Description
SUPERINTENDENT POSITION DESCRIPTION
Steamboat Springs School District RE-2
Steamboat Springs, Colorado
The Steamboat Springs School District RE-2 Board of Education is seeking a highly qualified, fully licensed Superintendent to lead the district beginning July 1, 2026.
McPherson & Jacobson, L.L.C., Executive Recruitment and Development, has been retained to assist the Board of Education in identifying, recruiting, and screening outstanding candidates for this position.
Apply online at: www.macnjake.com
DISTRICT INFORMATION
Enrollment: Approximately 2,500 students
Grades Served: PK–12
Steamboat Springs is nationally known for its world-class skiing and outdoor recreation, anchored by Steamboat Ski Resort and its famed Champagne Powder. The community features both a historic downtown—reflecting its western heritage—and a mountain village located a few miles away. Originally a summer destination known for its natural hot springs, hunting, and fishing, Steamboat Springs has grown into a vibrant, year-round community located approximately 160 miles northwest of Denver at an elevation of 6,732 feet.
Steamboat Springs School District RE-2 is a highly rated public school district committed to academic excellence, whole-child development, and strong community partnerships.
QUALIFICATIONS AND DESIRED CHARACTERISTICS
The Board of Education recognizes that selecting a superintendent is one of its most important responsibilities. The successful candidate must demonstrate the background, skills, and leadership qualities essential to advancing excellence in the Steamboat Springs School District.
Leadership & Values
The district seeks a student-centered, ethical, and visionary leader who builds trust through strong relationships, transparency, and consistent actions. The Superintendent must be highly visible in schools and throughout the community, demonstrating a genuine desire to be present, engaged, and connected with students, staff, families, and community members.
This leader values collaboration fosters a culture of respect and connection, and understands that trust and credibility are built through listening, follow-through, and shared accountability.
Educational & Instructional Leadership
Strong instructional leadership is essential. The ideal candidate demonstrates deep understanding of PK–12 systems, instructional alignment, data-informed decision-making, and high-quality professional learning. A doctorate degree is preferred with a Colorado administrator’s license.
The Superintendent will prioritize academic growth while also addressing the whole student, recognizing the importance of mental health, social-emotional supports, and student voice beyond test scores. Experience serving special populations—including special education, gifted and talented, and culturally and linguistically diverse learners—is critical.
Knowledge of ESS programming, career and technical education (CTE), concurrent enrollment, and emerging instructional areas such as artificial intelligence and innovative practices is highly valued.
Collaborative & Competent Leadership
The district seeks a collaborative leader who supports and develops existing staff. The Superintendent must be an effective delegator who builds strong leadership teams, establishes clear roles and processes, and empowers administrators and staff to grow.
The successful candidate demonstrates skill in mediating differing perspectives, working with diverse personalities, and building cohesive teams across schools, central administration, and the Board of Education. A teaching background is strongly valued, as it fosters empathy, credibility, and authentic relationships with educators.
Visionary Leadership
As a visionary leader, the Superintendent must be forward-thinking while honoring the strong foundation already in place. The ideal candidate can articulate a clear direction for the district, rally support around a strategic plan, and guide thoughtful, sustainable change.
The Superintendent sees value in renewing and implementing a multi-year strategic plan that balances innovation with respect for past efforts, demonstrates a growth mindset, remains outcome-oriented, and holds an unwavering belief that failure is not an option for students.
Financial Acumen
Strong financial leadership is essential. The Superintendent must demonstrate a solid understanding of Colorado school finance, enrollment trends, and the effective use of district resources, including the Education Fund and the one-half cent sales tax.
The ability to make difficult fiscal decisions, creatively utilize space amid declining enrollment, and align financial planning with instructional priorities is critical. Transparency and responsible stewardship of public funds are non-negotiable expectations.
Communication & Community Engagement
The Superintendent must be a clear and effective communicator—one who writes and speaks with clarity, listens reflectively, and can analyze complex information and share it in understandable terms.
The ideal candidate actively engages the broader community, collaborates with multiple local partners, and values being a visible and contributing member of the Steamboat Springs community beyond the school day. Spanish language skills and experience engaging diverse families are considered strong assets.
Personal Leadership Qualities
The Board seeks a leader who is resilient, grounded, and balanced—someone who manages stress effectively, maintains perspective, and models healthy work-life balance. This individual is decisive yet reflective, thick-skinned when necessary, and unwavering in their commitment to serving all students.
