President Search Notre Dame Academy

Hingham, MA All Girls Catholic College Preparatory School Grades 7-12 www.ndahingham.com ! July 2015

Notre Dame Academy in Hingham, Massachusetts, has initiated a search for its next President who will assume the position in July 2015. The school seeks an inspiring, innovative leader who will ensure the continued excellence and distinction of this independent, all-girls institution, one that is grounded in the spirituality and mission of the Sisters of Notre Dame de Namur. The new President will take a leadership role in supporting students, faculty and staff and promoting the mission and values of the school.

The President will lead a community of approximately 540 students, 52 faculty and 35 staff. The new President heads the President’s Council which includes the Principal, Assistant Principal, Director of Guidance and Academic Programming, Director of Admissions, Director of Technology, Director of Institutional Advancement and the Business Manager.

The Academy is accredited by the New England Association of Schools and Colleges (NEASC). It is a member of the National Catholic Educational Association (NCEA), the Association of Independent Schools in New England (AISNE) and the Massachusetts Interscholastic Athletic Association (MIAA). ! 1

MISSION STATEMENT

Notre Dame Academy is a vibrant, Catholic, college-preparatory learning community, sponsored by the Sisters of Notre Dame de Namur. The Academy guides young women in their personal faith formation, challenges students to pursue academic excellence, and encourages social responsibility on behalf of global justice.

We are… women of influence, active participants in a global society; risk takers for personal growth and societal change; faithful women who SISTERS OF NOTRE DAME DE NAMUR question in order to seek the truth; THE SCHOOL HISTORY women who know the power of one

and the power of community; women who find the goodness of God in all Marie Rose Julie Billiart was born in 1751, the fifth of seven of life. children of a peasant family in Cuvilly, France. A local priest recognized something special in the young child, allowing her to Motto: faith, character, scholarship make her First Communion at age nine. A childhood trauma led to her eventual paralysis and ill health, but Julie gave “spiritual direction” and guidance to many who were drawn to her. During Hallmarks of a Notre Dame de the perilous times of the French Revolution, Julie and a close Namur Learning Community: friend, a noblewoman, shared a belief in God’s goodness and a commitment to educating women and founded the Sisters of We proclaim by our lives, even more Notre Dame de Namur in 1804. They opened free schools for than by our words, that God is good. poor girls, supporting this work by opening day schools for We honor the dignity and sacredness middle-class girls and academies for the wealthy. Some time of each person later, a priest-friend invited Julie to pray with him, commanding her to stand up and walk…Julie walked for the first time in We educate for, and act on behalf of, twenty-two years. Julie died in 1816, at age 64, but never justice and peace in the world. stopped working, often walking miles on the roads of France and Belgium to visit her spiritual daughters. We commit ourselves to community service. The Sisters of Notre Dame de Namur brought the teachings of

Saint Julie Billiart to Boston in 1853, opening the first Boston We embrace the gift of diversity. Academy of Notre Dame on Lancaster Street in the North End. A We create community among those second Notre Dame Academy followed in 1854 in Roxbury, with whom we work and with those eventually boasting both an elementary school and a boarding we serve. program. We develop holistic learning The Boston Academy moved to Berkeley Street, then 400 The communities which educate for life. Fenway, where Emmanuel College was established in 1919. As

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the college grew, the Sisters moved the Boston Academy once more, to Granby Street, where it remained until 1954. At that time, they both were combined at the bucolic Roxbury campus and boarders were transferred to the Academy of Notre Dame in Tyngsboro.

As the city changed, many Boston families moved to the south shore, increasing the need for a Catholic high school for girls in the southern suburbs. After a long search, the Sisters of Notre Dame purchased a large tract of land in Hingham, approximately 20 miles south of Boston.

Today, the 68-acre campus draws students from 40 cities and towns, from Boston to Cape Cod. There is also a small group of international student from China who are homestayed. ! THE COMMUNITY

The hallmark of the school is a supportive female community that instills a sense of self- assurance and confidence in young women. NDA challenges its students to extend themselves – both spiritually and intellectually – and provides an environment where they can grow into mature, balanced, self-directed young women of vision and purpose.

The girls speak highly of the relationships that they have with their teachers. They feel that they are challenged academically and that “doors are opened” for involvement in new things. They present themselves as caring and confident young women. They treasure the strong connections and supportive bonds that they establish with each other, which often extend into their lives beyond high school. Alumnae spoke to finding themselves and their voice through their time at the school.

Parents see their daughters gain confidence, independence and self-assurance through attending NDA. In addition to the high academics, they appreciate the myriad opportunities for student involvement in extra-curricular activities as well as the long-standing friendships that are nourished through collegiality among the girls.

The faculty and staff at Notre Dame Academy are a highly committed group who fully embrace the mission and core values of the school and its all-girls profile. They seek to create a nurturing environment for the students. In addition, the interaction between teacher and student at NDA is characterized by care and concern. The faculty is dedicated to ensuring the success of their students, participating in all aspects of school life.

