Commissioner

The Massachusetts Board of Elementary and Secondary Education (Board) seeks an innovative and collaborative systems-level thinker to serve as the next Commissioner of the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE). The Commissioner advocates for the Commonwealth of Massachusetts’s public elementary and secondary schools and works to strengthen the impact, accessibility, and quality of elementary and secondary education across the state. 

DESE provides leadership, oversight, funding, support, and accountability for the Commonwealth’s 399 school districts that educate close to 1 million public school children each year. DESE also oversees programs that serve 20,000 adult learners each year. The DESE Commissioner is appointed by the Board with the approval of the Massachusetts Secretary of Education and works cooperatively with the Board, the Executive Office of Education (EOE), and the leaders of the Commonwealth’s 1,827 public schools. The Commissioner is the executive and administrative head of DESE, reports to the Board, and works collaboratively with the Governor and Secretary of Education.

Massachusetts continues to lead the nation in K-12 education. The Department’s next Commissioner will maintain the state’s steadfast commitment to educational excellence, continue to develop an equitable system that educates all students to their full potential and the highest standards, and develop even more effective policies and practices to increase academic achievement for all. With the support and involvement of numerous partners and stakeholders, the Commissioner will have the opportunity to build on recent years’ successes, support the development of innovative strategies and programs, ensure value and accountability, and advance an ambitious educational vision that is student-centered and guided by best practices.

The Commissioner will be a forward-thinking, data-driven educator and a proven leader and manager within complex, multi-tiered systems. They will have a strong grasp of the salient issues, success drivers, and challenges of public education systems, skills in navigating state government structures and the political process, and the ability to place Massachusetts trends within the national context. The successful candidate will demonstrate effectiveness in devising imaginative approaches that serve students, teachers, and their school communities, an unwavering commitment to the transformational power of elementary and secondary education, and a clear track record of dismantling systemic inequities and improving the experience of all students, particularly those from marginalized communities and experiences. 

All inquiries, nominations, and applications (including resumes/CVs and two- to three-page letters of interest describing relevant experience relating to the priorities and qualifications outlined above) should be directed in strict confidence to the search team below. Applications will be reviewed as they are submitted. The position is open until filled.

Katie Rockman and Tatiana Oberkoetter are leading this search with Arianna Williams and Maria Connor.

The Commonwealth is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate based on race, religion, color, sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, age, disability, national origin, veteran status, or any other basis covered by appropriate law.  Research suggests that qualified women, Black, Indigenous, and Persons of Color (BIPOC) may self-select out of opportunities if they don't meet 100% of the job requirements.  We encourage individuals who believe they have the skills necessary to thrive to apply for this role.

The Education Secretariat is committed to equity and valuing the unique and diverse characteristics and experiences of every member of its workforce. We encourage an authentic workplace where colleagues show up as their full selves, and where collaboration, innovation, and connections are key to realizing our mission that all children, youth, and families thrive socially, academically, and economically. We seek teammates committed to promoting a diverse and inclusive work environment, where everyone is valued and engaged. We encourage you to apply and identify your strengths in these areas.