Nestled in the picturesque city of Naples, Florida, Royal Palm Academy offers a unique blend of rigorous academics, spiritual formation, and a rich array of extracurricular activities. Established in 1998, Royal Palm Academy (RPA) emerged with a distinctive vision rooted in Integral Formation—an educational philosophy dedicated to nurturing every facet of a child's growth.
Founded on academic rigor, character development, and spiritual growth principles, Royal Palm Academy stands as a beacon of excellence in Catholic education. With a commitment to holistic formation, RPA guides students on a journey of discovery, where they achieve academic success and cultivate virtues that prepare them for a life of purpose and service. Its dedicated educators embrace a student-centered approach, nurturing young minds and hearts to reach their fullest potential. Rooted in its robust Catholic identity, the community fosters an inclusive community where each student is valued, respected, and inspired to contribute meaningfully to our world.
Royal Palm Academy is the only independent Catholic school in Southwest Florida. The school community currently serves over 300 scholars in Pre-K through 8th grades. It is accredited by the Florida Council of Independent Schools, National Council for Private Schools, National Junior Honor Society, and Florida Catholic Conference.
From its humble beginnings, the school celebrated a significant milestone in 2016 by opening its first permanent building—a remarkable 15,000-square-foot multi-purpose gymnasium. This achievement was a testament to the collaborative spirit and generosity of the school community. As it looks towards its exciting and promising future, RPA recently launched a capital campaign that will fund campus expansions encompassing spaces dedicated to classrooms, athletics, the arts, and administration. Additionally, families benefit from Florida's School Choice program, which offers tuition scholarships up to nearly $9,000 per student. The combination of these elements, bolstered by a nurturing and compassionate community, has significantly contributed to the continual growth in enrollment at RPA.
THE OPPORTUNITY
In this inaugural role, the Director of Strategic Initiatives position offers a unique opportunity for the successful candidate to partner with and support the Head of School and executive administrative team in coalescing its efforts to bring together a large and engaged group of constituents and stakeholders to support the mission of the institution further.
Overview of Position Responsibilities
Head of School Support
CFO/COO Support and School Events Coordination
Strategic Initiatives and Advancement Support
Strategic Communications
THE CANDIDATES WE SEEK
As a public face of the Royal Palm Academy, candidates must have an understanding and passion for advancing its mission of Catholic education, especially when representing the Head of School and the RPA community to the general public. We aim to secure energetic and high-performing candidates committed to the school's mission and exude drive, joy, initiative, dependability, and the ability to work productively under multiple deadlines.
Candidates are expected to possess, at a minimum, a Bachelor's Degree in a related field. Familiarity with marketing and branding principles and proficiency in Microsoft Office, Blackbaud Suite including Raiser's Edge, Adobe Suite, and Social Media Platforms expected. In addition, candidates must possess excellent writing, editorial, and proofreading skills and be skilled at providing a high standard of customer service and follow-through. In this high-level support role, candidates must embrace and honor the highest degree of professional and personal integrity with the ability to maintain confidentiality. Strong organizational and time management skills and a willingness to complete other duties as assigned are essential.
Candidates with at least five years of experience in communications, marketing, public relations, admissions or advancement, or other leadership positions in a Catholic educational setting are preferred. This newly created position also presents a unique and ideal opportunity for an aspiring Head of School who wants to further develop their executive suite skillsets. Salary and benefits are competitive with the local Catholic education market and commensurate with experience and education. Moving assistance is available for relocating candidates.
Do not delay. This search is on a fast track.
WHY NAPLES?
APPLICATION PROCEDURES
The Head of School is on a fast track to identify and secure the ideal leader for this inaugural role. All inquiries and applications will be treated with the highest degree of confidentiality and the greatest respect. The successful candidate will assume the responsibilities of the position in July 2024.
To apply, please submit the following documents, confidentially and as separate PDF attachments, to Michael Furey, Partner, at [email protected].
CONTACT
Michael Furey, Partner
Partners in Mission School Leadership Search Solutions, LLC
(570) 730-2655