Chief Education Administrator: Leader for Student Impact

Grundmeyer Leader Services; Ankeny (IA); On-site; USD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

Grant Wood AEA Chief Administrator role seeking an accomplished leader to guide a statewide educational agency in Iowa. The chief executive officer aligns people, programs, and resources to improve student outcomes and educator support while ensuring sustainability.

The successful candidate will build partnerships with school boards, superintendents, staff, and stakeholders; advance strategic priorities; and ensure compliance with laws, policies, and board directions.

Qualifications

• Master's or specialist degree in educational administration or related field; doctorate preferred.
• Appropriate Iowa licensure, including Superintendent/AEA Administrator endorsement and evaluator approval, as required by law.
• Demonstrated successful and progressive administrative leadership experience in PK-12 education, an AEA, or closely related educational organization.
• Extensive knowledge in special education including law, programming, service delivery, compliance, and evidence-based practices.
• Understanding of Iowa's educational system and the role of Area Education Agencies.
• Experience in organizational, fiscal, personnel, and change leadership.

Responsibilities

• Provide executive leadership for high-quality, evidence-based programs and services that improve student outcomes.
• Support Board governance with strategic direction and data-informed recommendations.
• Cultivate district partnerships and stakeholder engagement to meet needs across the service area.
• Lead service-for-fee programs with financial sustainability and accountability.
• Develop leadership capacity, culture, and succession planning within the executive team.
• Oversee fiscal sustainability, contracts, risk management, and facility/tech operations.
• Collaborate statewide to strengthen Iowa's educational system and advocate for accountability.

Skills

Executive leadership

Special education

Change leadership

Strategic planning

Education

Master's in educational administration

Doctorate preferred

Job description

Grant Wood AEA Chief Administrator role seeking an accomplished leader to guide a statewide educational agency in Iowa. The chief executive officer aligns people, programs, and resources to improve student outcomes and educator support while ensuring sustainability.

The successful candidate will build partnerships with school boards, superintendents, staff, and stakeholders; advance strategic priorities; and ensure compliance with laws, policies, and board directions.