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State Superintendent information

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How much do state superintendent jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 6, 2026, the average yearly pay for state superintendent in the United States is $95,168.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $71,000.00 and $115,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the difference between State Superintendent vs State Director of Education?

AspectState SuperintendentState Director of Education
Required CredentialsTypically requires a master's degree in education or administration, with state certificationSimilar credentials, often with additional administrative or leadership certifications
Work EnvironmentPublic education agencies, state departments of educationState education agencies, school districts, government offices
Employer & Industry UsageState government, public education systemsState government, education policy organizations
Common Search & ComparisonYesYes

The main difference between a State Superintendent and a State Director of Education lies in their scope and authority. The State Superintendent often serves as the top official overseeing public education at the state level, with broader leadership responsibilities. The State Director of Education typically focuses on implementing policies and managing specific education programs within the state. Both roles require similar credentials and work within state education agencies, but their titles reflect different levels of leadership and focus areas.

What are some common challenges faced by a State Superintendent in balancing educational policy and local district needs?

State Superintendents often navigate the complex task of implementing statewide educational policies while addressing the unique needs of individual school districts. They must balance compliance with state and federal regulations, budget constraints, and local community priorities. Maintaining open communication with district leaders and fostering collaboration are essential for aligning goals and ensuring equitable education across diverse regions. This role requires strong leadership, adaptability, and a commitment to building consensus among stakeholders.

What are State Superintendents?

State Superintendents are the chief education officers for their respective states, typically overseeing public education from kindergarten through high school. They are responsible for implementing state and federal education laws, setting academic standards, and managing statewide education budgets and initiatives. State Superintendents work with school districts, educators, and government officials to improve educational outcomes and ensure compliance with regulations. Their leadership shapes educational policy and affects millions of students, teachers, and schools across the state.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a State Superintendent, and why are they important?

To thrive as a State Superintendent, you need deep expertise in educational leadership, policy development, and administration, often backed by an advanced degree in education and significant experience in school or district leadership. Familiarity with statewide student data systems, compliance platforms, and educational policy frameworks is typically required. Exceptional communication, strategic vision, and stakeholder engagement skills are essential soft skills for uniting diverse groups and driving educational improvement. These skills ensure effective oversight of state education initiatives, policy implementation, and positive student outcomes.
More about State Superintendent jobs
What cities are hiring for State Superintendent jobs? Cities with the most State Superintendent job openings:
What states have the most State Superintendent jobs? States with the most job openings for State Superintendent jobs include:
Associate Superintendent - WSP

Associate Superintendent - WSP

State of Washington

Olympia, WA • On-site

$131K/yr

Other

Posted 3 days ago


State Of Washington rating

8.0

Company rating: 8.0 out of 10

Based on 81 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

8th of 50 rated states


Job description

Description Associate Superintendent - WSP Exempt Band 3 Location: Washington State Penitentiary | Walla Walla, WA Salary: $131,076 Annually The Department of Corrections is seeking highly motivated and qualified individual as an Associate Superintendent at Washington State Penitentiary (WSP) The Associate Superintendent will serve as one of the executive level staff for a correctional facility housing and managing adult incarcerated individuals across minimum to medium custody levels. This role is responsible for setting the strategic direction of the institution while ensuring safe, secure, and effective daily operations. The candidate of choice will provide overall leadership, planning, and vision in alignment with the agency's mission to improve public safety.

The position directs all institutional operations, including fiscal management, classification, plant maintenance, safety and sanitation, educational and vocational programming, work programs, and security and custody functions. This leader ensures operational excellence while fostering an environment that supports accountability, rehabilitation, and positive outcomes. Success in this role requires strong collaboration and partnership.

The Associate Superintendent works closely with other agency divisions operating within the facility, including Health Services, Administrative Operations, Incarcerated Individual Change, Community Corrections, and Correctional Industries, to ensure seamless integration of services and programs. Through thoughtful leadership and cross-functional coordination, this position ensures that the institution operates cohesively and effectively in support of both public safety and individual transformation. If you are ready to lead with integrity, inspire high-performing teams, and shape the future of corrections through strategic and principled leadership, we invite you to bring your expertise to this critical role.

