ORGANIZATION: Bellesini Academy

POSITION: President

LOCATION: Lawrence, MA

REPORTS TO: Board of Trustees

Who We Are

Bellesini Academy is an accredited, nationally recognized, independent Catholic middle school in Lawrence, Massachusetts, dedicated to breaking the cycle of poverty through education. Serving students in grades 5-8 from low-income families, Bellesini provides a rigorous, tuition-free education that prepares students for success in high school, college, and beyond.

Since 2002, Bellesini Academy has been a transformative force in the Lawrence community, achieving remarkable outcomes:

• 100% of Bellesini alumni have graduated from high school, compared to just 71% of their Lawrence peers.
• 100% of Bellesini graduates have attended private preparatory high schools since 2006.
• 97% of Bellesini alumni have gone on to college, compared to 38% of their Lawrence peers.

Bellesini achieves these outcomes through a holistic approach that nurtures students’ intellectual, spiritual, and personal growth. The school's extended-day and extended-year structure is central to its success, with students receiving nearly twice as much instructional time as their public school peers — more than 2,000 hours per year. Small class sizes, individualized instruction, and a deeply committed faculty ensure that students are both challenged and supported. Beyond the classroom, students engage in enrichment programs, athletics, and leadership opportunities that broaden their horizons and instill a lifelong love of learning. Rooted in Catholic values, the school fosters a strong sense of community, emphasizing service, integrity, and resilience.

The impact of Bellesini Academy extends far beyond academics. Graduates thrive in competitive high schools and colleges, becoming leaders in their communities and breaking barriers for future generations. The school’s alumni support network provides ongoing mentorship and guidance, ensuring that Bellesini students continue to excel long after they leave the classroom. At Bellesini, education is more than just academics—it is a pathway to opportunity, empowerment, and a brighter future.

Who We Need

As Bellesini Academy approaches its 25th anniversary, we seek a dynamic and mission-driven President to lead the school into its next chapter. Building upon the success of its founder, the next President will bring strategic vision, operational expertise, and an unwavering commitment to student success. Key strategic priorities for the coming years include the following:

• Strengthening teacher development systems to support the execution of a rigorous, time-tested academic model.
• Fostering a culture of community and connections that empowers faculty, staff, and community partners to play an active role in student success.
• Expanding outreach efforts to enhance the school's reputation, attract new families, and forge strong external partnerships.
• Celebrating and positioning the rich Latino culture of the student population as a core strength of the school.
• Developing a sustainable human capital model to retain and support dedicated educators.

To achieve these goals, the President must cultivate an engaged and strategic Board of Trustees, leveraging their expertise and connections to strengthen the school's long-term sustainability. A visible and compassionate leader, the President will be a daily presence within the school community, building relationships based on trust and mutual respect. This role requires flexibility, the ability to set clear priorities, and a keen understanding of how to balance operational and strategic responsibilities.

Specifically, the President will be responsible for the following aspects of Bellesini's leadership:

• Mission-Driven Leadership: Embody and advance the Catholic identity and mission of Bellesini Academy, ensuring students engage in both academic and spiritual formation in a nurturing environment.
• Fundraising & Financial Stewardship: Lead philanthropic efforts to secure essential funding, as Bellesini relies entirely on donations to sustain its mission. Build strong relationships with donors, alumni, and foundations to ensure financial health.
• Academic & Instructional Leadership: Ensure strong academic systems are in place, with an immediate focus on hiring and supporting a senior academic leader to oversee day-to-day instructional management.
• Strategic Growth & Community Engagement: Enhance Bellesini’s reputation and visibility within the community to drive enrollment and strengthen external partnerships.
• Faculty & Staff Development: Implement a robust human capital strategy that supports faculty retention, professional development, and a collaborative school culture.
• Board Development: Cultivate a strong working relationship with the Board of Trustees, providing them with clear goals and engagement opportunities to maximize their impact.
• Operational & Organizational Leadership: Ensure smooth day-to-day operations of the school, setting priorities that align with Bellesini’s core values.
• Effective Communication: Serve as the face of Bellesini, articulating a compelling vision to stakeholders, inspiring confidence, and fostering deep relationships with students, parents, faculty, and community members.

Who You Are

In numerous stakeholder meetings leading up to this position description, the word "community" consistently emerged as a defining characteristic of Bellesini Academy. The school is a constant presence in students' lives for twelve years—from their first day of middle school to their last day of college. Graduates frequently return to share their experiences and mentor younger students, underscoring the deep and lasting impact of this small but mighty school.

The Board of Trustees, along with staff and students, seek a President with a proven track record of leading a K-12 organization or network to excellence—particularly in times of organizational change—while maintaining a deep commitment to nurturing relationships. The ideal candidate will bring the following experiences, knowledge, and values:

• A mission-driven leader with a passion for Catholic education and a deep understanding of the unique opportunities and challenges facing middle school students, with at least 10 years of professional experience, including leadership in a K-12 organization or network.
• A strategic thinker with experience implementing academic and operational improvements that drive student success.
• A proven fundraiser who can cultivate relationships and secure financial support from individuals, foundations, and mission-aligned organizations.
• A charismatic and compelling communicator who can engage diverse audiences, from families and faculty to donors and community leaders.
• A leader who values distributive leadership and empowers others to take ownership in advancing the school’s mission.
• A culturally competent educator with experience working in Latino communities and, preferably, fluency in Spanish.
• A flexible and decisive leader who can set priorities, manage competing demands, and adapt to the evolving needs of the school.
• A compassionate presence in the school, fostering a welcoming and supportive environment for students, families, and staff.

This is a transformational opportunity for a bold and visionary leader ready to shape the future of Bellesini Academy. If you are driven by faith, committed to academic excellence, and energized by the prospect of leading a vibrant Catholic middle school, we invite you to apply.

The salary range for this role is $100,000 to $150,000, commensurate with experience and potential.

How to Apply

Please submit a statement of interest (750 words maximum) along with a résumé to Bellesini@rootedpartners.org. The statement of interest should articulate how your experiences, knowledge, and values align with the attributes sought in the President position for Bellesini Academy. The deadline for receipt of applications is May 1, 2025. However, serious candidates are encouraged to apply before that date, as applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $100,000.00 - $150,000.00 per year

Application Question(s):

• Do you have at least 10 years of professional experience, including leadership in a K-12 organization or network?
• Please submit a statement of interest (750 words maximum), articulating how your experiences, knowledge, and values align with the attributes sought in the President position for Bellesini Academy. You can submit it in the space below, or in an attached document. If submitting an attached document, write "See Attachment" in the response to this question.

Ability to Commute:

• Lawrence, MA 01840 (Required)

Work Location: In person