Head of School

Overview Marian Central Catholic High School invites a strategic, faith‑formed leader to serve as Head of School. Founded in 1959 and located on a beautiful campus in Woodstock, Illinois, the school serves students from across McHenry County and beyond. The position reports directly to the Diocesan Superintendent of Catholic Schools and partners with diocesan leadership, the Education Commission, faculty, families, parishes, and alumni to advance Catholic identity, academic excellence, and enrollment growth. Background Marian Central is financially backed by the seventeen Catholic parishes of McHenry County, accredited by WCEA, and supported by an engaged diocese, an Education Commission, and a passionate alumni and parent community. The Head of School inherits a school with deep roots, championship traditions, and a clear mandate for an enrollment renaissance. Key Areas of Leadership Mission & Catholic Identity Infuse Catholic values into academics, athletics, extracurriculars, and community. Oversee liturgy, prayer life, retreats, and faith formation for students, faculty, and staff. Promote a vibrant Catholic identity rooted in Church teachings. Academic Excellence Supervise the academic leadership team, including deans and department chairs. Foster excellence in curriculum, instruction, and assessment with Catholic teachings fully integrated. Champion a culture of continuous improvement and professional development. Use SAT/PSAT and ACT/PACT data to identify strengths and growth areas in an annual executive summary. Institutional Advancement & Enrollment Lead a comprehensive enrollment strategy spanning recruitment, retention, and re‑enrollment. Partner with marketing and advancement to strengthen brand, outreach, and a mission‑aligned admissions process. Use data to monitor trends, set annual targets, and respond to demographic shifts. Cultivate relationships with feeder schools, parishes, donors, and community partners. Operational Vitality Manage finance, budgeting, tuition, fundraising, and financial‑aid programs (including the Fr. Joseph Egan Financial Aid Grant program and student work/job program). Conduct monthly budget‑to‑actual review. Oversee facilities, human resources, and compliance with diocesan and accreditation standards. Governance & Leadership Partner with the Education Commission, diocesan leadership, and other governing bodies on strategic goals. Foster a culture of collaboration, transparency, and mission‑driven decision‑making. Deliver an annual State of the School report to key stakeholder constituencies. Athletics Program Oversight Lead a proud Hurricanes athletics tradition aligned with the school’s mission and Catholic values. Supervise athletic staff and ensure compliance with diocesan, conference, and IHSA regulations. Deanery Director Schedule and facilitate regular deanery meetings; ensure timely submission of minutes. Support deanery elementary schools with conflict resolution, leadership mentoring, and pastoral concerns at the Superintendent’s request. Serve as goodwill ambassador and liaison between the Diocese and deanery schools. The Ideal Candidate Qualifications Practicing Catholic in good standing, fully committed to the mission and teachings of the Catholic Church. Master’s degree in education with ISBE Type 75 licensure (or comparable credential transferable to Illinois). Minimum of five years of leadership experience in Catholic education or a related field. Strong interpersonal and communication skills with a proven record of collaboration across diverse stakeholder groups. Working knowledge of Microsoft Office, Paylocity, FACTS, SIS/LMS platforms, donor/fundraising databases, and modern digital communication and social media tools. Familiarity with the National Standards and Benchmarks for Effective Catholic Elementary and Secondary Schools (NSBECS, 2ndEd.). Personal Attributes Visible, joyful Catholic witness who animates the school’s spiritual life. Strategic thinker who pairs vision with disciplined execution. Energetic enrollment leader who relishes recruitment, retention, and brand‑building. Relational, accessible leader—present at games, masses, performances, and parent events. Transparent communicator who builds trust with the Education Commission, Diocese, faculty, and families. Dynamic and visionary leader, capable of articulating and advancing a bold, mission‑aligned future for the school. Demonstrates a growth mindset, fostering a culture of continuous improvement and innovation. Engages authentically with the broader school community, building strong relationships with families, parishes, alumni, and partners. Compensation and Benefits Competitive salary commensurate with experience. Comprehensive benefits package including health insurance, pension, paid time off, holidays, and a 403(b) retirement plan. Direct support from the Diocesan Superintendent of Catholic Schools and a dedicated Education Commission. Established leadership team across academics, advancement, Catholic identity, students, athletics, business, and IT. Historic, beautiful campus in one of the most distinctive small cities in the Chicago region. Location Marian Central is located on McHenry Avenue in Woodstock, Illinois—approximately 51miles northwest of downtown Chicago. Woodstock offers a small‑town feel with easy access to major metropolitan areas, a lower cost of living than Chicago suburbs, excellent public services, abundant green space, and a vibrant cultural scene. Application Process Application Deadline : Sunday, May31,2026 Anticipated Start Date : July1,2026 Interested candidates may submit the following: Current résumé or curriculum vitae Cover letter expressing interest in the position and the mission of Catholic education Completed Critical Elements Questionnaire (provided by Catholic Recruiter Associates upon request) All inquiries and applications are treated with strict confidence. The Diocese of Rockford is committed to a fair, mission‑aligned search process and welcomes nominations of outstanding Catholic leaders. Contact Search Committee Chair: Marie Keith, Vice President, Education, Catholic Recruiter AssociatesEmail: View email address on click.appcast.io: (203) 438‑8475P.O. Box967 Ridgefield, CT06877 #J-18808-Ljbffr