State Superintendent Public Instruction

Salary: $98.84 - $154.45 Hourly
Location : Salt Lake County, UT
Job Type: Full Time
Remote Employment: Flexible/Hybrid
Job Number: 44253
Agency: 400 Utah State Board of Education
Opening Date: 03/14/2025
Closing Date: 4/14/2025 11:59 PM Mountain
FLSA: Exempt
Recruiter: Selena Johansen; selenaijohansen@utah.gov
# of Openings: 1
Background Check: You must successfully pass a criminal history check.
Schedule Code: AS - Employees whose appointment is required by law to be exempt. This is a career service exempt at will position.
Benefits: This position is eligible for a full benefits package. See benefits tab below for details.
EEO Statement: The State of Utah is committed to equal employment opportunity regardless of race, color, ancestry, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, age, citizenship, marital status, disability, gender identity, or Veteran status. We also consider qualified applicants regardless of criminal histories, consistent with legal requirements. For accommodations, dial 711 or TTY: 800-346-4128.

Job Description
The State Superintendent of Public Instruction serves as the chief executive officer of the Utah State Board of Education (USBE). This dynamic leader acts at the direction of a fifteen-member elected board and is responsible for furthering the vision of academic and organizational excellence in the K-12 educational system in Utah. The Superintendent will have a sophisticated skillset in seamlessly communicating with all stakeholders including USBE board members and staff, policy makers, and our school communities (students, parents, and educators). The Superintendent must embody Utah's core values, which include integrity and a dedication to student achievement. In addition, the Superintendent is responsible for driving statewide accountability to our education system, managing state and federal education funds, evaluating programs to increase the success of our students, and setting a professional and positive example of education in our State.
Principal Duties

• Administrative Excellence: Administer all programs assigned to the organization at the direction of the Board, and in accordance with established laws, policies, and standards.
• Educational Strategy Development: Collaborate with the Board to develop a statewide education strategy focused on core academics, including the development of core standards for Utah public schools and graduation requirements.
• Organizational Leadership: Oversee and direct the organization's staff in successful execution of programs and initiatives, as well as maintain compliance with State code.
• Professional Learning: Oversee the creation and implementation of Professional Learning programs for teachers, superintendents, and principals to enhance educational outcomes.
• Community Engagement: Foster relationships with educators, parents, students, and community stakeholders to promote a collaborative approach to education.
• Innovation and Classroom Improvement: Encourage and implement innovative practices across school districts to identify effective strategies that will achieve continuous improvement in the classroom, and recognize trends that may hinder educational progress.
• Data-Driven Decision Making: Utilize educational data to inform policy decisions, ensuring accountability and transparency in education outcomes.

Qualifications and Preference

• A minimum of 10 years in leadership roles, with a proven track record of successful administration and policy implementation.
• In-depth understanding of Utah's public education system, including its values, challenges, and opportunities.
• Prior experience either working in public education or in a role that regularly engaged the public education system, such as collaborating with parents, educators, administrators, or education policy-makers.
• Master's degree required. Master's or Doctorate degree in education preferred.

Keys to Success

• Exceptional verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to engage diverse audiences effectively.
• Commitment to ethical leadership and integrity in all professional endeavors.
• Strong ability to listen to educators, parents, and community leaders to shape policies.
• Proven history of creative solutions to challenges at the individual and organizational level.
• Ability to navigate complex political and policy landscapes respectfully, while maintaining focus on student success.
• Working knowledge of law and policy governing public education at the federal, state, and local level.
• Understands sound academic learning principles that lead to high academic performance and can adequately judge trends in education that would be useful to the success of students.
• Knowledge and experience in robust fiscal practices, long-range planning, and management of public resources for taxpayer accountability.
• Experience collaborating with boards or comparable governing bodies, understanding the role of the Board of Education and seeking to maintain a positive working relationship with board members.

Utah Values: The ideal candidate will exemplify Utah's core values, including a strong sense of community, dedication to family and education, respect for diverse perspectives, and a commitment to fostering an environment where all students can succeed.

