Date Posted:

September 15, 2015

Salary: 

$267,788 – $310,817

Description:

The Los Angeles County Office of Education (LACOE) is the nation’s largest regional education agency that provides comprehensive educational services. The Office is the intermediary between the California Department of Education and the 80 school districts and 13 community college districts serving 1.7 million preschool and school-age students in Los Angeles County.  LACOE employs nearly 3,000 employees and operates within a budget of $652 million while providing mandatory and discretionary services to its school districts including attendance and welfare, business advisory services, curriculum and instruction, research, evaluation and pupil services.  The Office helps meet the special educational needs of some 900 young people with severe disabilities, operating 111 special needs day classes on 34 public school campuses. It also provides services to students with special needs enrolled in district classes and helps young people at high risk of dropping out complete their education through Juvenile Court Schools and Alternative Education programs. The Office operates the largest Head Start program in the state.

The County Superintendent functions as the leader and chief officer for the largest educational county system in the nation. The County Superintendent reports directly to and is evaluated by the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors. The County Superintendent serves as the leader for the Los Angeles County Office of Education and works with the County Board of Education and the vast array of programs and services delivered through the County offices.  The County Superintendent directs a wide variety of duties including strategic planning; policy development; long-range planning; interacting with high-level state and federal officers and elected officials and ensuring that sound fiscal controls are in place across the County offices and programs. 

The County Superintendent brings high-level executive leadership experience with diverse clientele being served in programs administered and funded through intergovernmental agreements.  A working knowledge of federal and state educational laws and regulations is essential.  She or he should also have a working knowledge of the unique issues and challenges facing County offices of education.  The ideal candidate will have an understanding and experience with policy development and implementation.  The County Superintendent must have the ability to direct and lead staff to gather, analyze, and interpret statistical data and plan and implement programs to meet emerging student needs in cost effective ways.  She or he must also have the ability to render immediate decisions on urgent issues and to cope effectively with crisis situations. The ability to write clearly and speak in a variety of settings and think on one’s feet are necessary personal characteristics.  Above all, the County Superintendent should be a person who enjoys challenges, can motivate staff, thrives in a political environment, makes good decisions, and has outstanding follow-through.

Duties will include: lobbying in Sacramento and Washington DC; building relationships with district superintendents across the County; directing and evaluating the executive cabinet; developing and monitoring the leadership through strategic planning; monitoring County programs and determining their levels of success; apprising the Board of Supervisors on policy development; sharing information with school districts on the efficacy and cost effectiveness of County services; serving as County delegate to any and all commissions and boards; and informing and advising the County Board of Education on matters related to the County board meeting agenda.

Qualifications:

License and Certification
Possess or show eligibility for a valid California Administrative Services Credential.
A valid California Class “C” driver license or the ability to utilize an alternative method of transportation when needed to carry out essential job-related functions.

Experience and Education
The successful candidate will have a broad range of high-level executive leadership experience in a large educational or related organization.  A master’s degree in education or related field from an accredited college or university is required.

Desirable Qualifications
-Experience as a superintendent, deputy superintendent, or assistant superintendent.

-A Doctorate degree in education or a closely related field from an institution of higher learning accredited by one of the six regional accreditation associations, as recognized by the Council on Postsecondary Accreditation.

-Demonstrated ability to work effectively with an administrative or legislative body such as the County Board of Supervisors, public governmental bodies, legislature, regulatory commissions, and with representatives of other governmental and private agencies and community groups.

-Demonstrated strong communication skills that ensures the County Board of Supervisors and the Board of Education receive appropriate information, advice and recommendations which will result in staff and community confidence in governance and administration.

-Previous experience with large, urban, school districts.

-A record which indicates that she or he will be sensitive to diversity within the LACOE organization, the general public, and the various agencies with which the County Superintendent interfaces.

For the complete list of Desirable Qualifications, please refer to our official recruitment brochure on our website at http://hr.lacounty.gov, click on the “Executive Positions & Special Recruitments” tab.

How to Apply:

Highly qualified candidates are invited to submit a cover letter, statement of interest and a comprehensive resume detailing their demonstrated experience and career accomplishments relevant to this position. Submission should include ALL of the following:

-Candidate’s ability to meet the requirements as stated in this recruitment announcement.

-For organizations and programs managed, the name of each employer, job title, size of organization’s budget, number and composition of personnel supervised, scope of management responsibilities, functions managed, dates of employment, and current salary.

Please submit resume, cover letter, record of accomplishments, verification of degrees, and current salary information to the following e-mail address: ExecutiveRecruitment@hr.lacounty.gov.

Please indicate the position title of “Superintendent” in the subject line of your e-mail.  Materials received by September 29, 2015 will receive first consideration. Electronic submittals are preferred.

Confidential inquiries welcomed to:
LaTanya Hill
Department of Human Resources
Talent Solutions Division
Phone: (213) 974-2461

Filing Deadline:

Until position is filled.