How to find a "partner in mission" for the journey, not just a moment-in-time consultant
The decision to bring in an advisor is a significant one. You're not just hiring expertise; you're inviting someone into the heart of your mission and community who will impact your professional and organizational success. The right partner will do more than offer advice — they'll elevate your vision, build your capacity, and walk with you in faith and confidence, now and for the road ahead.
Here are the key criteria Catholic school and institution leaders should consider when choosing a strategic partner:
- Experience and Expertise
Look for meaningful experience in the areas you focus on, such as advancement, enrollment, strategic planning, governance, or leadership search. Also, assess their understanding of the Catholic school landscape nationally, within your unique type of school (e.g., diocesan, independent, classical, urban, single-sex, etc.), and region. - Proven Track Record
Have they done this before and done it well? Ask for examples of measurable impact for similar organizations: funds raised, enrollment growth, leadership placements, board development, or improved planning capacity. Their past work should illuminate the kind of success you're hoping to achieve, and the challenges they've faced and overcome should sound familiar. - Team Experience
Who exactly will be walking with you? Learn about the individuals behind the name, their personal journeys in Catholic education, leadership, fundraising, faith, and consulting. Are they people your team and community can trust? Do they inspire confidence? - Degree of Customization
Will the solutions be built for you or simply delivered to you? The right advisor brings proven frameworks and tools but never cookie-cutter answers. You deserve insights, ideas, and strategies that reflect your highly distinctive mission, people, and context. - Mission Alignment
Does this firm deeply understand Catholic education? Do they respect your school's distinct nature, including its spiritual charism, academic model, and pastoral responsibilities? Do they speak the language of vocation and mission, not just strategy? - Relational Fit
Do they listen first? Are they humble, collaborative, approachable, faith-led, and honest? Do they have a servant's heart? Cultural fit matters, especially when they'll be engaging with your leadership, faculty, board, and parent community. And your team over months and potentially years. - Constructive Contention
Will the advisor have the boldness to offer you the truth and absolute objectivity even if it is something that you may not want to hear? Or do they simply aim to please and do only what they think will please you? - Personal Transformation
The right partner doesn't just move the mission and margin forward, they help you grow in the process. A strong partnership can be personally transformative, equipping leaders with greater clarity, confidence, and connections to accelerate their careers and impact well beyond the context of a project. - For Today and What’s Next
Can this partner grow with you and your organization on your unique journey? As your mission and business priorities evolve, will the partner have the breadth and diversity of expertise to support your growth, revenue, and operational needs across enrollment, advancement, leadership, and beyond? - References and Reputation
Ask for references from similar schools or projects. Look for long-term partnerships and repeat engagements, which often speak louder than any one case study.
Choosing the right advisor can be a fantastic catalyst for both your professional and organizational journey. It's about finding a partner who shares your convictions, complements your capabilities, and is deeply invested in your mission and personal success.
