Mississippi Department Of Education, Ms - State Superintendent

Position Description for Mississippi State Superintendent, MS

The Mississippi Department of Education seeks a highly qualified State Superintendent. The Board wishes to have the successful candidate assume the responsibilities of the position July 1, 2024.

McPherson & Jacobson, L.L.C., Executive Recruitment and Development has been engaged as the consultant in a search for outstanding candidates. They will assist the Board of Education in identifying and screening the candidates.

Location: Jackson, Mississippi

The Qualifications

The candidate must have the background, skills, and abilities essential for excellence in educational leadership. The board recognizes that selecting a superintendent is one of the most important decisions it will make. The board has identified the following desired characteristics:

• Inspires trust, has high levels of self-confidence and optimism, and models high standards of integrity and personal performance.
• Is a strong communicator: speaking, listening and writing.
• Possesses excellent people skills and presents a positive image of the state.
• Works with the Mississippi State Board of Education to implement the State Board of Education Strategic Plan.
• Works with legislators on key issues and leads a complex organization throughout the legislative process.
• Possesses the ability and passion needed to continuously improve student performance on a statewide basis, especially in identifying and closing student achievement gaps.
• Delegates authority appropriately while maintaining accountability.
• Provides leadership in the planning, implementation, and assessment of relevant professional development for all state educators.
• Identifies and selects team members who can advance the State Board of Education Strategic Plan
• Develops and communicates a vision coupled with the ability to lead a large, complex organization dedicated to continuous improvement.
• Possesses the leadership skills required to meet the challenges of a racially, ethnically and culturally diverse state.
• Is strongly committed to a “student first” philosophy in all decisions.

Salary, Benefits and State Requirements

• Code Ann. § 37-3-9 requires the state superintendent of education to have at least a master’s degree in any field and a minimum of five years’ experience in administration in the educational field.
• The salary will be in the range of $300,000 with an excellent state benefits package.
• The final salary for the successful candidate will be negotiated and determined based upon proven experience, qualifications and meeting the Mississippi Department of Education criteria.
• Selected candidate will be required by the State Board of Education to obtain a valid Mississippi Department of Education (MDE) issued Administrator License within 30 days of accepting the position.
• Senate confirmation is required to complete the appointment process.

Search Timeline:

• Video Presentations and review of candidates: November 2, 2023
• State Superintendent hire date: July 1, 2024
• Closing date for applications: October 19, 2023 (11:30 p.m. central time)
• Appointment of State Superintendent: December 20, 2023
• Semi-finalists interviews (in person): December 11 & 12, 2023
• Finalists interviews: December 20, 2023

Contact information:

McPherson & Jacobson, L.L.C.

11725 Arbor St., Suite 220

Omaha, NE 68144

888-375-4814

Email: [email protected]

Mississippi Department of Education Website: http://mdek12.org/

State Superintendent Candidate Profile: http://macnjake.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/Candidate-Profile-Updated-7.11.23.pdf

Consultants: Dr. Steve Joel [email protected]

Dr. James Hutto [email protected]

Dr. Michelle Hamilton [email protected]

The Mississippi Department of Education is an Equal Opportunity Employer. The department does not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, sex, age, national origin or disability and, when needed, will provide reasonable accommodations to applicants and employees. Anyone requesting a reasonable accommodation in the application or recruitment process please contact McPherson & Jacobson at the address/phone/email above.