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THE PROGRAM

The mission of Notre Dame Academy, the charism of the Sisters of Notre Dame, and the Hallmarks of a Notre Dame De Namur Learning Community are reflected in the challenging college preparatory curriculum and overall educational experience that is provided to the young women at the school.

Saint Julie’s edict to “teach whatever is necessary to equip the students for life” has informed the school’s curricular program. The school offers a rigorous academic program geared toward college preparation. Graduates are prepared for the social, ethical and technological challenges that await them in their professional and personal lives. Core areas of theology, English, social studies, mathematics, science and world language offer a variety of required, as well as optional, offerings to challenge the young women. Seventeen Advanced Placement courses are offered, including English Literature and Composition, Calculus AB/BC, U.S. Government and Politics, Biology, Chemistry, Physics, French/Spanish Language, Music Theory, Drawing and 3D Art. In addition, the Global Education program encourages students to step out of their familiar community and connect with the global world through service, academic exchange and cultural immersion.

A new division, the Cuvilly Division (grades 7 and 8), is being added with an inaugural 7th grade class this year, designed specifically to meet the educational needs of young adolescent girls and to better prepare them for their transition into the high school level. The curriculum strives to focus on integrated sciences as well as opportunities for the arts. English, mathematics, social studies, world languages and theology round out the core subjects.

Theology classes at NDA are grounded in Catholic teachings and start in grade 7 with Discovering Faith. The students move on to courses such as moral decision-making, spirituality for women and bioethics. The commitment to being a faith community is reflected in the robust Campus Ministry program in which students take on significant leadership roles as servant-leaders. Campus Ministry Coordinators and Peer Mentors facilitate in planning liturgies and retreats. All students take part in service, which is not required, but for which there is a personal impetus. Opportunities run the span from working with elder service to Appalachia Service Project to service immersion programs overseas. Students say that this kind of community-based learning experience is a vital part of their lives as students at NDA.

Visual arts, music and theatre classes are a vital part of the NDA student’s life. Throughout the year, the school celebrates students’ talents by providing numerous opportunities to share their accomplishments, including in the Talent Expo for musicians and multiple theatre productions. NDA has just completed a $500,000 renovation, including seats, lighting

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Enrollment: and audio visuals, to the 600-person capacity Cushing 7th Grade: 36 Auditorium. 9th Grade: 115 10th Grade: 120 The school’s competitive sports program fields 35 athletic th teams, including soccer, ice and field hockey, basketball, 11 Grade: 132 lacrosse, softball, golf, tennis, swimming and gymnastics. In the 12th Grade: 137 last two years NDA has earned eight state championships: Total: 540 indoor track (x2), outdoor track (x2), lacrosse, soccer, volleyball and golf. In addition, NDA sends graduates to Division I and III Percentage of students who are colleges and universities each year to play athletics, with several Catholic: approximately 85% students receiving scholarships to schools such as Harvard, UNC, Columbia and University of Notre Dame. Faculty/Staff: Administration: 4 GOVERNANCE

Faculty: 47 full-time The school is governed by a Board of Directors. Currently, the 5 part-time Board is 18 members, including past and present parents, alumnae and three Sisters of Notre Dame. The Directors have Staff: 30 full-time demonstrated tremendous dedication to the mission of Notre 5 part-time Dame as well as the continued development of the school. The Board is committed to serving the school and is focused on long-term strategic objectives. Candidates will find a Board that Tuition (2014-15): $18,500 is ready and willing to work in true partnership with the President Financial Aid: $335,000 to move the school forward. Board committees are: Governance, Finance, Capital Planning and Advancement. In addition, the Sisters of Notre Dame hold specific reserved powers on a corporate board.

FINANCE

The school is financially stable and has an overall annual budget of approximately $9.5 million. Tuition, which comprises the majority of the school’s revenue, is set at $18,500 for the 2014- 15 academic year. Financial aid for the 2014-15 academic year totaled approximately $335,000 and approximately 20% of students receive financial aid.

OPPORTUNITIES FOR THE PRESIDENT

As the Board and the new President look forward, they will need to focus on key areas including working with all NDA constituents to develop a clear understanding of the school’s identity as well as strengthening the school’s position in the greater Boston area. The new President must focus on continuing excellence in all facets of Notre Dame Academy, promoting to all constituents the value of an NDA education,

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developing meaningful relationships both internally and externally, utilizing the talent of the school community and providing for effective functioning of all components of the school--all to serve the mission of Notre Dame as an outstanding Catholic institution committed to the education of young women. It will be important for the new President to work in close collaboration with the Board of Directors to establish a clear vision for the school.

Catholic Identity: The new President will need to fully embrace the core beliefs and Hallmarks of the Sisters of Notre Dame de Namur to ensure that the philosophy and spirituality of Saint Julie and the charism of the Sisters of Notre Dame de Namur are integral to all aspects of the NDA community. Also, the President must actively connect with students, faculty, staff, families, alumnae and the local community to effectively promote the school’s sense of warmth and closeness.

