Working Draft

 Saint Louis Public Schools
Superintendent of Schools
Position Profile

The Special Administrative Board (SAB), established by the State of Missouri, seeks a dynamic, visionary and motivated leader for the Saint Louis Public Schools, the largest public school district in the state. He/she must have a proven record of excellence and equity; a collaborative management style and excellent communication skills.  This diverse urban district serves more than 28,000 preK-12 students in 87 schools with 4,000 employees and an annual operating budget in excess of $335 million.  The successful candidate must possess exceptional leadership, managerial, fiscal and interpersonal skills to move existing and new reform initiatives forward within the district; to significantly increase student achievement and eliminate gaps and to advance the district’s vision, core values and priorities. The SAB will offer a competitive compensation package. Non-traditional candidates are encouraged to apply. 

Successful candidates must have: 

  • A deep personal commitment to the values of public education and a strong conviction that all children can learn; successful experience in building broad-based support for and investment in public education.

  • Demonstrated experience in successfully executing rigorous management and accountability systems for program, finance, operations and personnel in an open, fair and transparent manner.

  • Relevant experience in a large urban organization and a proven record of achieving results and/or increasing academic achievement for all students and other indicators of success.

  • Exceptional ability to attract, motivate and retain a highly-competent and a high-performing leadership team of administrators, teachers, principals and support staff.

  • Skills in interacting positively with a diverse urban community, to build trust and respect and to passionately advocate for all students.

  • Demonstrated ability to apply research and data to improve teaching and learning and embrace diversity in the classroom, school and district.

  • Executive leadership experience to serve as a visible and involved education and community leader; to build on plans for continuous growth and improvement.

  • Proven ability to lead a process of fundamental change within a diverse and complex organization.

  • Ability and experience in building relationships and working in collaboration with other entities, including the Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education; the Cooperating School District; other public, private and parochial schools and districts, charter schools and colleges and universities.  

  • Up-to-date knowledge of national reform initiatives, best practices, continuous improvement strategies and alternative pathways, with high expectations for performance; commitment to maintaining high standards and increasing accountability for results at all levels.

  • Demonstrated experience in embracing and celebrating diversity; working well in diverse economic and multicultural communities and environments.

  • Experience in strategic planning, communicating a vision and goals to others and effectively implementing action plans throughout an organization; accelerating the pace of change and utilizing “out-of-the-box” thinking.

  • Demonstrated record of fiscal accountability and data-driven decision-making; managing a highly competent team to oversee daily operations and finances.

  • Outstanding interpersonal and communication skills to reach out, listen and build confidence and trust between and among students, parents, employees, bargaining units, advocacy groups, higher education, business, foundations and federal, state and local political officials.

  • High-energy and inspirational leadership; displaying vision, self-confidence, integrity and risk taking.

 Application Criteria: 

  • At least five (5) years of administrative or supervisory experience at an executive level within a large, diverse organization, preferably in an urban setting; 7-10 years of experience preferred.

  • Master’s degree in education, public or business administration or other related fields; earned doctorate preferred.

  • Certified or eligible for certification as a Missouri superintendent.

     Application should include:

  • A letter describing professional and personal qualifications, experience and reasons for interest in the position and a current resume.

  • Two to three page description of the applicant’s major accomplishments in or related to the following areas of: strategic planning; standards-based and high-performing learning systems; fiscal responsibility and management; facilities planning and management; data-driven decision-making; labor relations and negotiations; professional development and leadership team training; performance evaluation and accountability systems; diverse economic and  multicultural communities; working with “parents as partners;” stakeholder involvement strategies; community partnerships; civic and political  involvement.                        

Send applications by July 11, 2008, to: 

Dr. Nancy R Noeske, PROACT Search, Inc.
126 N. Jefferson Street, Suite 360; Milwaukee, WI  53202
Phone:  414-347-0200; Fax:  414-347-0202
E-mail: info@proactsearchinc.com
Web site:  www.proactsearchinc.com
Web site: www.slps.org