Application Process: As part of the application process, the Utah State Board of Education is requesting candidates compile a comprehensive portfolio that showcases their unique leadership, experience, and qualifications. Please include the key components detailed below.
Main Documents
For full consideration, the main document should not exceed 10 pages. General guidance for each category response should be 250 - 350 words.
a. Executive Summary - A concise overview of your professional background, key accomplishments, and leadership philosophy. This should include a clear statement of your vision for educational leadership and your commitment to student success.
b. Educational Philosophy and Leadership Style - A written statement articulating your educational philosophy, core values, and leadership style. Provide examples of how your philosophy has guided your decision-making and actions.
c. Evidence of Leadership and Accomplishments

• Data Driven Results: Include data that demonstrates your impact on student achievement, such as standardized test scores, graduation rates, and college readiness. Showcase your ability to improve school performance and close achievement gaps.
• Strategic Planning and Implementation: Provide examples of successful strategic planning initiatives you have led. Include evidence of your ability to develop and implement effective policies and programs.
• Financial Management: Demonstrate your expertise in budget development, financial management, and resource allocation. Include examples of how you have maximized resources and ensured fiscal responsibility.
• Community Engagement: Showcase your ability to build strong relationships with stakeholders, including parents, teachers, staff, and community members. Provide examples of successful community engagement initiatives.
• Personnel Management: Highlight your experience in recruiting, hiring, evaluating, and developing staff. Demonstrate your ability to create a positive and supportive work environment.
• Instructional Practices and Learning: Showcase your ability to implement effective instructional strategies and foster meaningful learning experiences. Provide examples of how you have improved skill development, increased engagement, or contributed to measurable growth in learning outcomes.
• Technology Integration: Show how you have implemented technology to improve educational outcomes.

Supporting Documents (outside of the page limit requirement):
a. Professional Resume or Curriculum Vittae (CV): A detailed and up-to-date resume highlighting your educational background, professional experience, and key achievements. Emphasize leadership roles, responsibilities, and quantifiable results.
b. Letters of Recommendation: Include letters of recommendation from previous supervisors, colleagues, and former direct reports (employees). Include 3-5 letters with contact information. Please note these may be referenced checked through the interview process.
c. Certifications and Licenses: Provide copies of relevant certifications and licenses.
d. Professional Learning: Include documentation of your ongoing Professional Learning activities.
Why You Should Join Our Team
A flexible schedule, priority of family and health, and a collaborative team environment are some of the things you can enjoy while working for the USBE. Additionally, you will receive an excellent compensation package which includes generous paid time off, excellent retirement plan options, and a variety of medical insurance plans.

The Agency
The Utah State Board of Education (USBE) leads by creating conditions to open doors of opportunity for all Utah children by: setting academic standards; protecting information systems; managing public education funds; directing transparent operations; developing policy for education; advocating for Utah students; and providing support and oversight of schools. To learn more about USBE please click here.
Supplemental Information

• Risks found in the typical office setting, which is adequately lighted, heated and ventilated, e.g., safe use of office equipment, avoiding trips and falls, observing fire regulations, etc.
• Typically, the employee may sit comfortably to perform the work; however, there may be some walking; standing; bending; carrying light items; driving an automobile, etc. Special physical demands are not required to perform the work.

Benefits:
The State of Utah offers eligible employees a variety of benefits including medical, dental, life and disability insurance, as well as a comprehensive leave program. Please click the following link for a detailed information page: To access a Total Compensation Calculator in Excel format click

FMLA General Notice:
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01

Do you have a Master's in Education, Master's of Public Administration, or other related Master's degree?

• Yes
• No

02

How many years of experience do you have working in public education?

• 0-2
• 3-5
• 6-10
• 10 or more

03

How many years of leadership experience do you in a district-wide or agency-wide role?

• 0-2
• 3-5
• 6-10
• 10 or more

04

How would you rate your knowledge of fiscal practices and management of public resources?

• Beginner
• Proficient
• Expert

Required Question