A completed application packet will include: A cover letter regarding your interest in this position with our agency A detailed resume Three professional references Duties Under the direction of the Superintendent, the Associate Superintendent of WSP/ East Complex, working independently with the other facility Associate Superintendents, is directly responsible and accountable for the overall administrative, budget control, leadership and management of multiple, diverse areas within the facility to include: All Minimum Security living unit operation, Resolutions, Records, Hearings, Securus, Recreation Chemical Dependency Liaison, Community Programs, Mailroom, Property, Visting Program, off-site crews, and EC Shift Office. Ensures compliance with the Department Directives, mission, values, and key goals. As one of the three Associate Superintendents this position may have delegated authority for most of the decisions needed to manage facility operations within their area of responsibility which may include various areas of the contractors, and other related agencies.

May serve as the Superintendent during the Superintendent's absence on a rotational basis with other Facility Duty Officers. The Associate Superintendent manages and directs all the on-site and off-site operations ensuring business is conducted consistently with established safety and security instructions. Requiring sound correctional knowledge, skills and abilities of advanced level management work, the Associate Superintendent's scope of authority and impact encompasses the entire facility with significant impact both within and outside state government.

This Position serves as a key member of the Superintendent's Executive Leadership Team, serves as a Superintendent designee during appointing authority absence. The incumbent's focus will be on strategic local and department decisions. Develops biennial budget decision packages while managing and controlling large portions of allotted facility budget.

Develop, implement and monitor policies, local operational memorandums and procedures that provide operational and security direction for staff and offenders Ensure compliance with department directives, mission, values, and key goals. At the direction of the Superintendent, the Associate Superintendent will be responsible for any combination of the following areas: a variety of direct incarcerated services, including coordination of physical plant maintenance/construction; inmate work/ training and activity programs; volunteer programs; religious; records; classification; individual management; operation of the general population; emergency response coordination; security and safety operations of the institution; coordinating the delivery of the support services; staff training an safety program. Responsible for establishing, maintaining, and enhancing relationships and partnerships within the community including local city and state agencies, law enforcement, Senator and State Representative and other influencing individuals and organizations.

Decisions made by this position involve daily routine operations of the facility and decisions made in emergent situations, which could have a significant legal, fiscal and liability impact to the entire Department and State. Associate Superintendents are accountable to: Act as the Superintendent's designee during appointing authority absences Plan, lead, organize, and control the daily work performed by the organization Administer, monitor and oversee operations, safety, security, and emergency response activities in a correctional facility Ensure clean and safe facility operations Support effective communications throughout the organization Provide and manage 2-way communication between all levels of staff and offenders Balance the facility mission and objectives within budgeted resources Maintain the highest standards of personal/ professional and ethical conduct and support the state's goals for a diverse workforce Provide a working environment free from discrimination and harassment that promotes diversity Develop operational goals and working objectives and ensure those objectives are reached Strengthen public confidence in the integrity of facility staff be demonstrating and setting the tone for the spirit and the letter of the law Promote an environment of public trust free from fraud, abuse of authority, and misuse of public property Respect and protect privileged information accessible through the course of official duties Ensure that no offender or group of offenders is given control or authority over the other offenders with the exception of active sanctions within the context of a Therapeutic Community Develop and direct implantation plans to respond to sudden shifts in custody and security requirements that require significant changes in policies, procedures, and staff training. Monitor application of federal and state laws, administration of rules, regulations, and orders of other procedures comply with the CBA Develop the Emergency Response Plan and mange staff training and drills to ensure institutional readiness to respond to a wide variety of emergencies Facilitate and encourage public information and education activities by conducting tours, speaking to community groups, and by providing written information concerning operations Encourage community agencies that the facility has contact with to participate in policy development, coordinated planning, and interagency consultation Duty Officer: Serves in the capacity of capacity and makes decisions for incidents that occur at the facility level, on a rotational basis.

Determines how, in an emergency, incident, or significant event, the facility's operations are managed, authorizes activities and provides direction to all facilities and community corrections offices outside of normal business hours Open and assumes command of the Facility Emergency Operations Center (EOC) in the event of a major emergency or disaster. Serve as an Incident Commander during emergencies, with responsibilities to manage the facilities response and recovery from critical incidents and significant events. Determines allocation of resources and personnel, management of the incident.

Qualifications Required Qualifications High school diploma or equivalent; Five (5) or more years of broad based, progressive managerial or administrative (operational) experience (Managerial and/ or operational experience level is defined as the CMP, Captain, CUS or equivalent level), which includes supervisory experience in a multi-level custody, adult corrections environment and experience in at least five (5) of the following areas: Emergency Management (Incident Command System) and contingency planning. Security Management Prisons programs Sustainability, evidence-based programs Correctional practice Theory and law. Budget administration and development.

Offender classification processes and policy. Labor relations. Public relation methods and application; and/ or training and staff development.

