Website Freshwater Education District
Job Posting: Executive Director
Location: Wadena, MN
Position Type: Up to 1.0 FTE
The Freshwater Education District #6004-61 is seeking a dynamic Executive Director to lead our organization into its next chapter. We are looking for a visionary educational leader who thrives on collaboration and regional impact.
We are based in Wadena, MN, and currently serve as a vital resource for 13 member school districts. We provide specialized, mandated educational services to our partners. By leveraging a shared-service model across multiple districts, we deliver high-quality results at a significantly lower cost. If you are a licensed school administrator with a passion for multi-district leadership and a heart for early childhood education, special education, and alternative learning, we want to hear from you. Salary range for 1.0 FTE $115,000-$160,000 (prorated if less than 1.0 FTE). Benefit package included.
Key Responsibilities
System Leadership: Provide executive oversight and superintendent-level leadership for the Freshwater Education District.
Strategic Collaboration: Work closely with member district superintendents to identify service gaps and implement high-quality regional programs.
Fiscal Stewardship: Manage the district budget, ensuring sustainable funding and equitable resource distribution among member districts.
ALC Oversight: Direct the operations, curriculum, and student success initiatives of the Area Learning Center (4 sites).
Advocacy: Serve as the “voice” of FED at the state and regional levels, ensuring our rural member districts are represented in policy discussions.
Requirements
Qualifications:
Licensure: Must hold a valid Minnesota K-12 Administrative license (Director of Special Education, Superintendent, or Principal).
Experience: Proven track record in educational leadership, school finance, and staff management. Experience with Education Districts or Cooperatives is a major plus.
Communication: Exceptional ability to build consensus among diverse stakeholders (school administrators, boards, staff, and community partners).
Innovation: A forward-thinking mindset to adapt services to the evolving needs of 21st-century learners.
District Application Guidelines
Please submit the following:
Cover Letter, Resume, and Three (3) Professional Letters of Reference to Sharon Thiel at [email protected]
For questions, please contact Jerry Nesland at 218-640-0267.
APPLICATION PROCESS
- Be sure to review the district’s requirements for the application process and provide all required documents.
- Districts now require that candidates apply through an external link. The link will be noted in the job posting.