Founding President-Don Bosco Trade High School

Job Description

Don Bosco Trade High School
Founding President
South Weymouth, Massachusetts

Immediate Opportunity

Don Bosco Trade High School (DBTHS) is preparing to open in Fall 2027 as a bold, faith-centered model of Catholic Career and Trade Education in Massachusetts. Located in South Weymouth, just south of Boston, DBTHS will serve as a co-educational Catholic high school that integrates rigorous academics, hands-on trade training, and opportunities for entrepreneurship. The school is designed to prepare students for skilled work, leadership, and lives of purpose, forming young people in faith, character, and competence.

Don Bosco Trade High School complements, rather than competes with, existing Catholic schools in the region. While neighboring schools have long provided strong academic and college-preparatory pathways, DBTHS expands the mission of Catholic education by serving students whose talents and callings align with applied learning, technical mastery, and workforce readiness. Graduates may pursue four-year colleges and universities, advanced technical education, or immediate entry into the workforce with licensure and credentials. Whatever path they choose, students will be equipped to thrive intellectually, spiritually, and professionally.

Don Bosco Trade High School seeks its inaugural President to lead the launch of this transformative Catholic school. This is a rare opportunity to build a school from the ground up and to shape its vision, culture, governance, and long-term sustainability. Working in close partnership with an engaged Board of Directors, founding benefactors, Church leadership, and community partners, the President will serve as the school's chief executive, chief fundraiser, and chief storyteller. This mission-centered role calls for an entrepreneurial leader inspired by the legacy of St. John Bosco, uniting faith, skilled work, and formation in a modern Catholic educational setting.

This is an immediate opportunity for the ideal candidate. The President will be appointed ahead of the Principal, allowing him or her to play a formative role in shaping the school's leadership structure and assembling a strong founding team. This early start also provides the President with the ability to deepen community engagement, build on the momentum already established by committed stakeholders, and help expand awareness and support across the greater Boston area. In addition, the President will have the opportunity to pursue and steward additional philanthropic, foundation, and partnership funding, building upon the significant financial commitments already made to ensure the long-term vitality and sustainability of Don Bosco Trade High School.

This is an extraordinary opportunity to serve as the founding President of a truly distinctive Catholic school. Through ACELA Solutions' work alongside Catholic schools across the country-representing a wide range of models, missions, and charisms, including classical academies, traditional schools, and college-preparatory programs-it has become increasingly clear that there is a growing and urgent need for strong Catholic career, technical, and trade education. Don Bosco Trade High School responds to that need with vision, courage, and faith. It is deeply encouraging to see a committed group of stakeholders, benefactors, and community leaders determined to bring this school to life for students and families in the greater Boston area, expanding access to a Catholic education that honors every learner's gifts and callings.

The President serves as the chief executive officer and primary mission steward of Don Bosco Trade High School, responsible for strategic leadership, advancement, and institutional sustainability. The role includes leading the school's long-term strategic planning, overseeing financial stewardship and operations, and ensuring alignment with Catholic and Salesian educational principles. The President will build and oversee a comprehensive advancement program, cultivate major gifts, and develop strong partnerships with individuals, foundations, unions, employers, and industry leaders. As the public face of the school, the President will foster relationships with the Archdiocese, Catholic Schools Office, civic leaders, and the broader community.

In collaboration with the Board of Directors, the President will ensure sound governance, fiscal responsibility, and mission integrity. The President will recruit, lead, and mentor the founding leadership team, including the Principal, who oversees day-to-day academics and operations. Together, they will guide faculty recruitment, enrollment growth, and the development of academic and co-curricular excellence. The President is expected to model a collaborative, relational, and faith-driven leadership style that balances vision with discipline, innovation with integrity, and strategy with stewardship.

The ideal candidate is a visionary and mission-driven leader with demonstrated success in executive management, advancement, and organizational growth. Candidates should be practicing Catholics who support and advance the teachings and mission of the Church and who bring a deep appreciation for Catholic education and the Salesian charism. Successful candidates will have strong strategic planning and financial leadership skills, experience working with boards and external partners, and exceptional communication and relationship-building abilities. An entrepreneurial mindset and comfort operating in a startup environment are essential.

A bachelor's degree is required, and a master's degree in Education, Business, Leadership, or a related field is preferred. Experience in vocational education, technical training, workforce development, or mission-driven nonprofit leadership is strongly valued. Preferred candidates will demonstrate a collaborative, servant-leadership approach grounded in faith, humility, and purpose.

The anticipated start date for the President is between January and July 2026, with the school scheduled to open in August or September 2027. ACELA Solutions is honored to partner with Don Bosco Trade High School in this national search. Nominations, inquiries, and expressions of interest will be treated confidentially, and candidate review will begin immediately and continue until the position is filled.

To learn more about this opportunity, including the full search overview, leadership profile, and application guidance, interested candidates are encouraged to visit the current searches page at www.acelasolutions.com.

Candidates may submit a letter of interest and resume through the ACELA Solutions website. Nominations, inquiries, and confidential conversations are also welcome. For additional information or to begin a conversation, candidates may contact Michael Furey, Founder, CEO & Mission Steward at ACELA Solutions.

All inquiries and expressions of interest will be treated with the highest level of confidentiality.

About the Employer

ACELA Solutions is a trusted national partner serving Catholic foundations, schools, dioceses, religious communities, and ministries through mission-driven leadership solutions. We advance Catholic education, leadership, and philanthropy through actionable, accessible support rooted in discernment, strategy, and stewardship.

Our leadership partners have served more than 6,000 Catholic institutions nationwide, worked in over 90% of U.S. dioceses, raised more than $2 billion in philanthropic support, secured nearly 600 leaders, and completed over 500 strategic engagements.

ACELA provides executive search, leadership and team development, strategic planning and assessments, system design, partnered counsel, board development, and workshops-guided by a philosophy of mission over margin.