Chief Executive Officer

On behalf of the ESU #3 Board of Directors, the Association of Educational Service Agencies (AESA) is pleased to invite applications and nominations for the position of Chief Executive Officer.

This is an extraordinary opportunity to lead one of the nation's premier Educational Service Agencies. As Nebraska's largest Educational Service Unit, ESU #3 serves eighteen-member school districts, more than 85,000 students, a budget of greater than $45 million, and over 6,000 educational professionals throughout the metropolitan Omaha region. For more than six decades, ESU #3 has partnered with school districts to strengthen teaching and learning through exceptional service, innovative programs, collaborative partnerships, and visionary leadership.

Today, ESU #3 is widely recognized as a model Educational Service Agency at both the state and national levels. The organization has earned an outstanding reputation for excellence in educational leadership, business services, professional learning, special education, behavioral and mental health services, networking and cybersecurity, English Learner services, and regional collaboration. Stakeholders consistently describe ESU #3 as a trusted partner known for exceptional people, strong financial stewardship, entrepreneurial thinking, and an unwavering commitment to serving member districts.

Throughout this search process, the Board of Directors sought meaningful input from superintendents, staff, and educational partners to identify the qualities most important in the organization's next leader. Their collective vision produced a leadership profile centered on eight defining attributes:
Presence, Service, Relationships, Communication, Listening, Innovation, Trust, and Value. Together, these attributes reflect the culture of ESU #3 and the leadership qualities that will guide the organization into its next chapter.

The Board seeks a visible, collaborative leader who builds meaningful relationships, develops people, embraces innovation, demonstrates sound stewardship of public resources, and remains committed to delivering exceptional value to every member district. The successful candidate will possess the vision to anticipate emerging educational needs while honoring the collaborative culture and strong foundation that have made ESU #3 a national leader in educational service.

This is more than a leadership position—it is an opportunity to make a lasting impact on public education across Nebraska. Working alongside an outstanding Board of Directors, dedicated employees, member school districts, and valued community partners, the next Chief Executive Officer will help shape the future of educational service while ensuring every district continues to receive exceptional support, innovative solutions, and measurable value.

We invite visionary, service-oriented leaders who are passionate about public education, collaborative leadership, and organizational excellence to explore this exceptional opportunity and consider becoming the next Chief Executive Officer of Educational Service Unit #3.

Job Description:

Chief Executive Officer

It is the policy of Educational Service Unit #3 to not discriminate on the basis of sex, disability, race, color, religion, marital status, veteran status, or national or ethnic origin in its educational programs, admission policies, employment policies or other administered programs. Persons requiring accommodations to apply and/or be considered for positions are asked to make their request to the ESU #3 Administrator.

Job Title:

Chief Executive Officer

Job Code: 1001

Department:
Administration

Education Level and Certification:
Specialist degree required;
Doctorate degree preferred. Must possess a Nebraska Administrative and…