Title - Certified District Administrator – Regional Superintendent Support (Per Diem)
Location - Central Office, Castleton, NY
Intro
Here at Questar III BOCES, we believe in changing lives, realizing dreams and doing together what can’t be done alone. Our vision is that of creating a student-centered culture and putting students first. Our core values include a commitment to excellence by honing our craftsmanship to deliver high-quality work, a commitment to leadership & service by moving the organization, departments and school districts forward by exceeding client expectations, and a commitment to innovation by creating programs and services to address client needs AND by continuously improving our programs and operations. We believe that organizational excellence is best achieved when leadership is reflective of our diverse society.
About
The Certified District Administrator (Per Diem) provides leadership, operational, and executive-level support to District Superintendents (DS) and school districts throughout the assigned region. This position strengthens district leadership capacity by providing direct support to superintendents, serving in required acting or interim superintendent roles when needed, and coaching newly appointed and developing superintendents.
The administrator serves as a trusted regional resource, helping ensure continuity of district leadership, effective governance, regulatory compliance, sound operational practices, and successful superintendent transitions. The position requires current or eligible certification as a district-level administrator/superintendent and substantial experience in educational leadership.
Responsibilities
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Regional and District Superintendent Support
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Provide direct leadership and technical assistance to District Superintendents and district leadership teams throughout the assigned region.
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Assist with complex administrative, operational, personnel, governance, and organizational matters.
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Support districts in implementing regional and state initiatives, requirements, and priorities.
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Provide guidance related to board-superintendent relations, district governance, policy implementation, strategic planning, budgeting, personnel management, and school operations.
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Assist District Superintendents in responding to emerging issues, leadership transitions, and situations requiring additional administrative capacity.
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Coordinate with regional and state education leaders and other partners as appropriate.
Acting/Interim Superintendent Coverage
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Serve as Acting, Interim, or Temporary Superintendent when requested or required and when consistent with applicable certification, statutory, regulatory, and local requirements.
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Assume the authority and responsibilities of the superintendent during periods of vacancy, extended absence, transition, or other circumstances requiring certified superintendent leadership.
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Maintain continuity of district operations and leadership during temporary assignments.
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Work collaboratively with the board of education, district leadership team, staff, community, and regional leadership during acting superintendent assignments.
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Identify immediate district priorities, risks, compliance requirements, and operational needs and ensure appropriate follow-through.
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Support an orderly transition to the permanent or returning superintendent.
Superintendent Coaching and Mentoring
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Provide structured coaching and mentoring for new and developing superintendents.
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Assist new superintendents with successful entry into the role, including development of entry plans and first-year priorities.
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Coach superintendents in areas including:
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Board relations and governance
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Leadership and organizational development
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Strategic planning and goal setting
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Budget and resource management
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Personnel and labor relations
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Community and stakeholder engagement
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Crisis management and communications
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Instructional leadership and student achievement
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Legal, regulatory, and policy compliance
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Conduct regular coaching meetings and provide confidential, practical guidance regarding leadership challenges.
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Help superintendents build effective leadership teams, establish productive relationships with boards, and develop sustainable leadership practices.
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Connect new superintendents with regional resources, professional networks, and experienced colleagues.
Leadership Development and Regional Capacity
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Identify common leadership needs across districts and recommend professional learning, resources, or regional support.
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Facilitate superintendent meetings, leadership development sessions, workshops, and professional learning opportunities as assigned.
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Develop tools, protocols, resources, and best-practice guidance for district leaders.
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Support succession planning and leadership development within the region.
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Promote collaboration and sharing of effective practices among superintendents and district leadership teams.
Qualifications
Required
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Valid state certification/licensure as a Superintendent of Schools, District Administrator, or equivalent credential required to perform superintendent-level duties.
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Master's degree in education, educational leadership, administration, or a related field.
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Significant successful experience in district-level educational leadership.
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Demonstrated knowledge of school district governance, operations, finance, personnel, policy, and regulatory requirements.
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Demonstrated ability to work effectively with superintendents, boards of education, administrators, staff, community members, and state/regional agencies.
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Strong leadership, coaching, communication, facilitation, problem-solving, and organizational skills.
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Ability to exercise sound judgment, discretion, and confidentiality when addressing sensitive district matters.
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Ability and willingness to travel throughout the assigned region and provide on-site district support as needed.
Preferred
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Successful experience as a Superintendent of Schools.
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Experience serving as an interim or acting superintendent.
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Experience coaching, mentoring, or supervising superintendents or senior educational leaders.
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Experience supporting multiple school districts or working in a regional educational leadership role.
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Demonstrated success managing leadership transitions, organizational change, or complex district-level challenges.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
The successful candidate will demonstrate:
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Executive-level leadership and decision-making ability.
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Strong understanding of the superintendent's role and the relationship between the superintendent and board of education.
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Ability to quickly assess district needs and provide practical, solution-oriented assistance.
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Ability to step into a district leadership role and establish credibility quickly.
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Strong coaching skills and the ability to develop leadership capacity in others.
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Political and organizational awareness while maintaining professional neutrality.
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Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
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Ability to manage multiple district needs and competing priorities.
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Commitment to ethical leadership, confidentiality, collaboration, and student-centered decision-making.
Reporting Relationship
Reports to the designated regional executive/educational leader and works collaboratively with District Superintendents, boards of education, district leadership teams, and appropriate regional and state personnel.