Description
Position Description for Superintendent of Cave Creek Unified School District
The Cave Creek Unified School District Governing Board, Scottsdale, Arizona, is seeking a highly qualified and certified Superintendent. The Board wishes to have the successful candidate assume the responsibilities of the position no later than July 1, 2026.
Cave Creek Unified is a district with a story—rooted in small-town pride, academic excellence, and a community that shows up for its schools. The Governing Board seeks a superintendent who can honor that identity while leading with clarity, courage, and heart.
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 governing board in identifying and screening the candidates.
Enrollment: 3,500 students
Location: Scottsdale, Arizona
CCUSD is looking for a superintendent who blends experience, communication, resilience, community commitment, and emotional intelligence - a leader who will strengthen what’s great, confront the needed improvements, and guide the district forward with purpose.
The Qualifications:
- Proven Leadership
The district needs an experienced district level superintendent who has proven successful in real-world leadership proficiency—someone who has guided teams through complex challenges and produced measurable results using vision and strategy.
- A Communicator Who Connects
CCUSD needs a skilled communicator who listens first, speaks with clarity, and works to build collaboration across staff, families, and the broader community. This leader must be able to tell the Cave Creek story—championing achievements, building trust, inspiring support, and educating the community.
- ‘Scrappy’, Fearless, and Solutions-Driven
The Board wants someone unafraid of difficult problems—a superintendent who is resourceful, resilient, and willing to innovate. Someone who can make the hard decisions, think strategically, and defend public education, students, and staff.
- Rooted in Community
Cave Creek is a relationship-driven district. The next superintendent must be visible, approachable, and invested—not just working in the community but understanding and valuing small-town culture.
- Emotionally Intelligent
The district needs a leader with strong emotional intelligence—steady, self-aware, diplomatic, and able to navigate conflict without becoming reactive. Someone compassionate but clear, calm but decisive.
Apply online at: www.macnjake.com
Search Timeline:
Closing date for applications: January 15, 2026
Governing Board selects finalists to interview: February 9, 2026
Meet the candidates – Town Hall: February 19, 2026
Interviews with the Governing Board: February 20, 2026
Selection of new Superintendent: February 24, 2026
Start date: July 1, 2026
Contact information:
McPherson & Jacobson, L.L.C.
11725 Arbor Street, Suite 220
Omaha, NE 68144
888-375-4814
Email: apps@macnjake.com
School District Website: https://www.ccusd93.org/
Consultants:
Jennifer Tanner
Don Grotting
Cave Creek Unified 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.
Requirements
The Qualifications:
- Proven Leadership
The district needs an experienced district level superintendent who has proven successful in real-world leadership proficiency—someone who has guided teams through complex challenges and produced measurable results using vision and strategy.
- A Communicator Who Connects
CCUSD needs a skilled communicator who listens first, speaks with clarity, and works to build collaboration across staff, families, and the broader community. This leader must be able to tell the Cave Creek story—championing achievements, building trust, inspiring support, and educating the community.
- ‘Scrappy’, Fearless, and Solutions-Driven
The Board wants someone unafraid of difficult problems—a superintendent who is resourceful, resilient, and willing to innovate. Someone who can make the hard decisions, think strategically, and defend public education, students, and staff.
- Rooted in Community
Cave Creek is a relationship-driven district. The next superintendent must be visible, approachable, and invested—not just working in the community but understanding and valuing small-town culture.
- Emotionally Intelligent
The district needs a leader with strong emotional intelligence—steady, self-aware, diplomatic, and able to navigate conflict without becoming reactive. Someone compassionate but clear, calm but decisive.
