Willie Ross School for the Deaf is now accepting applications for its next President and CEO! We invite you to review the President and CEO Prospectus. It includes an overview of Willie Ross School for the Deaf, a profile of the leadership qualities and capabilities the community is looking for, and a description of the required qualifications and job duties.
The Willie Ross School for the Deaf prospectus offers prospective applicants a full picture of the school, including its history, dual campus structure, programs and services, and finances. It also features a Leader Profile built from the input of students, families, staff, the leadership team, and community members through focus groups and a survey. The prospectus (link) also includes the job description for the President and CEO, salary and benefits, and instructions on how to apply.
The key qualifications for this position include:
REQUIRED:
- Prior administrative experience
- Knowledge of federal and state special education statutes and regulations
- Advanced degree
PREFERRED:
- Fluency in American Sign Language
- Experience as a Teacher of the Deaf
- Leadership experience in a school or program for the Deaf
- Knowledge of Massachusetts Chapter 766 approved schools and DESE oversight
SALARY RANGE: $150,000 to $200,000
Willie Ross School for the Deaf is seeking a President and CEO with the following qualities and capabilities:
- Forward-Thinking Deaf Education Leader and Guardian of the Dual Campus Model: A leader with deep roots in Deaf education who understands what makes Willie Ross unique: its Longmeadow campus and its classrooms in partner public schools. This leader respects that there is no single right way to be Deaf and holds firm that every Deaf child deserves access to ASL.
- Fiscal Strategist and Resource Builder: A leader who acts with integrity, understands school finances, and plans wisely for the school’s future, including its facilities. They grow fundraising and invest in the teachers and staff who make Willie Ross work.
- Present, Collaborative Leader and Team Builder: A leader who is visible in classrooms, in hallways, and at lunch, and who communicates directly in ASL and English. They are honest, fair, and kind, follow through on their commitments, and treat the staff like the family they are.
- Regional Leader and Partnership Builder: A leader who raises Willie Ross’s profile in Longmeadow and beyond, and works closely with Outreach to support students in public school programs across the region. They build strong partnerships with families, partner districts, and the Deaf community, and they grow the student life students love.
Above all, the community asked for a leader who is present, honest, and fluent in its language.
If you know someone who would be a great fit for the Willie Ross School for the Deaf President and CEO position, please share the prospectus with them.
To apply, please submit a cover letter, resume, and three references to apply@innivee.com.
For any questions or nominations, please reach out to apply@innivee.com.
More opportunities for the Willie Ross community to take part in the search will be shared in a future update.
About Willie Ross School for the Deaf
Willie Ross School for the Deaf (WRSD) is a private, nonprofit school for Deaf and Hard of Hearing students, founded by parents in 1967 so their Deaf children could be educated close to home. Approved by the Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education under Chapter 766, WRSD serves students ages 3 to 22 through a distinctive dual campus model: a main campus in Longmeadow, Massachusetts, a Partnership Campus within the East Longmeadow Public Schools, and an Early Learning Center at Bay Path University. Its Early Intervention and Outreach programs support infants, toddlers, and students in their home districts across western and central Massachusetts and northern Connecticut. WRSD earned CEASD accreditation in 2023 and celebrates its 60th anniversary in 2027.
For more information about Willie Ross School for the Deaf, please visit [NEEDED: WRSD website URL].
About Innivee Strategies, Inc.
Innivee Strategies provides a systemic framework for organizations to facilitate a strong strategic direction toward the desired vision. Our services include Executive Search & Transition, Governance Training & Consulting, Strategic Planning, Executive Support Systems, Leadership Development, and Guided Facilitation. Please visit our website at www.innivee.com to learn about our clients and their testimonies about how our services have benefited their organizations.
