Superintendent, WA State School for the Blind (WSSB)

State of Washington • Clark County – Vancouver, WA

1d • $108,816 - $195,876 • Onsite

About The Position

The Superintendent leads the Washington State School for the Blind (WSSB), a statewide educational agency and specialized school serving blind, deafblind, and low vision learners. WSSB combines a residential school in Vancouver for students in grades 6–12 with statewide programs, resources, and services for learners from birth through age 22. The organization employs approximately 150 employees and serves more than 2,300 learners statewide each year. Its mission is to empower blind, deafblind, and low vision individuals to reach their full potential.

The Superintendent provides strategic and operational leadership for WSSB’s on-campus programs and statewide services, ensuring educational quality, organizational effectiveness, and responsible financial stewardship. The role includes statewide travel and engagement with students, families, educators, agencies, and community partners. The Superintendent reports directly to the Governor and works in partnership with WSSB’s advisory Board of Trustees. Under RCW 72.40.022, the Governor appoints the Superintendent from a list of three names submitted by the Board of Trustees.

The successful leader will build on WSSB’s legacy of specialized education and innovation, strengthen partnerships, advance student-centered approaches, and help expand access to services and resources. The position is exempt from civil service rules. The physical office is in Vancouver, Washington. The starting salary range is $108,816–$195,876 annually, with the offer determined by the successful candidate’s qualifications.

Requirements

• A master's degree from an accredited college or university in school administration or blind education.
• Five years of experience teaching blind students in the classroom.
• Three years of administrative or supervisory experience in programs for blind students.
• Professional certifications consistent with Washington law and applicable requirements established by the Washington Professional Educator Standards Board or OSPI, including applicable superintendent and teaching credentials.
• Commitment to blind, deafblind, and low vision education and ability to advocate effectively on statewide educational and accessibility issues.
• Ability to lead through collaboration and influence, build relationships and coalitions, and work effectively with governing boards, elected officials, government agencies, external stakeholders, and legislative processes.
• Strong communication, facilitation, public-speaking, and interpersonal skills, supported by emotional intelligence.
• Mission-driven, ethical, diplomatic, resilient, and approachable leadership style.
• Ability to lead and develop high-performing teams, strengthen accountability, and advance continuous improvement.

Nice To Haves

• A record of innovation, including developing programs, partnerships, technologies, or approaches that improve outcomes and can be brought to scale.
• Ability to develop statewide and national networks that expand access to resources, expertise, and professional learning.
• An entrepreneurial approach to addressing the needs of students and families who are underserved or unserved.

Responsibilities

• Provide strategic direction for on-campus programs and statewide services, including planning, implementation, and budget oversight.
• Strengthen partnerships, coordination, and resource sharing to address emerging needs and expand access to services.
• Advance innovative, student-centered approaches that improve service delivery, remove barriers, and promote continuous improvement.
• Serve as a statewide advocate and resource on educational and accessibility issues affecting blind, deafblind, and low vision individuals.
• Establish measurable goals, evaluate program effectiveness, monitor operational performance, and advance quality-improvement initiatives.
• Recruit, develop, and retain a skilled workforce of approximately 150 employees while fostering collaboration, accountability, and professional growth.
• Oversee facilities, maintenance, and construction projects in alignment with program needs and legislative appropriations, ensuring a safe, supportive learning environment.
• Build effective relationships with the Governor, Board of Trustees, families, educators, government agencies, consumer groups, and community partners.
• Strengthen family and caregiver engagement and develop partnerships with universities and other organizations to support professional training and development.

Benefits

• Medical, dental, vision, and life insurance.
• 12 paid holidays.
• 14 paid vacation days minimum.
• 12 days of sick leave per year.
• State retirement programs.
• A workplace culture emphasizing integrity, innovation, inclusion, and belonging.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Executive