Executive Director Search
Are you a leader who believes in
people and purpose?
ESSDACK is seeking an accomplished education leader
to serve as its next Executive Director
Originally established by six central Kansas school districts in 1983 and located in Hutchinson, Kansas, ESSDACK has grown to include 58 districts and three special education cooperatives. Beyond our regional footprint, ESSDACK provides a comprehensive suite of consulting and educational services that strengthen school districts across Kansas and drive innovation for organizations throughout the country.
In addition to providing support for the integration of KSDE initiatives, our consultants assist districts through virtual or face-to-face learning opportunities, PLCs, embedded services, mentoring, individual or group coaching, and tech support. We collaborate with districts to offer alternate diploma completion options, including virtual coursework with licensed teachers.
We are committed to being agents of change, not just in education but in communities and businesses as well. ESSDACK consultants are working across the country to build individual and corporate resilience in the face of poverty and trauma. Our Inspired Leadership coaches guide conversations that develop creative innovators able to impact both educational and business organizations.
Other services include E-Rate assistance, print services, grant and federal program consortia, health insurance, 125 benefits, vendor products, and crisis team support.
Who We Are
What We’re Looking For
Position details and a full job description can be found in this online document.
Qualifications include:
Evidence of creating a forward-thinking vision and successfully leading transformational change.
Evidence of past success in developing and nurturing a healthy culture based on individual and group accountability.
Service-oriented mindset coupled with entrepreneurial budgeting.
Able to collaboratively lead high-performing and diverse teams in the development and delivery of innovative, financially sound solutions for districts.
Is visible, approachable, and accessible to staff, districts, and board.
Strong belief in self and others.
Strong interpersonal and communication skills.
Keeps student success at the forefront of delivered services.
Ability to advocate at the state and national level.
Experience in an education leadership position.
Any other qualifications as the board deems desirable.
Candidates will be evaluated based on their individual qualities and professional accomplishments.
What You’ll Bring
Qualified candidates wishing to be considered for this position must complete the online form, answer the preliminary interview questions, and upload the following requested documents by February 6, 2026.
A formal letter of interest.
A current resume, including accomplishments pertinent to duties for this position.
A copy of the candidate’s Kansas or other state’s professional license and certifications.
Names, addresses, emails, and telephone numbers of five professional references (if not included as part of resume).
A short video (3–5 minutes) in which you introduce yourself and explain why you believe you are a strong fit for the Executive Director role. This is your opportunity to help us get to know you beyond your résumé. In your video, we invite you to talk about:
What draws you to this position
Your leadership style and values
Experiences that have prepared you for this role
How you approach serving and supporting districts and staff
What you believe you would bring to the organization
For clarity, please include your first and last name in all file names.
Start the process and upload the requested documents by completing the online form found here or by clicking the button below.
A screening committee will review candidates’ qualifications against the stated criteria and make recommendations to the ESSDACK Board of Directors regarding candidates to be interviewed. After receiving the report of the screening committee, the Board will authorize the final interview slate. To protect the professional privacy of our applicants, the list of candidates selected for interviews will remain confidential and will not be made public.
Timeline:
Begin Accepting Applications
January 5, 2026Close Applications
February 6, 2026Conduct Interviews
February 21, 2026Conduct Background Checks
February 2026Announce Selection
February / March 2026Begin Employment
On or before July 1, 2026
What’s the Process?
What’s the Compensation?
$100,000+ (commensurate with experience and qualifications) plus employer-paid benefits
Tammy Fellers
tammyfellers@essdack.org
620-931-2522