What are the responsibilities and job description for the Gunnison Watershed School District, Gunnison, CO - Superintendent position at McPherson & Jacobson LLC?
Position Description for Gunnison Watershed School District, Gunnison, Colorado.
The Gunnison Watershed School District located in Gunnison and Crested Butte, Colorado, is seeking a highly qualified Superintendent. The Board wishes to have the successful candidate assume the responsibilities of the position July 1, 2026.
McPherson & Jacobson, L.L.C., Executive Recruitment and Development has been engaged as the consultant in a search for outstanding candidates. They will assist the board of education in identifying and screening the candidates.
Enrollment: 2,100
Location: The Gunnison Watershed School District (GWSD) is a public school district with seven schools located in the communities of Gunnison, Crested Butte and Marble. The district encompasses nearly 3000 square miles and crosses two counties - Gunnison County and Saguache County. The district administrative office is located in the heart of the Rocky Mountains in the city of Gunnison. The valley’s economy is largely based on higher education, ranching, and tourism. The community has a variety of services including the Gunnison-Crested Butte Regional Airport, Gunnison Valley Hospital, Western Colorado University, Crested Butte Mountain Resort and Monarch Ski Area, and numerous four-season outdoor recreation activities. The high elevation leads to ever changing weather and winter temperatures are often well below zero. The community has a growing population of multilingual learners.
The Qualifications:
The candidate must have the background, skills, and abilities essential for excellence in educational leadership. The board recognizes that selecting a superintendent is one of the most important decisions it will make. The board has identified the following desired characteristics aligned with the strategic plan:
Holistic Learner Experience
- Values educating the whole child
- Student-focused
- Proven experience with improving academic outcomes
- Experience in meeting the diverse needs of all students
Caring and Exceptional Staff
- Demonstrates high integrity and ethics
- Builds trust to create a collaborative environment
- Experience in staff recruiting and retention
- Visible in classrooms, schools, and community
- Strong leadership and vision
Strong Family and Community Partnerships
- Builds strong family and community relationships and fosters partnerships
- Knows and understands working in a rural community
- Experience building and managing a budget to meet district needs
Additional Requirements:
- MA required
- Principal license required
- Residing within school district boundaries
- Building leadership experience or administrative position at central office
- Previous superintendent experience preferred
- Bilingual and/or experience building relationship with multilingual communities preferred
Salary and Benefits:
- $155,000 - $185,000 (commensurate with experience and education)
- Family Health Insurance
- Cell phone stipend
Search Timeline:
- Closing date for applications: January 5, 2026 (11:59 p.m. central time)
- Board of Education selects finalists to interview: January 19, 2026
- Interviews with community engagement: February 9 & 10, 2026
- Superintendent selection: February 10 or 11, 2026
- Start date: July 1, 2026 or as negotiated
Contact information:
McPherson & Jacobson, L.L.C. 11725 Arbor St., Suite 220
Omaha, NE 68144
888-375-4814Email: apps@macnjake.com
Gunnison Watershed School District Website: https://www.gunnisonschools.net
Consultant: Dr. Christy L. Sinner c_sinner@macnjake.com
Gunnison Watershed School District is an Equal Opportunity Employer. The district does not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, sex, age, national origin or disability and, when needed, will provide reasonable accommodations to applicants and employees. Anyone requesting reasonable accommodation in the application or recruitment process please contact McPherson & Jacobson at the address/phone/email above.
Salary : $155,000 - $185,000