Superintendent of Schools

Gilford School District; Gilford (NH); On-site; USD 150,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

Gilford School District is seeking its next superintendent to lead a district with a strong leadership team, engaged families, and a commitment to educational excellence. The superintendent will serve as the district’s chief executive officer, reporting to the School Board and carrying out duties per New Hampshire Administrative Rule Ed 302, while ensuring learner achievement and well‑being.

The next leader will work closely with staff, learners, families, and municipal leaders to identify

Qualifications

• At least five years of K–12 administrative experience at the building or district level.
• Master's degree in educational leadership from an approved program.
• New Hampshire superintendent certification under Ed 506.01, or eligibility to obtain it by July 1, 2027.

Responsibilities

• Lead for student success by setting clear educational priorities and districtwide focus on learner achievement, well-being, and excellence.
• Build leadership capacity, foster trust, collaboration, and accountability for outcomes.
• Translate district priorities into action by establishing measurable goals and monitoring progress.
• Communicate with staff, learners, families, and municipal leaders with clarity and collaboration during times of change.
• Partner with the School Board by providing sound professional advice and implementing policies.
• Demonstrate strong fiscal stewardship by aligning resources with district priorities and long-term success.

Skills

Educational leadership

Budgeting & finance

Staff collaboration

Communication

Policy governance

Education

Master's degree in educational leadership

NH superintendent certification or eligible

Job description

Superintendent of Schools: Gilford School District

Picture a district with an established leadership team, committed staff, engaged families, and a school board that balances support for schools with accountability to taxpayers. Now add Lake Winnipesaukee on one side and the Belknap Mountains on the other. That's Gilford: an exceptional place to live, work, and lead as its next superintendent.

The Role of Superintendent

The next Superintendent of the Gilford School District will build on the district's strengths, working closely with the School Board, leadership (administrative) team, staff, learners, families, and community to identify opportunities for growth and innovation while honoring the traditions, relationships, and practices that make Gilford strong. The superintendent serves as the district's chief executive officer and carries out the duties outlined in New Hampshire Administrative Rule Ed 302.

The District’s next leader will:

• Lead for student success by setting clear educational priorities, supporting the Curriculum Director and building leaders, and ensuring a districtwide focus on learner achievement, well-being, and educational excellence.
• Build leadership capacity by empowering and supporting leaders, fostering a culture of trust, collaboration, and continuous improvement, while maintaining clear expectations and accountability for outcomes.
• Translate district priorities into action by establishing measurable goals, monitoring progress, and ensuring initiatives are implemented thoughtfully and sustainably.
• Build strong relationships with staff, learners, families, community members, and municipal leaders through clear, transparent communication, meaningful collaboration, and thoughtful decision-making, particularly during times of change or competing perspectives.
• Partner effectively with the School Board by providing sound professional advice, implementing Board policies and decisions, and maintaining a strong governance relationship.
• Demonstrate strong fiscal stewardship by aligning resources and budget decisions with district priorities and long-term success.

The District

Gilford, an SB 2 District,serves just over 1,000 learners in three schools close enough to function as one campus. The middle (grades 5–8) and high (grades 9–12) schools are connected, the elementary school (K–4) is directly across the street, and the SAU office sits in Gilford's historic district, less than half a mile away. Learners from neighboring Gilmanton also attend Gilford High School through a tuition agreement.

About 245 staff members support the district, led by an experienced, collaborative 12-member administrative team. It includes a business administrator; directors of curriculum, student services, technology director, buildings and grounds, and food service; and administrators at each school.

Qualifications:

Required:

• At least five years of K–12 administrative experience at the building or district level
• A master's degree in educational leadership from an approved program
• New Hampshire superintendent certification under Ed 506.01, or eligibility to obtain it by July 1, 2027

Preferred:

• Experience leading or participating in collective bargaining
• A working knowledge of current laws and legislation
• Experience preparing a school district budget and presenting it to voters and town officials

The position begins July 1, 2027, with a competitive salary and comprehensive benefits package commensurate with experience and qualifications.

TheGilford School Board is committed to a thoughtful and inclusive search process and looks forward to naming thenext leader who will build upon the district’s strengths leading the Gilford schools into the future.

Gilford School District is an Equal Opportunity Employer.