization.

The President works collaboratively with the Board of Directors, senior leadership team, benefactors, educators, bishops, pastors, and institutional partners to strengthen Catholic schools and educational communities rooted in the Catholic intellectual tradition.

Mission Alignment

The President must demonstrate a deep commitment to:

• The teachings and mission of the Catholic Church
• The principles and practices of Catholic liberal education
• Formation of the human person in truth, goodness, and beauty
• The renewal of Catholic culture through education
• Faithful collaboration with Church leadership, educators, and families

Responsibilities

Strategic Leadership

• Develop and implement a compelling long-term vision for ICLE in partnership with the Board of Directors.
• Advance ICLE’s mission, strategic priorities, and national influence in Catholic education.
• Identify emerging opportunities, partnerships, and initiatives that strengthen Catholic liberal education.
• Foster organizational innovation while maintaining fidelity to the Catholic intellectual and spiritual tradition.
• Ensure alignment between programs, operations, administration, communications, and mission.

Organizational Leadership

• Lead, mentor, and develop a high-performing staff and leadership team.
• Foster a culture of collaboration, excellence, accountability, respect, and mission-centered service.
• Oversee organizational structure, staffing, operational effectiveness, and institutional sustainability.
• Ensure effective internal communication and coordination across departments and initiatives.
• Promote professional and spiritual formation among staff.

Advancement and External Relations

• Serve as the primary ambassador and spokesperson for ICLE.
• Cultivate strong relationships with bishops, pastors, school leaders, diocesan officials, donors, foundations, and strategic partners.
• Lead fundraising efforts, including major gifts, donor cultivation, campaigns, grants, and stewardship in alignment with short-term and long-term vision and goals.
• Represent ICLE at conferences, events, and public forums.
• Strengthen the organization’s national profile and thought leadership in Catholic education.

Programmatic and Educational Leadership

• Support the development and excellence of ICLE programs, conferences, publications, consulting services, and formation initiatives.
• Maintain up-to-date knowledge of the Catholic education landscape as well as market trends and demands.
• Ensure educational offerings remain faithful to the Catholic liberal arts tradition and responsive to the needs of schools and educators.
• Collaborate with academic leaders, faculty, and practitioners in the field.
• Encourage thoughtful engagement with contemporary educational challenges and opportunities.

Financial and Operational Stewardship

• Provide executive oversight of the financial health and sustainability of the organization.
• Work with the Board and finance staff to develop and manage annual budgets and long-term financial plans.
• Ensure sound fiscal management, legal compliance, risk management, and operational integrity.
• Promote diversified revenue streams and prudent stewardship of organizational resources.
• Provide regular reports and recommendations to the Board of Directors.

Board Relations and Governance

• Maintain a strong and collaborative relationship with the Board of Directors.
• Support effective governance practices and strategic planning.
• Keep the Board informed regarding organizational performance, opportunities, and challenges.
• Assist in Board development, committee engagement, and governance effectiveness.

Requirements

Required Qualifications

• Practicing Catholic in good standing with a demonstrated commitment to the mission of the Church.
• Deep understanding of and commitment to Catholic liberal education.
• Significant senior leadership experience in Catholic education, nonprofit leadership, higher education, philanthropy, or a related field.
• Demonstrated success in strategic leadership and organizational management.
• Proven fundraising and donor-relations experience.
• Strong communication, public speaking, and relationship-building skills.
• Financial and operational management experience.
• Ability to inspire and lead mission-driven teams.

Preferred Qualifications

• Advanced degree in education, theology, philosophy, humanities, leadership, or a related field.
• Experience working with Catholic schools, dioceses, colleges, universities, or apostolates.
• Familiarity with the Catholic intellectual tradition and the principles of Catholic liberal education.
• National leadership experience or broad professional network within Catholic education.

Personal Characteristics

The successful candidate will demonstrate:

• Faith-filled and mission-centered leadership
• Prudence, humility, and integrity
• Strategic and visionary thinking
• Strong interpersonal and diplomatic skills
• Collaborative leadership style
• Intellectual curiosity and love of learning
• Pastoral sensitivity and ability to build trust
• Entrepreneurial energy and initiative
• Commitment to excellence and accountability

Reporting Relationship

The President reports directly to the Board of Directors.

Location and Travel

This position is based remotely. Significant national travel is expected.

Pay

Compensation is competitive and commensurate with experience and qualifications.

Benefits

ICLE offers full health and retirement benefits.

About the Institute for Catholic Liberal Education

The Institute for Catholic Liberal Education is dedicated to renewing Catholic education through the recovery of the Church’s educational tradition. ICLE serves dioceses, schools, educators, and families through formation, consulting, conferences, publications, and strategic support rooted in the Catholic liberal arts tradition.