PRINCIPIA INSTITUTIONAL PROFILE CHIEF EXECUTIVE SEARCH 2016
The Board of Trustees of Principia has launched a global search for the position of Chief Executive. The search committee invites applications and nominations for the next leader to advance the mission of Principia. THE OPPORTUNITY Principia seeks an executive to strategically lead and manage the institution, consistent with its mission to serve the Cause of Christian Science through appropriate channels open to it as an educational institution. In partnership with the Board of Trustees, the Chief Executive establishes the institutional vision and ensures effective operation of both campus units the School in St. Louis, Missouri, and the College in Elsah, Illinois. As a dedicated Christian Scientist, the Chief Executive prayerfully supports the mission of Principia. The successful candidate will lead and inspire the institution as it continues to fulfill its mission, developing and strengthening its leadership role in the world of education. This opportunity requires experience leading change with creativity, persistence, vision, and good results at a medium or large, multifaceted organization (in any field), while maintaining internal enthusiasm and external support. MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS Master s degree preferred. Bachelor s degree with notable professional accomplishments will be considered. Proven leadership and management skills inside or outside of academia Well-developed outreach, communication, and interpersonal skills Skill in building consensus with multiple constituencies Experience working through complexity and ambiguity Experience building a budget and executing financial plans DESIRED QUALITIES Love for Principia and its mission Consensus builder; team builder Excellent communicator; good listener Humility, empathy, compassion, vision Experience working with a board Experience leading a creative, multifaceted organization www.principia.edu page 2
CHRISTIAN SCIENCE REQUIREMENTS Seasoned, dedicated metaphysician Membership in The Mother Church and active local branch church membership Christian Science Primary class instruction HISTORY In 1897, when Christian Science practitioner Mary Kimball Morgan began educating her two young sons at home, she wasn t setting out to establish a school. But word spread quickly among the thriving community of Christian Scientists in St. Louis. By the next year, 15 students were enrolled in Mrs. Morgan s school. Soon, the group moved from the Morgans carriage house behind their home into a two-room storefront, and a second teacher was hired. Even more students started attending. And that s how without fanfare, but with a firm foundation in the teachings of Christian Science Principia officially began in 1898. The first high school class graduated in 1906. Four years later, the four-year program expanded to six years, resulting in one of the first two-year junior colleges in the nation. In 1934, Principia s new four-year liberal arts college, established across the Mississippi River in Elsah, Illinois, graduated its first class. By 1960, all levels of the School had moved to the current campus in St. Louis. Today, across both campuses, Principia enrolls more than 900 young Christian Scientists from across the United States and from 30 countries around the world. Boarding students at the School represent 29 states, and students from the College come from 37 states. MISSION The Principia shall seek to serve the Cause of Christian Science through appropriate channels open to it as an educational institution. VISION Principia is a Christian Science community of practice where all members are students, teachers, and healers. Through transformative opportunities, a challenging curriculum, and character education based on the teachings of Christian Science, we examine, test, and strengthen our faith while developing the skills and understanding requisite for excellence. As global, outward-looking, inspired learners, we serve and better the world. www.principia.edu page 3
PRINCIPIA OVERVIEW Number of Students School: 421 College: 495 Student Gender Ratios Principia School: 49% Male, 51% Female Upper School: 45% Male, 55% Female Principia College: 49% Male, 51% Female Student-to-Faculty Ratios Principia School: 7:1 Principia College: 7:1 Average Class Size 12 18 at the School 11 at the College Number of Full-Time Faculty and Degrees Principia School: 63 Principia College: 65 44% of Upper School faculty hold advanced degrees. 65% of College faculty hold terminal degrees. Upper School Boarders and Day Students 49% Day Students 51% Boarders Alumni More than 14,000 Principia alumni live in 63 countries around the world. Financial Aid 94% of families with a student enrolled at Principia School receive financial aid. 96% of students enrolled at Principia College receive financial aid. The average financial aid package for new students is $29,116. 40% of students graduate from the College with zero debt. Campus Acreage School campus = 360 acres College campus = 2,600 acres More information about Principia School and Principia College can be found at our website: www.principia.edu. www.principia.edu page 4
NEEDS AND OPPORTUNITIES SCHOOL FACTS Academic levels from pre-kindergarten through grade 12 AP and college-credit classes offered 16 interscholastic Upper School sports options A boarding program for grades 7 12 Well-appointed facilities for athletics and the arts COLLEGE FACTS 60% of students study abroad Campus designated a National Historic Landmark in 1993 11 historic buildings designed by renowned architect Bernard Maybeck 25 majors 18 varsity athletic teams Over the last several years, Principia has experienced significant improvements on both campuses, reflecting higher academic standards, a varied and enriching student experience, improved professional development programs, and a strong leadership team. This has been accomplished with the Chief Executive also serving in the capacity of College President, creating significant demands on time, focus, and skills. To create more capacity for both leading the institution forward strategically as well as meeting the needs of both campuses in maintaining their high standards, the Board is establishing separate positions for the Chief Executive and the College President. The College President, Head of School, and the heads of the shared business services (Enrollment, Advancement, Marketing, Human Resources, Legal, etc.) will report to the Chief Executive. Specific areas of need and/or opportunity: Address vital questions about future direction as Principia pursues its mission of serving the Cause of Christian Science in the 21st century. Partner with the Board to tackle strategic long-term issues. Support productive collaboration among Trustees, campus leaders, and other stakeholders to consider issues, generate ideas, and recommend directions. Oversee the shared business services departments, addressing coordination and integration across both campuses, consistency across the institution, and smoother, more efficient ways of working. Work with the Board and campus leaders to match Principia s structure and program to student enrollment. Consider and implement strategies to better engage, encourage, and support students in their practice of Christian Science. Guide the institution in adapting to and adopting progressive use of technology while delivering a handwrought, experience-based education. www.principia.edu page 5
APPLICATION AND NOMINATION PROCESS Interested candidates are invited to contact our search consultant, Jeff Bradley of Educators Collaborative, for further information and application instructions. To nominate a candidate for consideration, please contact Jeff Bradley or complete the nomination form at www.principia.edu/ce-nomination. Jeff Bradley, Partner Educators Collaborative jbradley@educatorscollaborative.com 603.545.7689 VISION 2020: PRINCIPIA S STRATEGIC PLAN Core Goals Principia has identified five core goals as priorities in the current strategic plan. We expect to realize our vision for 2020 by focusing in concrete, measurable ways on these goals: Strengthen Educational Excellence Promote Christian Science-Based Character Education Nurture Success Beyond Principia Grow Enrollment Steward Resources Responsibly www.principia.edu page 6