Experience working with unions. Desired Qualifications Satisfactory completion of two (2) years of college (60 semester or 90 quarter credits) from a college or university whose accreditation is recognized by the council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA) or the US Department of Education or foreign equivalent; Three (3) or more years of broad based, progressive managerial or administrative (operational) experience (Managerial and/ or operational experience level is defined as the CMP, Captain, CUS or equivalent level), which includes supervisory experience in a multi-level custody, adult corrections environment and experience in at least five (5) of the following areas: Emergency Management (Incident Command System) and contingency planning. Security Management Prisons programs Sustainability, evidence-based programs Correctional practice Theory and law.

Budget administration and development. Offender classification processes and policy. Labor relations.

Public relation methods and application; and/ or training and staff development. Experience working with unions. One (1) years of experience in Unit Team Management (the Unit Team is a multi-3 important disciplinary group of staff that manages the security, classification and programs of all offenders assigned to an offender living unit.

The Unit Team is typically composed of a CUS, Correctional Sergeant, Classification Counselors, a support staff and Correctional Officers. Through the effective use of the unit team of the providing for a safe and effective unit operation). Effective project management skills and Quality Improvement Analysis (critical thinking).

Organization and time management skills Conflict resolutions skills and abilities Working knowledge of policies, procedures, CBA's, WAC's and RCW's Ability to be calm and thoughtful in emergent situations Working knowledge of LEAN practices and how to apply them in a large-scale organization to improve business practices Experience in budget administration and development Experience working with minimum security camp offenders to include off-site work crews Professional experience in working with mentally ill offenders Supplemental Information Vision: Working together for safer communities. Mission: Improving public safety by positively changing lives. Our Commitment: To operate a safe and humane corrections system and partner with others to transform lives for a better Washington.

Our Core Values: Cultivate an environment of integrity and trust: Corrections values partnership and trust. We foster openness and support courageous conversations. We are committed to doing what we say we are going to do by being accountable and taking personal ownership in our actions.

Respectful and inclusive interactions: Corrections appreciates and values individuals by promoting an inclusive and diverse environment, which encourages safety. We respect, value, and listen to the thoughts, feelings, and perspectives of our stakeholders and consider the impact on those we serve as well as each other. People's safety: Corrections believes in creating an environment that values physical, mental, and emotional security and well-being.

We honor those who advance safety for all. Positivity in words and actions: At Corrections, we assume positive intentions and believe there is a shared desire for the best outcome. We consistently demonstrate positive behavior and always put forth our best effort.

Supporting people's success: Corrections is committed to our community - understanding individuals, instilling hope, embracing change, and providing opportunities. DOC is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, creed, color, national origin, sex, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, age, honorably discharged veteran, veteran status, genetic information, or the presence of any sensory, mental or physical disability or the use of a trained guide dog or service animal by a person with a disability. IMPORTANT NOTES: This recruitment may be utilized to fill more than one position.

Please include a minimum of three (3) professional references with your application. A professional reference is defined as an individual who has been paid to supervise your work and can attest to your work performance, technical skills, and job competencies. If you do not have any or sufficient professional references, please include non-related professionals, such as educators or other professional associates.

**Please note: Phone number AND email address are required for all professional references. A background check including criminal record history will be conducted prior to a new hire. Information from the background check will not necessarily preclude employment but will be considered in determining the applicant's suitability and competence to perform in the position.

Employees may work directly with or near incarcerated individuals in a potentially hazardous setting. Please consider this when deciding whether to apply. We are committed to maintaining a drug and alcohol-free work environment, and our employees are expected to comply with all state and federal laws.

A pre-employment drug test may be administered as part of the selection process, and applicants who test positive for any controlled substances, will be disqualified from consideration. Oleoresin Capsicum (OC) is an aerosol pepper spray made available as a means of self-defense and/or de-escalation. Applicants with sensitivities or allergies are encouraged to ask about the level of exposure they could expect in this position.

Animal care projects are a common component of most Washington State prisons, including dog and cat programs. Applicants with animal sensitivities or allergies are encouraged to ask about the level of exposur...


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About State of Washington

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The State of Washington is not a traditional company, but a governmental organization that is tasked with managing the various state-run services and enterprises in Washington. Headquartered in Seattle, Washington, USA, the organization is responsible for the overall administration of the state's agencies and public services. Since the admission of Washington into the Union on November 11, 1890, the state government has aimed to provide a high quality of life for its residents through effective and efficient public services.

Industry

Public administration

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Seattle, WA, US

Year founded

1889