Saydel Community School District, Des… at McPherson &… · Des Moines

Position Description for Saydel Community School District, Des Moines, Iowa

The Saydel Community School District Board of Education, Des Moines, Iowa, is seeking

an exceptional leader to serve as its next Superintendent, beginning July 1, 2027.

McPherson & Jacobson, L.L.C., Executive Recruitment and Development are engaged as

consultants in a search for outstanding candidates. They will assist the School Board in

identifying and screening the candidates.

Apply online at: www.macnjake.com

Enrollment: 1,409 Students

Location: DesMoines, Iowa

The Superintendent serves as the Chief Executive Officer of the Saydel Community School District and the administrative head of all divisions and programs of the school system. The Superintendent is responsible for providing educational, operational, organizational, and fiscal leadership to ensure that the district fulfills its mission and provides high-quality educational opportunities for each student.

The Superintendent works under the direction of the Board of Education and is responsible for implementing Board policies and decisions, providing leadership for the district's educational program, supervising district operations, overseeing the district’s financial management, and ensuring compliance with applicable federal and state laws, Iowa Department of Education rules, and Board policies.

The Superintendent shall provide leadership that promotes student achievement and well-being, instructional excellence, professional growth, effective operations, fiscal responsibility, strong relationships with staff and families, and meaningful engagement with the Saydel community.

The Superintendent shall exercise appropriate authority by delegating to district administrators and other personnel, while maintaining accountability to the Board for the district's overall performance and operations.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS AND RESPONSIBILITIES

The Superintendent performs the following responsibilities within the framework of the Iowa Standards for School Leaders (ISSL), Board policy, district goals, and applicable federal and state law.

1. Mission, Vision, and District Leadership

2. Instructional Leadership and Student Achievement

3. Leadership Development and Professional Capacity

4. Human Resources and Personnel Management

5. Board Relations and Governance

6. Fiscal Leadership and Stewardship

7. Facilities, Operations, and Safety

8. Community, Family, and External Relations

9. Ethics, Professionalism, and Equity

10. Continuous Improvement and Accountability

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES

The successful candidate should demonstrate:

• Strong instructional leadership and a commitment to student achievement.
• Knowledge of curriculum, instruction, assessment, professional learning, school improvement, and student achievement strategies.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills with students, staff, families, Board members, and community stakeholders.
• Strong organizational, problem-solving, and decision-making skills.
• The ability to make difficult decisions while considering their short- and long-term impact on the district.
• The ability to establish priorities, delegate appropriately, and hold individuals and teams accountable.
• Knowledge of school district operations, finance, human resources, facilities, transportation, and risk management.
• The ability to analyze information and use data to inform decisions.
• The ability to build effective relationships and work collaboratively with diverse groups.
• The ability to communicate complex issues clearly and appropriately to different audiences.
• Commitment to ethical leadership, professionalism, and continuous improvement.
• Competence in the use of technology for communication, research, information management, and district operations.

EDUCATION AND LICENSURE

• Bachelor's degree from a regionally accredited institution.
• Master's degree from a regionally accredited institution.
• Education Specialist (Ed.S.) degree, Advanced Studies Certificate, or doctorate in the area of superintendency.
• Hold or be eligible to obtain an Iowa Professional Administrator License with Superintendent endorsement.
• 5 years of successful teaching experience.
• Demonstrated successful experience in educational leadership.
• Demonstrated ability to lead and support high-quality instruction and student achievement.
• Demonstrated ability to communicate effectively with students, staff, families, Board members, and community members.

PROFESSIONAL EXPECTATIONS

The Superintendent is expected to:

• Maintain a visible presence throughout the district and community.
• Develop positive and productive relationships with students, staff, families, Board members, and community stakeholders.
• Communicate proactively, clearly, honestly, and respectfully.
• Maintain high professional and ethical standards.
• Protect the confidentiality of sensitive district, personnel, and student information.
• Remain current on educational research, Iowa education requirements, and issues affecting public education.
• Participate in professional development and activities that support effective district leadership.
• Represent the Saydel Community School District positively and professionally.
• Perform other duties as assigned by the Board of Education.

Search Timeline:

• Closing date for applications: Friday, November 27, 2026
• School Board selects finalists to interview: December 4–11, 2026
• Finalists’ interviews with the School Board: December 14–18, 2026
• Selection of new Superintendent: Tuesday, December 22, 2026
• Start Date: July 1, 2027

School Website: https://www.saydel.k12.ia.us/

Consultant:

Stephen Murley S_Murley@macnjake.com

Saydel Community School District Complete Position Description

Saydel Community School District is an Equal Opportunity Employer. The district does not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, sex, age, national origin, or disability and, when needed, will provide reasonable accommodations to applicants and employees. Anyone requesting reasonable accommodation in the application or recruitment process please contact McPherson & Jacobson at the address/phone/email above.