Partners in Mission

Stewardship is more than just saying “thank you”—it’s about showing how their support continues to impact students’ lives and fosters a lasting connection to the school’s mission. Check out today's blog for a few impactful ways to keep your donors engaged. https://lnkd.in/eSj4QVpj

Check out our open searches! https://lnkd.in/eDn_qsQ

Writing a formal Enrollment Management Plan can be daunting, but it does NOT have to be! Begin by assessing what you already do and how well you are doing it. Using the Partners In Mission Enrollment Management Funnel, evaluate each part of your program. Here are some ideas to get you started: Branding – Identity What is your school’s brand? What do people think and feel when they see your school's logo? What do we want them to think and feel when they see your school's logo? General Marketing – Attention In what areas, zip codes, districts, etc. do we wish to increase attention? What general messaging is needed -- location, affordability, added value? Testimonials from alumni and parents in/from these areas. Target Marketing – Attraction What are the needs and wants of local families? What doubts can we address? What misconceptions can we correct? What roadblocks can we remove? WHO can help us build bridges and share word of mouth marketing? WHAT events can we join or co-host for outreach? Micro Marketing – Relationship What service(s) can we provide to help parents “parent” and help students make connections with our students, teachers, coaches, moderators, etc. Recruitment – Action What events can we include families or students in to build affinity? How can we accompany families on their high school search journey? What is your school's “concierge approach” (Warm Leads, roadblocks, etc.)? Who does what when and how? Application – Interest What is the “user” experience? How can we assist families in the application process? What are their needs, questions, frustrations, etc.? What information do we need to collect to personalize their experience and to inform our Advancement Team in the future? Acceptance – Invitation Ideas for Consideration – How can we better personalize the acceptance and celebrate each student? Would our families most like an email message with a video? Do you mail each family a Welcome Package? Can we host a Phone-A-Thon to congratulate families? Enrollment – Decision Personalize and formalize. Online? In person? Next steps – for them and for the school. Letter from Faculty and Staff who prayed for their discernment process. Retention – Fulfillment Begins the MOMENT of enrollment, and it must be personalized and proactive. Plan and host Orientation. Events. Consider assigning Peer Parent Mentors. Send regular Family Surveys to assess overall well-being. Form and Enrollment Management Committee.

Register now for free presentations from our Strategic Partners this week! Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday at 2:00 pm. https://lnkd.in/eGcX3cUC #StrategicPartners #Presentations #CatholicEducation #CatholicSchools

A vision without resources is an illusion. Strategic planning is essential for Catholic schools to ensure long-term success and sustainability, particularly in a rapidly changing educational landscape. By taking a structured, intentional approach, schools can set clear, measurable goals that align with their mission and values, rather than relying on ad-hoc decisions. This planning process allows schools to thoughtfully allocate resources—financial, human, and operational—ensuring that every initiative is purposefully driving toward long-term goals. Check out our blog for more: https://lnkd.in/eSj4QVpj #CatholicSchools #CatholicEducation #StrategicPlanning #Sustainability #Goals #Community

Today’s Gospel calls us to the heart of true leadership: SERVANT Leadership. "Whoever wishes to be great among you must be your servant; and whoever wishes to be first must be the slave of all. For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life as a ransom for many." (Mark 10:43-45) Let us pray: Jesus, inspire us with your example of humble service. Guide and guard us as we work to advance the mission of Catholic education. Help us lead with compassion, strength, and grace—serving others with the same love and joy you modeled for us. Readings for Sunday can be found here https://lnkd.in/ek_wzp79 #ServantLeadership #CatholicEducation #LeadWithLove #MissionDriven

Did you know that part of what makes Partners in Mission so special is the shared experience we bring to the table? Every member of our team has spent years working directly in Catholic education—just like you. From Presidents and Principals to Superintendents, Advancement, and Enrollment Directors, we’ve walked in your shoes, faced the same challenges, and embraced the same opportunities you encounter every day. Many of us are still doing this work alongside you. This is what sets us apart. We don’t just consult on strategy—we live it. We understand firsthand the pressure of meeting enrollment goals, balancing budgets, running annual funds and capital campaigns, and engaging a school community. We’ve sat in the same meetings, worked on the same plans, and led with the same mission-driven focus. We have developed, and implemented, the art and science of comprehensive mission advancement. You are not alone. We’re here with solutions that work because they’ve been tested in the same environments where you’re working now. At Partners in Mission, your challenges are our challenges. And together, we’ll continue advancing the mission of Catholic education for the generations of deserving students to come. #CatholicEducation #CatholicSchools #Partners #SharedExperience

You may ask yourself - couldn’t we just do our own strategic plan? Why do we need Partners in Mission to lead us? Here are just a few things we bring to the table. - Objectivity and Fresh Perspective: we bring a neutral, unbiased viewpoint - Specialized Expertise: we bring specialized knowledge of best practices, benchmarks, and innovative strategies that an internal team may lack. - Focus and Efficiency: we dedicate our full attention to the strategic planning process, ensuring it stays on track and moves efficiently toward completion. - Experience with Strategic Planning: our knowledge of what works—and what doesn’t—can help avoid common pitfalls and ensure a comprehensive, well-rounded plan. - Accountability: we hold the school leadership accountable for progress and decision-making. - Broader Stakeholder Engagement: we facilitate stakeholder engagement across various groups—parents, students, alumni, faculty, and community members. - Focused Attention on Mission: we emphasize Catholic identity alongside operational goals.

Many schools lack the resources, time, and staff to create robust alumni engagement plans. Good news! Creating a plan can take less than 30 minutes and executing it can take less than an hour a week. Join the @Alumnifire, Inc. webinar tomorrow October 16 at 2:00 pm EST to learn more. https://lnkd.in/eGcX3cUC

After hosting events for current and prospective families, don't forget the follow-up! Send out surveys to gather feedback and strengthen relationships. Check out today's blog post for specific questions and more tips! https://lnkd.in/eSj4QVpj #CatholicEducation #CatholicSchools #BuildingCommunity #Enrollment #Admissions