Executive Director

New York State Parent Teacher Association (NYS PTA) is seeking a new Executive Director to lead the association into its next chapter. Reporting to the NYS PTA President and working closely with the Executive Committee and Board of Directors, the Executive Director is a visionary leader responsible for the association's day-to-day operations, staff leadership, and its advocacy and public relations before the NYS Legislature, State Education Department, and other regulatory and coalition partners.

The ideal candidate brings a genuine commitment to NYS PTA's mission, strong relationship-building and advocacy skills, and the ability to balance the needs of a statewide volunteer network with sound operational and financial management.

About New York State PTA

New York State PTA (NYS PTA) is the oldest and largest child advocacy association in New York State, founded in 1897 and marking its 130th year of service. NYS PTA proudly represents 225,000 members and the parents, families, and educators of 2.6 million school children across the state. Its mission is to support every child with one voice.

NYS PTA operates on a volunteer-led, staff-implemented model: a small central staff supports a network of more than 1,500 local PTA units and their volunteer leadership across the state, organized through local, regional, and state-level governance. The organization is an active and respected voice in Albany and with the NYS Education Department, with a long track record of advocacy success.

Essential Functions

Leadership & Governance

• Serve as the primary staff leader of NYS PTA, managing day-to-day operations in accordance with the policies and objectives established by the President, Executive Committee, and Board of Directors.
• Partner with the Board to develop, implement, and evaluate the association's strategic plan, which is reviewed annually and formally renewed every three years.
• Supervise and support a small, dedicated staff team, working closely with the Office & Events Manager to ensure operational follow-through across the organization.
• Champion NYS PTA's volunteer-led, staff-implemented model, empowering the volunteer leadership of more than 1,500 local units across the state.

Advocacy & Government Relations

• Serve as the primary representative of NYS PTA before the NYS Legislature, State Education Department, and other regulatory agencies; serve as the association's registered lobbyist and prepare testimony within the scope of PTA policy.
• Build and maintain strong, credible relationships with legislators, the Governor's office, State Education Department leadership, and other government stakeholders to advance NYS PTA's advocacy priorities.
• Represent NYS PTA within coalitions and in cooperation with other education-related associations (e.g., NYSSBA, NYSCOSS, SAANYS, NYSUT, ASBONY, Rural Schools Association).
• Serve as a visible national presence, maintaining relationships with National PTA and peer state PTA executive directors to sustain NYS PTA's leadership position in advocacy.
• Coordinate responses to media inquiries, either directly or by engaging the appropriate spokesperson.

Membership, Community, and Volunteer Engagement

• Serve as a visible, accessible leader to NYS PTA's local units, region leadership, and volunteer base across the state.
• Support the Board and volunteer leadership in addressing long-term membership trends and reinforcing the value of PTA membership at the local level.
• Attend PTA conventions, legislative events, and regional gatherings across New York State to build relationships and represent the organization.
• Deliver speeches, workshops, and articles, and present information at meetings or conventions to promote the association's services, exchange ideas, and accomplish objectives.
• Assist the President, Staff, and appointed committees in planning and organizing the NYS PTA Annual Convention and other major events.
• Oversee the association's Strategic Alliance Program.
• Identify, cultivate, and manage grants, sponsorships, and strategic partnerships that generate non-dues revenue, which represents a significant share of the organization's budget.
• Collaborate with the President and Treasurer on financial oversight and serve on the Budget and Finance Committee.
• Support the preparation and presentation of annual budgets, financial recommendations, and the annual report to the Board of Directors for approval.
• Oversee investments in cooperation with the Treasurer and the Investment Advisor.

Organizational & Fiscal Management

• Oversee human resources functions, office administration, and staff performance in partnership with the Board.
• Ensure sound fiscal management practices, financial reporting, and compliance with applicable tax and regulatory requirements for 501(c)(3) organizations.
• Oversee and negotiate contracts and agreements with vendors, suppliers, and partner organizations.
• Regularly assist in the evaluation of programs to measure outcomes and communicate results to the Board of Directors.

Qualifications

• Master's degree in Business Administration, Public Administration, Education, or a related field with a minimum of four years of management experience; or Bachelor's degree in a related field with a minimum of six years of comparable management experience.
• Certified Association Executive (CAE) credential preferred, or willingness to pursue certification.
• Demonstrated experience in government relations, legislative advocacy, or lobbying, with a proven ability to build and sustain relationships with elected officials and regulatory agencies.
• Experience within, or in close partnership with, public education systems; direct familiarity with K–12 school communities is highly valued.
• Proven track record in nonprofit or association management, including staff supervision, financial oversight, and strategic planning.
• Strong fundraising acumen, including grant development, donor/partner cultivation, and experience diversifying non-dues revenue streams.
• Superior verbal and written communication skills, including experience with media relations, public speaking, and issuing clear written and oral instructions.
• Comfort operating within a volunteer-led environment, balancing the needs of a statewide volunteer network with day-to-day operational priorities.

Additional Information

This is a full-time, salaried, exempt position reporting to the NYS PTA President. The role offers a flexible remote schedule with occasional travel across New York State for legislative sessions, PTA events, and meetings with government officials. Given the association's volunteer-led model, some evening and weekend commitments should be expected (typically several weekends per year, including NYS PTA's major statewide events) with a comp-time structure available to support that flexibility.

Compensation and Benefits

Salary range of $100,000 – $120,000, commensurate with experience and qualifications, along with a benefits package to be detailed during the search process.