Strategic Planning: A Strategic Growth Plan, approved in 2011, guides the work of the Board and the President. The key areas of focus include the Catholic/Notre Dame identity, academic excellence, education of the whole person, enrollment management, facilities Master Plan and resource management. The Board desires to work with the next President to further refine and develop this plan to ensure that it continues to be relevant, that it clearly establishes the key priorities to guide the work of the Board and the school’s leadership and is consistent with the mission and philosophy of the school.

Institutional Advancement: The President will take a leading role in a comprehensive advancement program, which includes fundraising as well as marketing and outreach that takes into account an understanding of NDA’s position in the market and the competitive landscape. The new President must also actively involve all NDA constituents (administration, faculty, staff, parents, Board) in this effort. The President, in collaboration with

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the Board, will need to develop a comprehensive strategic financial plan (including an effective fundraising plan) that will focus on increasing resources to provide for financial sustainability. Specifically, the plan should address such areas as affordability, strategic use of financial aid, compensation, and the facilities enhancements that are needed to ensure that NDA remains competitive. Finally, the President must also continue the ongoing efforts to actively engage alumnae in appropriate ways.

Enrollment Management: The school’s marketplace is comprised of highly competitive public, independent (including Catholic) and parochial schools. The President will work in concert with the admissions office in strategically marketing the school, taking into account the importance of having a clear sense of NDA’s position in the local marketplace. The President will articulate the promise of an NDA education, its value, the outstanding academic and extra-curricular programs and the wonderful community, all of which are hallmarks of the school. Specifically, the ability to convey the value of the all-girls’ education is of paramount importance. The President will actively engage all of the school’s constituents in this important endeavor and help them understand the role they play in promoting the school. With the recent addition of the Cuvilly Division, the President will have to be particularly attentive to provide effective enrollment management strategies to ensure the success of this division.

Facilities: In 2007, NDA completed a multi-million dollar expansion and renovation which include the science labs, administration offices, chapel and campus ministry. Looking forward, the President must work with the Board as it continues the master planning process to provide quality facilities that support the outstanding programs of NDA.

Program: While the President sets the broader educational vision for the school, she/he will work collaboratively with the principal, administration and faculty to provide a creative, quality program focusing on the implementation of an appropriate 21st century program within the Notre Dame framework, ensuring appropriate curricular alignment grades 7 through 12.

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DESIRED QUALITIES AND QUALIFICATIONS

The President of Notre Dame Academy should be a visionary Catholic educational leader with a commitment to single-gender education. She/he will actively engage all of the NDA constituents in furthering the school’s mission and help them understand the role they play in promoting the school. In addition to being a community-builder, a skillful manager and a long-term strategic thinker, successful candidates will have the background and competencies that include most or all of the following:

● A commitment to promoting joy and excellence in teaching and learning, as seen in the educational philosophy of Saint Julie Billiart.

● A passion for the education of young women with the willingness to create a culture of learning and high expectations.

● A proven fundraiser with a willingness and commitment to be visible and to make connections with the greater community in order to enhance the school’s image and reputation. The successful candidate must be comfortable with and effective at asking for financial support and must have experience in and a commitment to developing a culture of philanthropy.

● A team-builder with a proven track record in administration, with an ability to delegate effectively and ensure accountability. A relationship builder with all NDA constituents. A desire for collaboration, openness, and inclusiveness that genuinely invites and respects the perspectives and views of others, yet is decisive when necessary.

● A deep appreciation of the relational aspects of a school community and of the importance of engaging all members in the school community with clear and open communication. In addition, an understanding of the importance of forging relationships with the external community, including, but not limited to, educational professional peers and associations, civic leaders in Hingham and neighboring towns and media partners.

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● A strategic thinker with knowledge of the fundamentals of business and the economics of independent schools.

● A willingness to work closely and comfortably with the Board of Directors, the administrative team and with faculty and staff to build a true partnership for the school.

The ideal candidate is a reflective and spiritual individual. Respect for others, openness and accessibility are qualities that are desired in the new President. Most importantly, the love and joy of working with students and faculty, with a good sense of humor, is essential. The Search Committee seeks someone who has a true desire to become an integral part of the school community. This person is willing to learn about and embrace the legacy of Saint Julie, the charism of the Sisters of Notre Dame, and the Hallmarks of a Notre Dame De Namur learning community.

SEARCH PROCESS

Notre Dame Academy has engaged the national executive search firm Educational Directions, Incorporated, to assist with the search. The Search Committee plans to complete the search by spring 2015. Candidates should submit all information as soon as possible, but not before first speaking with one of the search consultants:

Risa Oganesoff Heersche [email protected] Mathew Heersche, Ed.D. [email protected]

Electronic submission of materials is required. Please send materials in a consolidated pdf format. Reference letters should be submitted separately.

Candidates should submit:

• Cover letter explaining why they are interested in and qualified for the Presidency at NDA • Statement of Educational Philosophy • Current resume • Names, e-mail addresses and telephone numbers of five references • One or two written letter(s) of reference

APPLICATION MATERIALS FROM CANDIDATES ARE DUE ON 31 OCTOBER 2014. !

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