Alliance for Catholic Education
Organization Overview:
The Covenant Preparatory School is a privately funded, mission-driven values-based boys’ middle school dedicated to providing high-quality education to underserved students in the Greater Hartford area. Our goal is to empower young men to achieve academic success, develop strong character, and build pathways to meaningful and impactful futures. Through a rigorous academic curriculum, extended graduate support, mentorship programs, and community engagement, we strive to unlock each student’s potential.
Our Mission is to provide young men from underserved communities the academic foundation required to successfully pursue higher education, to develop the strength of their character, and to inspire them to live with integrity as leaders committed to their communities. We do this through a focus on Our Core Values of Integrity, Respect, Gratitude, Motivation, and Community.
We offer a highly personalized Middle School (Grades 5-8) education with an extended day program and summer academy. We assist our graduates in identifying and applying to the High Schools that best meet their needs and interests and later help them to pursue college and professional opportunities.
Since our founding in 2008, our graduates have achieved a 100% High School graduation rate. Most have successfully graduated from a range of top colleges. Some have gone on to serve in the military. Several have returned to Covenant Prep as Teachers, Coaches, Mentors, tutors, and Board.
Position Summary:
The Executive Director (ED) is the strategic and operational leader of The Covenant Preparatory School, responsible for advancing its mission and vision. The ED will lead the school’s educational, administrative, and fundraising efforts while fostering a culture of excellence, equity, and collaboration. Reporting directly to the Board of Trustees, the ED will oversee all aspects of school operations, including academics, staffing, financial management, and stakeholder relationships.
Key Responsibilities:
1. Strategic Leadership:
• Collaborate with the Board and Leadership team to develop and execute a long-term strategic plan aligned with the school’s mission and vision.
• Maintain and enhance the school’s reputation for academic excellence and holistic student development.
• Foster a culture of inclusivity, accountability, and continuous improvement.
• Serve as the primary point of contact with the Board of Trustees
2. Fundraising and Financial Stewardship:
• Oversee all development activities
• Lead fundraising effort in collaboration with development staff, including cultivating relationships with donors, foundations, community partners, and corporate sponsors.
• Develop and manage the school’s budget to ensure financial sustainability.
• Oversee grant writing and reporting to secure additional funding opportunities.
3. Community Engagement and Advocacy:
• Serve as the primary ambassador for the school, building strong relationships with parents, alumni, and community stakeholders. • Advocate for issues affecting underserved boys and promote the school’s mission at local, regional, and national levels. • Foster partnerships with organizations and individuals that align with the school’s mission.
4. Educational Leadership:
• Collaborate with the Interim Director of Operations to ensure a rigorous and culturally relevant curriculum.
• Set high expectations for student achievement and character development.
• Oversee professional development opportunities to support teacher effectiveness and innovation.
• Participates in student disciplinary process as needed
5. Admissions:
Collaborate with Interim Director of Operations to:
• Raise awareness of the school and attract target families/students
• Ensure the successful recruitment of students that fit the school’s mission and values
6. Graduate Support:
Collaborate with Interim Director of Operations to:
• Develop relationships with target High School administrators
• Prepare students for the High School application and interview process
• Assist in placing graduates in appropriate High Schools
• Assist in securing resources necessary to ensure graduate success in High School
• Support graduate college exploration and application process
• Maintain an active Alumni network
7. Operational and Administrative Oversight:
• Oversee the Leadership Team (Operations, Development, Academic, Admissions, Graduate Support)
• Collaborate with the Interim Director of Operations to:
o Ensure efficient and effective day-to-day operations, including compliance with all regulatory requirements.
o Oversee the recruitment, development, and retention of high-performing staff.
o Establish and monitor key performance indicators (KPIs) to measure success and inform decision-making.
o Oversee all Building Operations
• Monitor and coordinate matters regarding employment, retention, and dismissal of personnel, salaries and contracts, job assignments, performance evaluation, orientation, and training.
Qualifications:
• A bachelor’s degree is required; an advanced degree in education, nonprofit management, business administration, or a related field is strongly preferred.
• Proven leadership experience in education, nonprofit management, or a related sector.
• Demonstrated success in fundraising, donor relations, and financial management.
• Strong understanding of issues facing underserved communities and a commitment to equity and inclusion.
• Excellent interpersonal, communication, and organizational skills.
• Visionary leader with the ability to inspire and engage diverse stakeholders
Personal Attributes:
• Mission Driven
• Team Player
• Strategic thinker with a results-oriented approach
• Exceptional interpersonal skills, with the ability to build trust and rapport with diverse groups
• Passionate, energetic, and enthusiastic, with a collaborative leadership style
• High level of integrity and professionalism
• Adaptability and resilience in a dynamic nonprofit environment
Reports to Board of Trustees
Management Responsibilities:
• Enrollment: 60
• Total Staff: 11.5 FTEs
This is a full-time, 12 month Contract Position.
Compensation: Covenant Prep offers a competitive compensation package including marketcompetitive salary and healthcare benefits.
Application Process: Interested candidates should submit a resume, cover letter, and three professional references to [Insert Contact Information]. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis until the position is filled.
The Covenant Preparatory School is an equal-opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.
For more information please contact: Mark Bertolami Board Co-Chair markbertolami@gmail.com or Tim Doyle Director of Operations tdoyle@covenantprep.org