Presidential Search
Hillcrest stands at the forefront of culture, training students with spiritual formation, academic excellence, and character formation.
This is a rare opportunity for a visionary leader to join a distinguished faculty and guide an institution firmly rooted in Christ-centered academic rigor and a legacy of discipleship.
Hillcrest Lutheran Academy has served families worldwide for over a century, cultivating minds and nurturing hearts with a foundational trust in Jesus Christ. Distinguished by its thoughtful integration of faith and learning, Hillcrest provides a comprehensive education that prepares students for college, the church, the mission field, and a faith-filled life of eternal significance.
Students engage in a dynamic curriculum steeped in the classical tradition through our lower, middle, and upper schools. They exercise liturgies, read the Great Books, wrestle with timeless ideas, and hone the art of reasoned discourse. Graduates emerge as thoughtful believers, compassionate neighbors, and servant-leaders prepared to influence culture for the glory of God.
At Hillcrest, we celebrate a vibrant community life. Our classrooms echo with thoughtful exchange, our halls resonate with hymns and prayers, and our athletic fields, courts, and courses shine with spirited competition. We embrace a robust residential life program in our upper school. A domestic and international population weaves a unique tapestry of friendships and shared faith, fostering global connections and personal growth.
This ongoing dialogue with tradition and innovation continuously uplifts Hillcrest, inspiring confidence in the institution’s bright future in the hearts and minds of donors and supporting churches.
Hillcrest is poised for its next era of growth and impact. The moment is ripe for a leader who embodies spiritual depth, intellectual strength, organizational leadership, and gracious stewardship. The new President of Hillcrest Academy will join a legacy of educational leaders who have shepherded through times of both celebration and challenge. This individual will engage directly with faculty, current families, alumni, and passionate supporters, all of whom contribute to the flourishing environment Hillcrest so uniquely offers.
“Our classrooms echo with thoughtful exchange, our halls resonate with hymns and prayers, and our athletic fields, courts, and courses shine with spirited competition.”
Parent Testimony
Jake and Shari Carr | Hillcrest Parents
Teacher Testimony
Michele Foss | Hillcrest Teacher
The President will serve as the chief executive officer of Hillcrest Lutheran Academy. The President will ensure that the institution’s mission—“to equip students in a Christ-centered environment for a life of eternal significance”—is faithfully practiced.
Key Responsibilities
Mission Leadership: Serve as Hillcrest Lutheran Academy's compass, aligning all endeavors with its Christ-centered, classically oriented mission.
Vision & Strategy: Collaborate with the Board of Directors, senior administrators, and faculty to shape and implement a forward-thinking strategic plan that enriches program offerings and fosters institutional growth.
School Development: Oversee and cast vision for the development department, including recruitment, alumni relations, and donor management, to be consistent with the vision and mission of Hillcrest Academy.
Community Engagement: Strengthen relationships with parents, alumni, and benefactors and represent Hillcrest with poise and conviction in the community. Champion Hillcrest’s successes to a broad audience, including current families, faculty and staff, church partners, supporters, and prospective families.
Operational Stewardship: Ensure the faithful management of resources, maintain Hillcrest’s financial health, and direct future advancement efforts that support scholarships, faculty enhancements, and facility improvements.
Desired Qualifications & Attributes
Faith & Character: A mature believer in Jesus Christ, wholeheartedly committed to the school’s Christian mission and in alignment with the doctrinal statements of the Church of the Lutheran Brethren.
Academic Credentials: Experience and/or an advanced degree in Business leadership/management, educational leadership, or a related field.
Institutional Leadership: A track record of successful strategic leadership, preferably in a faith-based or school setting, marked by prudent decision-making, visionary planning, and effective governance.
Relational Excellence: Exceptional communication and interpersonal skills, enabling fruitful collaboration with diverse stakeholders and fostering a culture of trust and spiritual unity.
Cultural Appreciation: A genuine understanding and appreciation of Hillcrest’s longstanding legacy and enthusiasm for its developing and growing multicultural community.
Inspirational Presence: The ability to lead by example, encouraging students to love what is true, encouraging faculty to strive for best practices, and encouraging the broader community to cherish Hillcrest’s mission and future.
Application & Process
Interested candidates are invited to submit a comprehensive application including:
A thoughtful cover letter reflecting on why Hillcrest’s mission resonates with your personal calling and professional ambitions
A current vitae including leadership experience, educational background, and accomplishments
A statement of educational philosophy, particularly addressing the role of Christian faith and the classical model in shaping students’ hearts and minds
Three professional references who can speak to your character, leadership style, and capacity for institutional stewardship
All application materials should be directed to the Hillcrest Lutheran Academy Search Committee at searchcommittee@ffhillcrest.org. Applications will be reviewed immediately and continue until the position is filled. Confidential inquiries are welcome.
Student Testimony
Elliott Pribbenow - HLA Class of ‘22