Latham, NY - The New York State Council of School Superintendents' Executive Committee is working with the search consultant firm Hazard, Young & Attea Associates (HYA) to find the best candidate to serve as The Council's next Executive Director. The start date for this position will be in summer 2027.
HYA is first looking for feedback on what our members believe a candidate should possess to lead this organization. Feedback is crucial, and they encourage you to respond thoughtfully to all questions in the ThoughtExchange. Before you begin, please understand that your responses will be shared exactly as you write them and your personal identity will be kept private and is never connected to your input.
You can access the ThoughtExchange via this link or use this QR Code. The ThoughtExchange has been extended until September 10, 2026.
See information on the search process below. Thank you for your time, insight and contribution.
New York State Council of School Superintendents (NYSCOSS)
Executive Director
A rare opportunity to lead a respected statewide professional association at a pivotal moment in public education.
Location: Latham, New York
Application Deadline: November 1, 2026
See this brochure link on requirements and how to apply.
About The Council
Established in 1883, the New York State Council of School Superintendents is a respected statewide professional association serving school leaders through five pillars of work: Advocacy, Legal Services, Membership, Professional Development, and Strategic Partnership.
The Council works closely with the New York State Education Department and Commissioner of Education, and extends its national reach through AASA, The School Superintendents Association. NYSCOSS is proud of its 143 years of leadership and service, the 850+ school leaders represented, its 1,200 retired life members and the 2 million+ New York students impacted by The Council's work.
Through its affiliate, LEAF, Inc., NYSCOSS delivers nationally respected leadership development, including the Aspiring Superintendents Workshops, the Future Superintendents Academy, the New Superintendents Institute, the Early Career Superintendents Institute, The Council's Women's Initiative, The Council's Commission on Diversity & Inclusivity, Redefining Ready NY, the Fall Leadership Summit & Winter Institute, and leadership coaching for superintendents and district teams.
The Opportunity
The Executive Director is chief executive of NYSCOSS and simultaneously CEO of LEAF, Inc., leading a small, dedicated, collaborative staff from The Council's offices in Latham, New York. This individual will:
● Lead advocacy on behalf of members before New York's key education and government institutions
● Lead and grow LEAF, Inc. expanding philanthropic revenue and professional development offerings
● Guide and inspire a talented, close-knit staff and sustain a collaborative, family-friendly culture
● Deepen strategic partnerships supporting advocacy, legal services, and professional development
● Represent NYSCOSS as a thought leader and convener at major statewide events
● Steward continued organizational growth from The Council's new Latham headquarters
What We're Looking For
Candidates with prior school superintendent experience are strongly preferred and encouraged to apply. Candidates also may come from nonprofit or foundation CEO roles, senior New York State Legislature leadership, State Education Department or higher education leadership,
The ideal candidate will bring:
● Vision + Agility — A compelling vision for NYSCOSS and the agility to navigate rapid change in state education policy
● Students First — A genuine commitment to putting students' needs first
● Powerful Communication — Outstanding written and oral communication skills and the presence to advocate for New York's students
● Political Acumen — The ability to build relationships with legislators, regulators, and policymakers
● CEO Judgment — Business sensitivity and the discipline to lead a small, mission-driven organization
● Positive Leadership — A can-do attitude, sound problem-solving instincts, and a good sense of humor
Compensation & Benefits
A competitive multi-year executive contract is offered, with a salary range of $200,000–$220,000, commensurate with experience, credentials, and demonstrated achievement, along with a comprehensive benefits package.
The Executive Director is expected to maintain a consistent, full time onsite presence at the NYSCOSS Offices, providing visible leadership, daily accessibility to staff, and active engagement in the day-to-day operations of the organization.
All inquiries and applications will be held in strict confidence.