APPLICATION DEADLINE: OCTOBER

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1 PRESIDENT Founded in 1955, Bergen Catholic High School in Oradell, New Jersey, delivers a traditional, valuescentered Catholic education in a 21st century learning environment that prepares young men in grades 9 12 for lives of leadership, devotion, and service. Bergen Catholic educates the whole person mind, body, and spirit by deepening religious faith, developing academic excellence, and strengthening social consciousness and responsibility. For a position to begin in July 2018, Bergen Catholic is seeking a dynamic, Catholic centered, visionary leader who excels in building strong relationships. Since its founding more than 60 years ago, Bergen Catholic has been an educational ministry of the Congregation of Christian Brothers. In keeping with the charism of founder Blessed Edmund Rice, students are taught to hold the religious, academic, and social dimensions of life in balance, to develop a respect for their gifts and those of others, to understand differences in ideas among people, to use freedom in a responsible way, and to contribute to the creation of an environment in which all members of the community are welcomed and embraced. Bergen Catholic serves an economically and ethnically diverse group of young men drawn from Bergen County and the greater New York City metropolitan area. Virtually all graduates go on to college; members of the Class of 2017 were awarded more than $22 million in scholarship offers. BCHS offers its students a broad based experience that includes rigorous academics, technology integration, exposure to the arts, and integral Catholic formation. The school s commitment to excellence extends to its 17 sport interscholastic athletics program. Bergen Catholic is a local powerhouse that has captured more than 560 county and state championships in multiple sports and earned national rankings in football, wrestling, and lacrosse. The Mock Trial team, a perennial regional leader, finished 13th in national competition in Bergen Catholic s next leader will guide the school at a particularly pivotal point in its proud history. With a new strategic plan and a major capital campaign on the horizon, BCHS is poised to enter an exciting new era of excellence. For a vibrant, mission inspired Catholic with the requisite skills, the presidency of Bergen Catholic represents an unparalleled opportunity to serve an institution with a rich history and great potential. APPLICATION DEADLINE: OCTOBER 3, 2017

2 BERGEN CATHOLIC HIGH SCHOOL AT A GLANCE MISSION Bergen Catholic High School is a diverse, Catholic community which prepares young men to become dynamic, global leaders by deepening religious faith, developing academic excellence, and strengthening social consciousness and responsibility in accordance with the Essential Elements of an Edmund Rice Christian Brother Education. AFFILIATIONS ACCREDITATION: Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools MEMBER: Edmund Rice School Network, National Catholic Educational Association, National Honor Society ENROLLMENT AND FINANCIAL AID ENROLLMENT (GRADES 9 12): 656 STUDENTS OF COLOR: 35% STUDENTS WHO ARE CATHOLIC: 85% INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS: 7% ANNUAL TUITION: $17,220 FINANCIAL AID: FACULTY AND STAFF TOTAL NUMBER OF EMPLOYEES: 77 FULL-TIME FACULTY: 49 FACULTY WITH ADVANCED DEGREE: 67% AVERAGE FACULTY TENURE AT BCHS: LOCATION AND FACILITIES $1.8 million aiding 15% of students 10 years LOCATION: 12 acre campus in suburban Oradell, NJ, 15 miles from New York City; students are drawn from eight northern NJ counties, NYC, and Rockland and Westchester counties in NY FACILITIES: Main school building houses chapel, library, and gymnasium; campus also includes playing field and separate athletic training facility BCHS ON THE WEB: CLASS OF 2017 STATISTICS CLASS SIZE: 180 % ATTENDING COLLEGE: 99% % EARNING SCHOLARSHIPS/GRANTS: 76% TOTAL VALUE OF SCHOLARSHIPS: NATIONAL MERIT COMMENDED: MEAN COMBINED SAT: 1754 MEAN SAT CRITICAL READING: 577 MEAN SAT MATH: 603 MEAN SAT WRITING: 575 $22 million 10 students MATRICULATION LIST: American, Arcadia, Babson, Bates, Bentley, Bergen Community College, Boston College, Boston U., Bryant, Bucknell, Cabrini, Caldwell, Centre, Clemson, Colgate, Columbia, Davidson, Drew, Drexel, Fairfield, Fisher, Florida Institute of Technology, Florida International, Fordham, Franklin Pierce, George Washington, Georgetown, Gettysburg, High Point, Hofstra, Holy Cross, Indiana, Iona, Ithaca, Kean, Kutztown, Manhattan, Marist, Mass. College of Pharmacy & Health Sciences, Miami Dade, Monmouth, Muhlenberg, Northeastern, NYU, Ohio State, Ohio U., Pace, Penn State, Pepperdine, Providence, Purdue, Rutgers, Sacred Heart, Saint John s, Saint Joseph s, Saint Thomas Aquinas, Salve Regina, Seton Hall, SMU, Stevens Institute of Technology, SUNY Maritime, Swarthmore, Syracuse, Tufts, Union, U.S. Coast Guard Academy, UC Berkeley, UConn, U. Delaware, U. of Hong Kong, U. Illinois, UMass, U. Michigan, U. Nebraska, U. of Notre Dame, U. of Pennsylvania, URI, U. of Rochester, U. of Scranton, U. of South Carolina, U. of Virginia, Villanova, Virginia Tech, Wake Forest, Wesleyan, Wilkes, William & Mary 2

