Commissioner of Education
Colorado State Board of Education - Denver, Colorado
Apply to www.macnjake.com
The Colorado State Board of Education is seeking an experienced and proven leader to serve as Commissioner of Education. The Board wishes to have the successful candidate assume the responsibilities of the position no later than July 1, 2023.
McPherson & Jacobson, L.L.C., Executive Recruitment and Development has been engaged as the consultant in a search for outstanding candidates. The firm will assist the Board of Education in identifying and screening the candidates. Applicants shall not contact the Colorado Department of Education or the State Board of Education directly.
Location: Denver, CO
Position Summary
The Commissioner of Education is responsible for providing innovative and values-driven leadership for the Colorado Department of Education, which includes strategic direction for the agency and fulfilling responsibilities to support school districts in implementing the state and federal educational laws. CDE administers a state education budget of approximately $6.48 billion and a staff of 500-600 people. The Commissioner reports to a nine-member, publicly elected State Board of Education; the position is not governed by the Colorado state personnel system . The Commissioner is responsible for communicating the state’s education vision and laws throughout Colorado and the nation.
The Qualifications
The Board of Education is seeking a candidate who has demonstrated the ability to meet the following expectations consistently and effectively:
Key Duties and Responsibilities:
Partner with the State Board of Education by providing information and guidance to help the elected members carry out their statutory duties.
Provide strategic direction for CDE’s programmatic and operational goals that align with the State Board of Education’s vision for education throughout Colorado. Lead the development of the strategic plan to be approved by the State Board of Education.
Communicate about and provide guidance on the key education policy and content to the public, state board, legislature, Governor's Office and public at large.
Oversee and represent the work of all CDE divisions, the Colorado State Library and the State Board of Education. Make connections between the work of these teams and others in the department and across state agencies, in advancement of the strategic plan.
Oversee and manage all the operational functions of CDE including budget, procurement, accounting, human resources, and technology systems in alignment with federal and state law and policy as well as the State Board of Education policy.
Represent CDE and the State Board of Education in legislative and Governor relations, including presenting on behalf of the agency to legislative committees and Governor meetings.
Work collaboratively with the Governor and his/her staff and sit on his/her cabinet as requested by the Governor.
Participate in the legislative process as appropriate for the role, by working with legislators on key topics and leading CDE through the legislative process.
Lead, supervise and guide the CDE senior executive staff as they support all divisions across CDE.
Develop a supportive employee culture in line with the vision and values of the Department of Education; considering diversity, equity, and inclusion in decision-making; and fostering collaboration, teamwork, and professional development for staff.
Represent CDE and the State Board of Education at state and national conferences and meetings with a variety of stakeholders including but not limited to superintendents, educators, BOCES, education organizations, teachers, students, family organizations, and state and national organizations.
Hosts and meets with the Commissioner’s Rural Council, Teacher Cabinet and Superintendent Advisory Council.
Represent CDE and the State Board of Education as the official representative in legal issues.
Ensure CDE maintains a high level of customer service to stakeholders, policymakers, and the public.
Additional duties as set forth in C.R.S. § 22-2-112.
Other duties as assigned.
The Board of Education further seeks a candidate with the following competencies and values:
Demonstrated personal and professional leadership success, preferably in the administration of public education. (C.R.S. § 22-2-110(4)).
Possesses deep knowledge of education policy and content. For example, understands how to enhance student performance, especially in identifying and closing or narrowing the gaps in student achievement. Has knowledge of emerging research and best practices in education.
Demonstrated experience in leading and developing an organization, including, but not limited to, identifying, and solving strategic issues and working in partnership with all levels of employees.
Understands and applies the principles of values-based leadership, including leading by example, and expressing behaviors in daily work that encourage and promote values of diversity, equity, inclusion, compassion, integrity, honesty and trust.
Possesses excellent people skills, presents a positive image of the Colorado Department of Education, and will listen to and consider input and make a decision when necessary.
Possesses the leadership skills required to respond to the challenges presented by an ethnically, socio-economically, culturally, linguistically, and geographically diverse statewide educational community.
Inspires trust, has a growth and learning mindset, possesses optimism, and models high standards of integrity and personal performance.
Is a strong communicator -- speaking, listening, and writing.
Has knowledge of and proven ability in managing statewide fiscal resources, leading continuous improvement, and appropriately including others in planning and decision making.
Is strongly committed to a student-focused philosophy in all decisions.
Can support the development and communicate a vision of quality education for the future to the State Board of Education, staff, and community with successful experience in the selection and implementation of education priorities consistent with the interests and needs of students, parents, staff, state board, and community.
Understands and values Colorado’s local control policy system of governance of K-12 schools.
Demonstrated ability to build a positive, productive, and inclusive workplace culture.
Minimum Education, Licensure and Certification Requirements
Advanced Degree, preferably in education or education administration, awarded from a regionally or nationally accredited college or university (C.R.S.§ 22-2-110(4)).
At least 15 years of experience, education and/or training related to the job duties.
At least 6 years working with policymakers, legislators, and/or state and national education leaders.
Salary Range: $260,000 - $295,000 commensurate with experience and in accordance with C.R.S. § 8-5-101 et seq. (Equal Pay for Equal Work Act)
Search Timeline
Posting Date for Applications: April 4, 2023
Closing Date for Applications: May 1, 2023
Preliminary Interviews with Board of Education: May 25-26, 2023
Selection of New Commissioner: June 9, 2023
Start Date: July 1, 2023
Contact Information
McPherson & Jacobson, L.L.C.
11725 Arbor Street, Suite 220
Omaha, NE 68144
888-375-4814
Email: apps@macnjake.com
Department website: www.cde.state.co.us
Consultants;
Dr. Walt Cooper w_cooper@macnjake.com
Dr. Christy Sinner c_sinner@macnjake.com
Dr. Randy Zila r_zila@macnjake.com\
Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion, and Equal Employment Opportunity
The State of Colorado believes that equity, diversity, and inclusion drive our success, and we encourage candidates from all identities, backgrounds, and abilities to apply. The State of Colorado is an equal opportunity employer committed to building inclusive, innovative work environments with employees who reflect our communities and enthusiastically serve them. Therefore, in all aspects of the employment process, we provide employment opportunities to all qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, disability, age, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, pregnancy, medical condition related to pregnancy, creed, ancestry, national origin, marital status, genetic information, or military status (with preference given to military veterans), or any other protected status in accordance with applicable law.
The Colorado Department of Education is committed to the full inclusion of all qualified individuals. As part of this commitment, our agency will assist individuals who have a disability with any reasonable accommodation requests related to employment, including completing the application process, interviewing, completing any pre-employment testing, participating in the employee selection process, and/or to perform essential job functions where the requested accommodation does not impose an undue hardship. If you have a disability and require reasonable accommodation to ensure you have a positive experience applying or interviewing for this position, please direct your inquiries to the search firm.