Superintendent – Memphis, TN

Job Description

The Memphis-Shelby County School District (MSCS) is seeking a dynamic leader driven by the district’s vision to be the “premier school district attracting a diverse student population and effective teachers, leaders, and staff all committed to excellence.” The new superintendent will have the opportunity, privilege, and responsibility to lead and serve more than 110,000 students and 13,000 staff and must be capable of transforming the district’s three goals from words to action and outcomes by moving the needle in five high leverage areas.

MSCS recently completed an extensive community engagement process related to the search, and the results indicate the following professional qualifications are highly desirable:

1. Proven successful experience in hiring, developing, supporting, and retaining highly talented teachers and leaders;
2. The demonstrated leadership ability to ensure, sustain, and strengthen academic growth in an urban system;
3. Culturally aware, culturally relevant, and community centered; one who listens and is able to transform ideas and aspirations to action and results;
4. A fierce advocate for MSCS schools and an authentic servant leader who has successfully demonstrated productive service to students, staff, and communities;
5. An instructional leader who is data savvy and has the business acumen to manage complex projects from design, to implementation, to evaluation;
6. Expertise in delivering high quality, high frequency, highly accurate communication in multiple media.

Desired personal characteristics include, above all, ethics and integrity.  A transparent, inspiring visionary leader who is compassionate and collaborative while still having the boldness and courage to make and stand behind difficult decisions in order to benefit students is essential. 

Moreover, the next superintendent must have recent and relevant experience in successfully addressing priorities similar to those in MSCS.  These are:

1. Achieving measurable academic growth and progress for ALL students.
2. Strengthening and sustaining teacher and staff supports to ensure MSCS hires, develops, and retains excellent teachers and staff as well as to foster high morale and a system wide commitment to a professional culture of excellence.
3. Ensuring the safety and mental health and emotional well-being for students and staff.

Memphis has been named one of the most hospitable cities in the U.S. This “Birthplace of Rock ‘n’ Roll” offers residents an incredible music scene, delicious Memphis BBQ, top-rated universities, a growing job market, a cost of living well below the national average, gorgeous parks, Beale Street, and much more.  Moreover, MSCS has seen positive growth in resources, enjoys significant community support, and has a cohesive board of education focused on the best interests of all students.

Applicants need to submit the following three items to both HYA President Max McGee (maxmcgee@hyasearch.com) and Associate Micah Ali (ali@hyasearch.com)  via email with MSCS SEARCH in the subject line. 

1.  A cover letter explaining why you want the position, relates what excites you about the   opportunity, and shows that you are the right fit for the job.

2. Your resume (please note that experience as a teacher and educator administrator is preferred but is not required).

3.  A list of three references with email and phone numbers who HYA can contact.

Applications close March 31, 2023.  HYA screening interviews begin March 15^th, and Board interview commence in early April.