For more than 30 years, Search Associates has helped over 50,000 educators, leaders, and interns find meaningful careers in international schools around the world. Each year, we support several thousand educators as they secure new positions across the globe through our extensive network of more than 750 carefully screened and trusted international schools.
Our mission is simple: to connect exceptional educators with outstanding schools, while providing the personal guidance, integrity, and care that have defined our work since the very beginning.
A Legacy of Excellence
Search Associates was founded in 1990 by John F. Magagna, a lifelong educator and international school leader who envisioned a more personal and ethical approach to recruitment. After decades leading schools in the United States and overseas, including seven years as Headmaster of Jakarta International School, John returned home with a passion for helping schools find the very best educators—and helping educators find their place in the world.
John passed away in 2024, leaving behind an extraordinary legacy of service to international education. His vision continues through the leadership of his daughter, Jessica Magagna, who now serves as CEO, and through his grandchildren, Gavin Magagna Hawk, IT Specialist, and Ali Brown, who together with our dedicated global team carry forward his commitment to excellence, care, and connection.
What began as one educator’s idea has grown into a worldwide organization with offices spanning six continents and a team of Senior Associates who bring firsthand experience as teachers, principals, heads of school, and education leaders. While our reach is global, our approach remains deeply personal.
Our Personal Approach
At Search Associates, we understand that finding the right fit, whether as an educator or as a school, is about more than matching résumés with job descriptions. Every educator who joins our network is paired with a dedicated Senior Associate who provides guidance throughout the job search process. Our Associates, and team members, are all experienced international educators who offer practical insight and genuine support every step of the way.
Schools also benefit from personalized attention and partnership. Our School Coordinator, Lara Manasfi ensures that each school receives consistent communication and support, while our global team of Senior Associates works closely with school leaders to understand their unique hiring needs. Under the direction of Tim Stuart, Director of Leadership Recruitment and Global Partnerships, we continue to strengthen relationships with schools and expand the ways we serve the international education community.
Our Leadership
Search Associates is led by Jessica Magagna, CEO and daughter of our founder, who continues her father’s legacy of connecting educators and schools around the world. Jessica is supported by an Executive Team that includes Tim Stuart, Director of Leadership Recruitment and Global Partnerships, who also oversees our Consulting Division and school partnerships, and Nazgol Adili, Director of Candidate Services, who ensures the highest standards of support and service for all educators in our network. Together, they lead a global organization grounded in integrity, professionalism, and personal connection.
Get Started
If you are an educator ready to explore opportunities abroad, visit our Get Started page to learn how to become a member candidate.
If you would like to meet the people behind Search Associates, visit our Meet Our Team page to learn more about our global network of Senior Associates, Consultants, and Coordinators.
Our Commitment to Equity
Search Associates does not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, gender, sexual orientation, national origin, age, or any other characteristic. We are committed to building inclusive partnerships and supporting schools and educators who share that commitment.
