Executive Director, Schoharie County Industrial Development Agency

The Schoharie County Industrial Development Agency (SCIDA) and Schoharie County Capital Resource Corporation (SCCRC) are seeking a visionary, hands-on leader to serve as Chief Executive Officer/Executive Director. This is a unique opportunity to help guide the future of one of upstate New York’s most scenic and strategically positioned rural counties.

Reporting to a five-member Board of Directors appointed by the Schoharie County Board of Supervisors, the CEO/Executive Director will lead all aspects of SCIDA and SCCRC operations, including business attraction, site development, financial incentives, compliance, and community engagement. The CEO will work closely with county leaders, regional and state economic development partners, SUNY Cobleskill, private sector businesses, and community organizations to drive job creation, business investment, housing development, and revitalization efforts.

With its proximity to the state capital, SUNY Cobleskill’s ag-tech expertise, and a rich rural character, Schoharie County offers both professional challenge and personal fulfillment.The CEO will directly manage active projects ranging from large-scale site development (e.g. Shad Point, Highbridge, and Mainbridge initiatives) to workforce development collaborations, housing, small business growth, property sales and acquisitions, and real estate transactions involving SCIDA-owned assets. This is a highly visible leadership role with real impact—shaping the county’s long-term economic vitality and quality of life.

Salary Range: $90,000 – $120,000 DOQ, plus NYS Retirement, health insurance, and a competitive benefits package.

The CEO will also play a key role in expanding SCIDA’s operational capacity from a historically part-time structure to a full-service, full-time economic development agency.

The ideal candidate will possess:

• Demonstrated experience in economic development, business administration, or public sector leadership.
• Strong financial acumen, with the ability to manage complex budgets, oversee loan portfolios, and interpret financial reports; familiarity with QuickBooks or similar accounting software is highly desirable.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to engage diverse audiences, from private sector partners to local government officials and community stakeholders.
• Knowledge of economic incentive programs, including PILOT agreements, tax-exempt bond financing, grant administration, and deal structuring.
• A collaborative, partnership-oriented mindset and the ability to build productive relationships with business leaders, developers, elected officials, real estate professionals, and regional economic development partners.
• A proactive, self-directed approach to leadership, coupled with a deep understanding of the importance of community engagement in driving sustainable economic growth.
• High ethical standards, professionalism, and sound judgment in all aspects of organizational governance and decision-making.
• Experience collaborating with higher education, particularly SUNY Cobleskill, and regional partners such as the Mohawk Valley Regional Economic Development Council is a plus.
• Entrepreneurial spirit with a self-directed, proactive work style.
• Ability to communicate and present effectively in public forums, with comfort addressing diverse audiences.
• Strong personal integrity, openness, and commitment to organizational transparency.

How to Apply

To express interest, please submit a cover letter and resume via email.

For clarity in document handling, please format your files as follows:

• FirstName LastName resume
• FirstName LastName cover letter

All application materials will be held in confidence and should be sent to: ian@pracademicpartners.com

Subject line: Schoharie County Executive Director/CEO

Applications accepted until the position is filled.

Candidates will undergo background checks.

Pracademic Partners, LLC is assisting Schoharie County with this executive search.

For inquiries or nominations, please contact:
Ian M. Coyle, ICMA-CM
585.943.0589

The SCIDA and SCCRC are equal opportunity employers.We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all.