We hope to see you at an industry conference sometime. Until then, here’s a bit more about HireEducation, including the company’s backstory, values, and structure.
Our company has a strong legacy in the learning sector so we are excited to share a bit of our story with you all.





Kinley Catania
Director of Research (aka Guy in the Van)
“I ensure the integrity of our database by way of meticulous assessment of contact records and pipeline building to achieve maximum engagement for our recruiting team. If you’re kicking butt in edtech, you’ve likely noticed me peeping at your LinkedIn profile!”

Maria Soares
Executive Assistant
“I work as the Executive Assistant, supporting leadership by managing calendars, inboxes, scheduling, and daily administrative needs. I help keep recruiting and internal operations organized by tracking tasks, coordinating follow-ups, and ensuring clear communication — making sure nothing important gets missed and the business runs smoothly.”
PLUS…
a crew of amazingly talented subcontractors who keep us organized, push us to new levels of greatness, tirelessly work to keep our data clean, strengthen our brand, and keep the resources you love flowing!
Interested in working with us?
We post internal jobs on our job board from time to time. Or shoot us an email so we know your name.
Our Story
To be the go-to talent partner across the learning landscape – from Pre-K to Gray – by building a thriving, comprehensive suite of services that meets every talent need at every stage of growth for mission-driven organizations transforming education and economic mobility.
A Culture Built on Trust and People
HireEducation was founded in 2010 with a simple belief: recruiting works best when it’s built on real relationships.
Our founder, Mark Phillips, started the company with a network of leaders in education software sales and a belief that trust, transparency, and long-term partnerships matter more than transactional placements. Over time, those values helped HireEducation grow into a multi-million-dollar firm working alongside mission-driven organizations across the learning landscape, Pre-K to Gray.

As the company grew, we realized something important: if we wanted to support our mission-driven clients over the long-term, we had to build an enduring internal culture too.
That meant prioritizing trust and work-life balance. It meant giving people flexibility and autonomy in their work. And eventually, it meant becoming a fully remote company—even after leasing a new 5,000-square-foot office—because supporting our team mattered more than sticking to a plan.
In 2021, Jess Weems Thibault joined HireEducation to lead marketing and expansion. She quickly saw the opportunity to modernize the company’s systems and brand, bringing a more data-driven approach to how the team tracks relationships, opportunities, and market insights.
Not long after, Jess became fascinated by the craft of recruiting itself.
Mark became a mentor, sharing decades of experience in the education sector and the principles that had shaped HireEducation from the beginning. Alongside Katie Morrison, the company’s long-time operations leader, the team worked closely with clients, refined the company’s approach, and expanded its advisory role in the industry.
As the firm approached its 15-year anniversary, there was a natural transition point. Mark passed the torch, and Jess stepped into the role of Owner, CEO, and President.
Today, HireEducation continues to build on the foundation Mark created—combining deep sector expertise with a modern, relationship-driven approach to executive search and talent strategy.
Today, Jess leads a relationship-first search firm grounded in three commitments:
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Partnership…through Co-Creation
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- We believe the best outcomes are built together. We move quickly, but never at the expense of alignment or thoughtful feedback. Our clients are true partners, and we succeed by co-creating solutions that meet their unique needs.
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Expertise…through Learning
- Credibility is earned. We combine deep sector knowledge with constant research so our guidance always reflects the realities of the education and talent markets. We won’t ignore insights or market signals just to make a placement. Integrity and informed expertise are central to how we work.
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Joy…through Celebration & Appreciation
- We take our outcomes seriously, but we hold joy close, too. We celebrate and appreciate our teammates, clients, candidates, and partners, ensuring our work remains sustainable and motivating. We stay positive, grateful, and supportive.
At HireEducation, our mission is clear: by nurturing our team and upholding our values, we build a stronger company capable of delivering exceptional results. Our journey isn’t just about growth—it’s about growing together.
Partner With Us
Hiring and job seeking can be difficult tasks with massive implications. Our goal is to make it easier, low-risk and fun with long-term, growth-oriented results.
We are looking forward to learning more about your needs and how we can help.



















