Executive Director Search
Community Update from the ED Search
Dear MSSM Community,
On behalf of the Search Committee, I’d like to thank the faculty, staff, and students who took time to meet with our search consultant, Tracy Bennett, during her visit to campus last week. Over the course of two very full days Tracy heard from community members who are deeply invested in the future of MSSM. In her words, “there is great affection and support for MSSM and the educational experience it offers students. Even those holding concerns or frustration were unwavering in their gratitude for the people and program at MSSM. Combined with this is a deep commitment to the mission of the school and the sense of community it fosters.
Tracy added that “there is clear respect for the skills and capacities that individuals and teams bring to MSSM. Colleagues spoke with admiration about one another’s work both within and outside of the classroom. There is an appreciation for the hard work of many to continue to strengthen the school and advance its mission of STEM education. In addition, people hold a shared sense of gratitude for the unique residential experience and the many opportunities it offers students. With this comes an understanding of the important legacy of place. While rural and isolated, the bucolic setting in northernmost Maine has been home to MSSM since its inception. There is a fervent desire to steward and enhance the campus and facilities, in recognition of the learning opportunities they afford.”
Tracy summarized her conversations and observations for the Search Committee, noting:
A key component to ensuring a vibrant future for MSSM is recruiting a capable, committed Executive Director who will inspire confidence by articulating and executing a vision for the future of the school. Strengthening the school’s financial model, which includes increased funding, strong student enrollment and retention, and enhanced facilities to support a strong educational program and healthy community, is a priority. In addition, fostering a healthy, collaborative professional culture is critical to success, for students and adults alike.
Tracy and her team at Educators Collaborative are now hard at work identifying and speaking with potential applicants.
The Search Committee will convene later this month for anti-bias and interview training in preparation for reviewing candidate dossiers. These dossiers include a cover letter, a CV, a statement of institutional leadership philosophy, and five references. Prior to our review, Tracy will conduct an initial round of reference calls; she is in regular contact with all the applicants. Our goal is to select semi-finalists for virtual interviews in late February with the aim of selecting finalists by early March.
We’d like to remind you that the process remains wholly confidential until the finalists have been selected. At that time, candidates will each make a 2-day visit to campus and meet with all our stakeholders—faculty, staff, parents, students, and board members. There will be forums to hear from the candidates and provide feedback directly to the Search Committee.
We will continue to provide updates as we continue our work and appreciate your continued engagement. Please don’t hesitate to reach out with any questions.
Sincerely,
Ray