Fall is the perfect season to focus on growth, not just for students and districts, but for your own personal career. Recruitment for superintendent and district leadership positions beginning July 1, 2026, is already underway. The opportunities of tomorrow are being shaped today. The question is: are you ready?
Just like planting seeds in autumn prepares the ground for a thriving spring, the steps you take now will set the stage for your next professional chapter. Here’s how HYA can help you get one step ahead of your competition.
Create or Update Your Candidate Account
An HYA candidate account is the foundation of a job search. It ensures candidates are visible to districts seeking leaders who match specific skills and experience. It also allows candidates to apply to all of the jobs posted to our website, which is updated weekly. If you already have a Candidate Account, take a moment to review and update it with your most recent accomplishments.
Set Up Customized Alerts
Don’t let the right opportunity pass by without ever knowing it was posted. By setting up alerts and bookmarks, candidates position themselves to act quickly when the right role becomes available, giving them an important advantage in a competitive market.This simple proactive step allows candidates to stay informed without constantly monitoring listings.
Explore the HYA Academies
Whether preparing for a first superintendent role or considering the next leadership step, HYA Academies provide tailored learning to sharpen skills and strengthen candidacy. HYA offers a range of academies designed to support leaders at every stage of their career. The Career Academy helps candidates strengthen their interview skills and leadership branding, while the Howard University and Southern University Superintendent Academies prepare aspiring leaders through coaching, coursework, and cohort-based learning. In addition, the Penn GSE AI & Education Academy equips administrators with tools to understand and apply AI in education. Each program provides valuable preparation, networking, and professional growth opportunities that set candidates apart in a competitive search.
Consider an Executive Account with Career Coaching
Even the most experienced leaders benefit from having a trusted advisor at their side. An HYA Executive Account connects candidates with a dedicated career coach who provides personalized guidance, constructive feedback, and strategic support. With a coach in place, candidates can approach each stage of the process with greater confidence and preparation.
Build your Personal Leadership Brand
Build a strengths-based leadership brand by crafting a compelling district leadership story that defines your unique value. Highlight student success with data aligned to district priorities and bring that brand to life through a digital portfolio of work. A strong personal brand not only demonstrates past impact but also communicates a leader’s vision for the future. By clearly showcasing expertise, values, and results, candidates stand out in competitive searches and leave a lasting impression on hiring committees. In today’s market, a well-defined leadership brand can be the difference between being seen as a qualified applicant and being remembered as the right choice.
HYA Can Help
Each of the strategies outlined above are supported by HYA’s services and solutions.
- Our Candidate Accounts and job board provide direct access to leadership opportunities.
- The HYA Academies offer specialized preparation, professional learning, and networking.
- An Executive Account with career coaching gives candidates personalized guidance at every stage.
- Our team provides tools and resources to help leaders develop and showcase a clear, compelling leadership brand.
With HYA, candidates don’t have to navigate the search process alone. We provide the expertise, support, and platforms to ensure leaders are prepared, visible, and positioned for success in their next role.