3 DEFINING STRENGTHS AND UNIQUE ATTRIBUTES OF BERGEN CATHOLIC Since its founding in 1955 by Brother Eugene D. McKenna, Bergen Catholic has followed what he said to every class on the first day of school: You enter as boys; you will leave as men. The school opened on September 11, 1955, with an enrollment of 114 freshmen. Classes were held at Our Lady of Visitation School in Paramus while construction was being completed on the school building, situated on 12 acres in the suburban community of Oradell. An addition was built in the early 1960s, and a new and larger library was added in In 1989, a special weight training facility was erected. In recent years, the following spaces have been constructed: STEM lab, learning center, music room, art room, television studio, four general classrooms, a health office suite, and three administrative offices. The school building also houses a student chapel, science and robotics labs, a cafeteria, and a gymnasium. An athletic field and parking area are included on the property. The school was an immediate success, meeting pent up demand for high quality Catholic education in the heart of the Baby Boom Generation. For more than 60 years, Bergen Catholic has remained true to its founding vision while adapting to meet changing needs and circumstances. ESSENTIAL ELEMENTS OF AN EDMUND RICE CHRISTIAN BROTHER EDUCATION Born in 1762, Blessed Edmund Rice was a successful Irish businessman, widower, and father who devoted his fortune and his life to providing a Catholic education to poor boys as the founder of the Brothers of the Christian Schools of Ireland, a movement that eventually spread worldwide with the establishment of more than 250 schools and colleges. In 1996, Blessed Edmund Rice was beatified in Rome by Pope John Paul II. The Edmund Rice School Network is a consortium of Catholic schools (including Bergen Catholic and 14 additional U.S. schools as well as schools in Argentina, Canada, Uruguay, and Peru) that educate in the spirit and tradition of the Edmund Rice Christian Brothers. The schools educate children, young men, and young women in grades K 12. Each school community strives to embody the values of the Gospel of Jesus Christ and the Essential Elements of an Edmund Rice Christian Brother Education, which call upon Christian Brother schools to: Evangelize youth within the mission of the Church. Proclaim and witness to Catholic identity. Stand in solidarity with those marginalized by poverty and injustice. Foster and invigorate a community of faith. 3

4 Celebrate the value and dignity of each person and nurture the development of the whole person. Collaborate and share responsibility for the mission. Pursue excellence in all endeavors. THE SCHOOL CULTURE Asked to describe the unique strengths of Bergen Catholic, members of the school family routinely cite the brotherhood, the deep spirit of community that defines dayto day relationships and binds graduates together across the generations. The 180 member Class of 2017 included 15 sons of Bergen Catholic graduates. The spirit of brotherhood is also significantly embodied in the 12,000 member alumni body, a high powered and accomplished group, approximately half of whom still live in the metropolitan New York City area. The school s graduates pride themselves on their continued loyalty to the school and to one another. For current students, the spirit of brotherhood expresses itself in close knit relationships, spirited competition in academics and athletics, and exuberant support for the school s teams as exemplified by the student cheering section known as the Crusader Crazies. While there is plenty of opportunity for fun at BCHS, the life of the school is guided by a seriousness of purpose. The dedicated faculty and staff offer challenge and support in equal measure, encouraging students to strive for excellence in every endeavor. For many students, the desire to maximize their potential includes the development of a strong intellectual and spiritual foundation to guide the expression of their faith. A MILESTONE TRANSITION Bergen Catholic has been most ably led for the past eight years by Brian M. Walsh, CFC, who had earlier served as a teacher and Principal at BCHS, as well as at several other Christian Brother schools. Brother Walsh has also served as Provincial Leader of the Congregation. Known for his academic rigor, intelligence, and progressive approach to education, Brother Walsh has set a very high standard for his successor. His deep love for Bergen Catholic will be deeply missed by the Bergen community. Brother Walsh was also instrumental in the creation of the Edmund Rice School Network, an invaluable forum tying together the Christian Brother schools and their leaders across the continent. Strong inter school bonds at the institutional and personal level, as well as the sharing of best practices, has animated the Edmund Rice School Network. It grows stronger as the years pass. The next President of Bergen Catholic will be the first non Christian Brother to lead the institution since its founding in This is an historic moment, and all those engaged in the selection process recognize the primary importance of finding a candidate who embodies the powerful sense of Catholic mission which the Brother leaders have always provided. The next President will need to be sensitive to the implications of the transition and work to be an instrument of continuity in the great tradition he will join. THE PRESIDENTIAL ROLE The President of Bergen Catholic is the leader of the institution. The President reports to the Board of Directors. Organizationally, Bergen Catholic follows the President Principal model. See pertinent sections of The Opportunity: President of Bergen Catholic on page 6 for a detailed description of the office. 4

