Executive Director, Educational Strategy & Statewide Impact

Grundmeyer Leader Search; Cedar Rapids (IA); On-site; USD 170,000 - 230,000; Full time

Job summary

Grant Wood AEA in Cedar Rapids seeks a Chief Administrator to serve as the CEO and chief professional adviser to the Board, leading strategic direction, aligning programs and resources to improve outcomes for students and educators, and representing the agency locally and statewide.

The role requires strong expertise in special education, service-for-fee programs, organizational improvement, statewide collaboration, and the ability to build a high-performing, accountable organization with fiscal

Qualifications

• Master's or specialist degree in educational administration or related field required.
• Iowa licensure (Superintendent/AEA Administrator endorsement) and evaluator approval as required by law.
• Progressive administrative leadership experience in PK–12, an AEA, or related organization.
• Extensive knowledge of special education laws, programming, service delivery, and compliance.
• Understanding of Iowa's educational system and the AEA's role.
• Experience in organizational, fiscal, personnel, and change leadership.

Responsibilities

• Provides executive leadership for high-quality programs and services that improve student outcomes.
• Ensures strong special education expertise informs Agency strategy and district support.
• Builds partnerships with school boards, superintendents, staff, and stakeholders.
• Leads financial sustainability, accountability, and statewide collaboration.

Skills

Executive leadership

Strategic partnerships

Data-informed decision making

Change management

Collaboration with state agencies

District relations

Education

Master's or specialist degree in educational administration

Iowa licensure: Superintendent/AEA Administrator endorsement

Doctorate preferred

Job description

Grant Wood AEA in Cedar Rapids seeks a Chief Administrator to serve as the CEO and chief professional adviser to the Board, leading strategic direction, aligning programs and resources to improve outcomes for students and educators, and representing the agency locally and statewide.

The role requires strong expertise in special education, service-for-fee programs, organizational improvement, statewide collaboration, and the ability to build a high-performing, accountable organization with fiscal