executive search services
Educational governing bodies across the country face a critical responsibility when selecting new executive leaders. Whether you are seeking a superintendent, assistant superintendent, or other key district executive, we are here to be your trusted partner in building stronger schools. We understand that choosing the right leadership team is essential to a district’s success—and that’s where we come in. We specialize in helping school boards identify and recruit exceptional executive leaders who align with your district’s values and vision. Our mission is simple: to work closely with your governing board to understand your unique needs and connect you with high-caliber candidates who are ready to lead and inspire. With our support, you can navigate the hiring process with clarity and confidence, ensuring your school district has the leadership it needs to thrive. Let’s work together to shape a strong and successful future for your schools!
How We Function
Modern EducateHR’s Superintendent & Executive Staff Search Service makes use of a cadre of trained professionals who work together to facilitate an effective search process from the very first meeting. Once Modern EducateHR is contacted by an educational governing body, a member of the search cadre will meet with the governing board to outline the process and create a proposal contract for the Superintendent & Executive Staff Search Service.
Communication
Communication and organization are essential to a successful executive search. We utilize secure, web-based systems that provide our clients with 24/7 access to all search-related documents. Whether using a tablet, smartphone, laptop, or desktop, the governing body and search consultants can confidentially access all information in a well-organized, transparent, and timely manner.
Our Fee Schedule
- Basic fee will be negotiated based on the size of district
- Advertising fee will be dependent upon the extent of search
- Criminal background check will be charged at actual cost
Additional Services Available
- Revising and updating superintendent job description
- Assisting in contract negotiations
- Assist in developing contract (legal review recommended)
- Schedule and/or conduct on-site visit(s) to finalists’ home districts
- Assist in developing superintendent performance appraisal
Scheduling the Superintendent & Executive Staff Search Service
The Modern EducateHR Superintendent & Executive Staff Search Service may be requested by contacting Keith Lewis at (775) 443-5451 or keith@moderneducateHR.com. Mr. Lewis will schedule a mutually convenient time to meet with a member of the search cadre to determine the board’s needs and to draft a proposal/contract. There is no cost for this initial meeting. All costs for the Superintendent & Executive Staff Search Service are identified in the proposal/contract which must be approved by the board before it takes effect.
Our 7-Phase Process
We understand that every district is unique. While our 7-phase process is outlined below, we will work collaboratively with the governing body to design a search that best meets your specific needs. Whether you require basic advertising and recruitment or a comprehensive community engagement strategy, we tailor the search to align with your goals and budget.
Phase 1 - Identify District Priorities the Qualities Desired in an Executive
Conduct interviews with each member of the governing body and other key education and community leaders identified by them—such as administrators, teachers, parents, business leaders, and others—to determine the district’s perceived needs and the qualities most desired in the new executive. If desired, an online survey can be used to gather input from a broader group of community stakeholders.
Phase 2 - Advertise and Administer Recruitment and Application Procedures.
Develop targeted recruiting materials that describe the district and executive position, and announce the vacancy. Announcements will be shared with key agencies and individuals nationwide, with a focus on the western region. Electronic advertisements will be created for posting on leading educational leadership websites. This broad-based outreach strategy ensures the governing body reaches a wide and diverse pool of qualified candidates. An application form and selection procedures will be proposed by the consultant, subject to approval by the governing body.
Phase 3 - Targeted Personalized Recruitment
In addition to general advertising for the position, our team will personally reach out to respected and knowledgeable individuals nationwide to share the desired qualifications for the executive role as identified in Phase 1. These targeted contacts will be asked to recommend exceptional business and educational leaders they know who may align with the district’s needs. Each nominee will be confidentially contacted to gauge interest in pursuing the executive opportunity. This personalized recruitment approach significantly increases the number of high-quality candidates in the selection pool. Without this confidential, targeted outreach, top leaders often remain on the sidelines and do not actively apply. In today’s environment, it is not practical to rely solely on known job-seekers; it is in the district’s best interest to identify and recruit the most outstanding candidates.
Phase 4 - Screening Candidates and Reference Checks
Under the direction of the governing body, we will prepare a list of qualified candidates. Comprehensive reference checks will be conducted through direct contact with individuals familiar with each applicant. The desired leadership characteristics will be evaluated, and an in-depth background check will be performed. The search consultant will meet or speak by phone with candidates recommended for interviews. Procedures will be established to ensure that all candidate information and materials are accessible to all members of the governing body.
Phase 5 - Interview Candidates
Interview times will be scheduled with the governing body for the final candidates. We will work collaboratively with the governing body to design an interview process that includes representatives from the internal education community, the broader community, and other designated stakeholders. The search team will provide a proposed interview structure and procedure, including sample questions, for review and revision. We will partner closely with all parties to ensure the interview experience is positive and productive for everyone involved.
Phase 6 - Contract Development and Arrangements
We will work with the governing body, the selected candidate, and the organization’s attorney to ensure the final employment agreement accurately reflects the mutual understanding of all parties and outlines the district’s expectations for the executive’s performance and evaluation criteria.
Phase 7 - Determination of First Year Goals and Development of Entry Plan
The search team will collaborate with the executive and the governing body to support a smooth transition and help develop a plan for the executive’s introduction to the district and community. We will provide at least two follow-up visits during the first year to align the district’s expectations with the executive’s performance and evaluation criteria. These visits will be designed to help address and manage any early challenges that may arise in the new leadership relationship.