5 HIGHLIGHTS OF THE BCHS PROGRAM Bergen Catholic aspires to be the school of choice for students and parents seeking a traditional, value centered, Catholic education in a 21st century learning environment that prepares students to lead in life and in service to others. With a commitment to the pursuit of excellence in all aspects of student life, Bergen Catholic strengthens each studentʹs faith and social consciousness through the Essential Elements of an Edmund Rice Christian Brother Education. ACADEMICS Graduation requirements: 4 years of English, math, religious studies, and computer science 3 years of lab science, history, and a world language (Italian, Latin, Mandarin, or Spanish) Curriculum includes 17 AP classes and honors courses in all subjects except religious studies The Virtual High School Collaborative allows students to pursue additional AP and other specialized classes online Select courses for college credit offered through Project Acceleration at Seton Hall University Learning Center for the support of students with mild learning differences Study abroad programs in Argentina, China, and Peru THE ARTS Students perform in award winning vocal and jazz ensembles, the orchestra, and drama productions Visual arts offerings include AP Studio Art, computer graphics, graphic design, and art history TECHNOLOGY All students own MacBooks and ipads, used daily Technology classes offered in robotics, coding, multimedia design, and AP computer science Resources include online texts, ExamSoft software, Blackboard, PowerSchool, and Naviance RELIGIOUS FORMATION & SERVICE OPPORTUNITIES Religious studies department offers a 4 year sequence based upon the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops Curricular Framework Chaplain s office oversees a full program of schoolwide Masses and celebrations, retreat programs in every grade, and personal counseling Students are encouraged to participate in peer ministry and community service ATHLETICS AND OTHER CO-CURRICULARS Highly competitive sports program includes 17 interscholastic varsity sports: Fall: cross country, football, soccer Winter: basketball, bowling, hockey, indoor track, skiing, swimming, wrestling Spring: baseball, crew, golf, lacrosse, outdoor track, tennis, volleyball BCHS competes in the NJSIAA as a member of the Big North Conference, capturing more than 560 championships since 1955 Intramural offerings include basketball, volleyball, and table tennis Activities program provides pre professional, service, and leadership opportunities including Crusaders for Christian Action, Future Business Leaders, Habitat for Humanity, Newspaper, Literary Magazine, Mock Trial, Students Helping Inspire Everyone s Leadership Development, and others 5

6 THE OPPORTUNITY: PRESIDENT OF BERGEN CATHOLIC HIGH SCHOOL The presidency of Bergen Catholic High School offers an extraordinary career opportunity for a mission inspired Catholic with exceptional vision, stellar leadership and communication skills, and a healthy competitive spirit. The next President will assume leadership of a storied institution with a 62 year history of developing leaders in mind, body, and spirit, guiding generations of young men to lives informed by the guideposts of excellence and service to others. Tapping the power of the thousands strong Bergen Catholic family, the new leader will be called upon to collaborate with stakeholders to provide a transformative experience to a new generation. WHO IS AN IDEAL CANDIDATE? A practicing Catholic with a strong sense of Catholic mission who has the ability to foster Blessed Edmund Rice s charism and who is committed to the ongoing Catholic formation of young men. A strategic thinker who envisions Bergen Catholic s future and energizes the community to realize it. A collaborative leader who effectively directs and supports others efforts, giving them authority to lead and room to grow, and who seeks and accepts guidance from the Board. A superb communicator who inspires Bergen Catholic High School s constituencies. A fundraiser who effectively leads successful annual fund, capital campaign, and planned giving efforts to secure Bergen Catholic s financial strength, thus continuing to foster and develop a tradition of philanthropic support. A skilled financial practitioner whose understanding of fiscal management practices promotes academic programs of excellence within a budget. A man fundamentally interested in others who is capable of developing lasting personal and institutional relationships. KEY RESPONSIBILITIES The President s responsibilities touch all areas of the leadership of Bergen Catholic High School, including, but not limited to: RELIGIOUS: Collaborates with the Principal to appoint and oversee a Campus Chaplain to coordinate programs for the spiritual formation of students, faculty, and staff, including, among others, school wide Masses, faculty in services, annual retreats, annual days of student service, prayer experiences, vocation awareness, and regular celebration of the Sacrament of Penance when a priest is available. ENROLLMENT: Sets and approves, with the assistance of the Director of Admissions, the overall enrollment marketing and management plan, including, but not limited to, recruitment, busing, retention, and student satisfaction. ADVANCEMENT: As Advancement Officer in Chief, the President works with the Vice President of Advancement to develop strategies and tactics to create robust philanthropic support for annual giving, special events, capital 6