Above all, the Superintendent must lead with integrity, humility, and a deep belief that every decision should advance student success and district excellence.
COMPENSATION
Salary Range: $230,000–$260,000, based on experience.
The compensation package includes:
Individual health, dental, and vision insurance
A moving allowance not to exceed $12,000 (requires three bids)
Other negotiated benefits
SEARCH TIMELINE
Application Deadline: March 16, 2026
Finalists Selected: March 30, 2026
Board Interviews: April 13–14, 2026
Selection of Superintendent: April 15, 2026
Start Date: July 1, 2026
CONTACT INFORMATION
McPherson & Jacobson, L.L.C.
11725 Arbor Street, Suite 220
Omaha, NE 68144
Phone: 888-375-4814
Email: apps@macnjake.com
Consultants:
Dr. Randy Zila
Dr. Christy Sinner
District Website: https://www.steamboatschools.net
EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER: Steamboat Springs School District RE-2 is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate based on race, religion, color, sex, age, national origin, or disability. Reasonable accommodation will be provided as needed. Requests for accommodation during the application or recruitment process should be directed to McPherson & Jacobson.
Requirements
QUALIFICATIONS AND DESIRED CHARACTERISTICS
The Board of Education recognizes that selecting a superintendent is one of its most important responsibilities. The successful candidate must demonstrate the background, skills, and leadership qualities essential to advancing excellence in the Steamboat Springs School District.
Leadership & Values
The district seeks a student-centered, ethical, and visionary leader who builds trust through strong relationships, transparency, and consistent actions. The Superintendent must be highly visible in schools and throughout the community, demonstrating a genuine desire to be present, engaged, and connected with students, staff, families, and community members.
This leader values collaboration fosters a culture of respect and connection, and understands that trust and credibility are built through listening, follow-through, and shared accountability.
Educational & Instructional Leadership
Strong instructional leadership is essential. The ideal candidate demonstrates deep understanding of PK–12 systems, instructional alignment, data-informed decision-making, and high-quality professional learning. A doctorate degree is preferred with a Colorado administrator’s license.
The Superintendent will prioritize academic growth while also addressing the whole student, recognizing the importance of mental health, social-emotional supports, and student voice beyond test scores. Experience serving special populations—including special education, gifted and talented, and culturally and linguistically diverse learners—is critical.
Knowledge of ESS programming, career and technical education (CTE), concurrent enrollment, and emerging instructional areas such as artificial intelligence and innovative practices is highly valued.
Collaborative & Competent Leadership
The district seeks a collaborative leader who supports and develops existing staff. The Superintendent must be an effective delegator who builds strong leadership teams, establishes clear roles and processes, and empowers administrators and staff to grow.
The successful candidate demonstrates skill in mediating differing perspectives, working with diverse personalities, and building cohesive teams across schools, central administration, and the Board of Education. A teaching background is strongly valued, as it fosters empathy, credibility, and authentic relationships with educators.
Visionary Leadership
As a visionary leader, the Superintendent must be forward-thinking while honoring the strong foundation already in place. The ideal candidate can articulate a clear direction for the district, rally support around a strategic plan, and guide thoughtful, sustainable change.
The Superintendent sees value in renewing and implementing a multi-year strategic plan that balances innovation with respect for past efforts, demonstrates a growth mindset, remains outcome-oriented, and holds an unwavering belief that failure is not an option for students.
Financial Acumen
Strong financial leadership is essential. The Superintendent must demonstrate a solid understanding of Colorado school finance, enrollment trends, and the effective use of district resources, including the Education Fund and the one-half cent sales tax.
The ability to make difficult fiscal decisions, creatively utilize space amid declining enrollment, and align financial planning with instructional priorities is critical. Transparency and responsible stewardship of public funds are non-negotiable expectations.
Communication & Community Engagement
The Superintendent must be a clear and effective communicator—one who writes and speaks with clarity, listens reflectively, and can analyze complex information and share it in understandable terms.
The ideal candidate actively engages the broader community, collaborates with multiple local partners, and values being a visible and contributing member of the Steamboat Springs community beyond the school day. Spanish language skills and experience engaging diverse families are considered strong assets.
Personal Leadership Qualities
The Board seeks a leader who is resilient, grounded, and balanced—someone who manages stress effectively, maintains perspective, and models healthy work-life balance. This individual is decisive yet reflective, thick-skinned when necessary, and unwavering in their commitment to serving all students.
Above all, the Superintendent must lead with integrity, humility, and a deep belief that every decision should advance student success and district excellence.
