Lead the next chapter at Central Rivers Area Education Agency

Summary

Central Rivers AEA is looking for our next Chief Administrator. If you're energized by system-level impact, committed to excellence and ready to represent a mission-driven agency regionally and statewide, apply today!

Central Rivers Area Education Agency (CRAEA) is inviting an exceptional leader to serve as our next Chief Administrator serving over 63,000 students and 5,000 educators including 53 public school districts and 18 non-public school districts across an 18-county area of north central and eastern Iowa. If you’re energized by system-level impact, committed to excellence and ready to represent a mission-driven agency regionally and statewide, this is your opportunity.

  • Anticipated start date: July 1, 2026
  • Salary range: $195,000–$215,000 (commensurate with experience)
  • Benefits: Comprehensive package per Board policy, including health and retirement benefits.
  • Contract: Multi-year arrangement considered per Board discretion.
  • Reports to: CRAEA Board of Directors
  • Status: Full-time, exempt

Why CRAEA

Central Rivers AEA partners with public and accredited nonpublic schools to deliver services spanning Special Education, Educational Services, Media, Technology, and Creative Services that improve teaching and learning. We collaborate locally and statewide to ensure every child has access to comprehensive educational opportunities. As Chief Administrator, you’ll provide strategic direction, ensure excellence across all programs and services, and be a visible, responsive presence across the CRAEA region.

How to Apply

Please submit:

  1. Letter of interest addressing qualifications and leadership approach
  2. Current resume or vita
  3. Three current professional references (name, title, contact information)
  4. Proof of Iowa licensure/eligibility

Priority consideration for applications received by Monday, Oct. 6; position open until filled. Submit materials online or email with the subject line: “Chief Administrator – CRAEA.” Confidential inquiries may be directed to:

Dr. Cindy Yelick, Chief Administrator, Heartland AEA — cyelick@heartlandaea.org 

Ph. 515-270-9030

Mr. Nathan Wood, Chief Administrator, Great Prairie AEA — nathan.wood@gpaea.org 

Ph. 641-682-8591

Equal Opportunity Employer

Central Rivers AEA is committed to equal employment opportunity and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, creed, religion, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, marital status, disability, age, or veteran status. Background check required.