7 campaigns, and other programs. The 12,000 living alumni of Bergen Catholic are a powerful, largely untapped pool of future support. FINANCIAL: Is responsible for the sound financial management of the institution; provides leadership in collaboration with the Board of Directors and the Vice President of Finance to establish annual and long term financial goals, ensuring the school s long term viability. COMMUNICATIONS AND PUBLIC RELATIONS: Serves as BCHS s official spokesman and represents the school to internal and external community groups. Collaborates with marketing consultants to encourage coverage of student success in all venues. Oversees all alumni publications to maximize impact in developing alumni interest, connection, and support. STRATEGIC: Coordinates the successful implementation of the school s long range strategic plan. In collaboration with the Principal and the Board of Directors, sets the strategic, academic, and extracurricular vision for the school. SUPERVISION: Meets regularly with direct reports and ensures that goals and objectives are met. Conducts bi annual evaluations of direct report personnel. ADMINISTRATIVE/SCHOOL OPERATIONS: In collaboration with the Principal, establishes an organizational structure through which working relationships and lines of authority and responsibility for the operation of the school are clearly defined. SECURING THE FUTURE The Board of Directors has already begun laying the groundwork for a major capital campaign to be launched this year. The Board has identified a set of strategic priorities, including: Increasing enrollment. Materially growing the endowment. Constructing at least one new building to support a 21st century academic, arts, and athletics program. Fostering a leading edge academic program, with a focus on STEM instruction. Investing substantially in teacher development and enrichment. Enhancing student life in the areas of faith, service, culture, and athletics. Graham Pelton, a highly regarded fundraising consulting firm, has been retained to help plan the upcoming capital campaign. The next President will have the opportunity to spearhead this critical initiative, building key relationships and mobilizing all constituencies to support the effort. SAFEGUARDING THE MISSION In every endeavor and decision, the next President must be animated by the enduring mission of Bergen Catholic High School and the Essential Elements of an Edmund Rice Christian Brother Education. Furthermore, the President must demonstrate by word and example a genuine commitment to the holistic development of each student in mind, body, and spirit. 7

8 ANTICIPATED SEARCH CALENDAR Application deadline: October 3, 2017 Selection of candidates: October 9, 2017 Candidate interviews: October 14 15, 2017 Finalist visits: October/November 2017 Appointment: November 2017 Starting date: July 2018 APPLICATION REQUIREMENTS AND SEARCH PROCESS Acting on behalf of Bergen Catholic High School, Wickenden Associates is actively recruiting exceptional leaders for this compelling leadership opportunity. The lead consultants are Jim Wickenden and Regina Meredith Carpeni Both may be reached at (609) Candidates should submit no later than Tuesday, October 3, 2017, an application package including the following: A cover letter indicating why they are particularly interested in and qualified for the position. A current résumé. A statement of educational philosophy. The names, addresses, and telephone numbers of three references. (We will obtain permission from candidates before contacting references.) Optional: Other supporting material (e.g. articles, speeches, or letters of recommendation) that would be useful to the Search Committee. These materials should be transmitted via attachment to searches@wickenden.com. After an initial review of applicants, the Search Committee will interview selected candidates over the weekend of October 14 15, Shortly thereafter, finalists will be invited to Bergen Catholic for a more comprehensive series of interviews. An appointment is anticipated in November Wickenden Associates will keep all applicants informed of their status throughout the process Herrontown Road, Princeton, New Jersey Tel: (609) Fax: (609) searches@wickenden.com