ORGANIZATION OVERVIEW

MISSION: To help dentists succeed and support the advancement of the health of the public.

VISION: Empowering the dental profession to achieve optimal health for all New Yorkers.

The New York State Dental Association (NYSDA) is the premier dental association in New York State with more than 11,000 members representing approximately 53% of the State’s licensed dentists. NYSDA is the second largest constituent society within the American Dental Association (ADA). As part of the Tripartite of organized dentistry partnering with the ADA, the Association works with 13 individual District Societies throughout the State. The Association functions as a sounding board for its members, a source for industry and market information, and as a coordinating and decision-making body for dealing with industry issues.

Since its founding in 1868, dental professionals have relied on NYSDA to represent them in the legislature, advance the profession and set the highest ethical standards for practice. NYSDA helps develop, update and maintain dental practice standards and works closely with the American Dental Association (ADA) and regulatory agencies to advocate policies that affect the livelihood of the dental profession and the health of the patients and the public who are served by the Dentist members.

NYSDA is the leading oral health advocate in New York State. The organization monitors public policies affecting the practice of dentistry in New York and the oral health of New Yorkers. Headquartered in Albany, NYSDA lobbies public policymakers advocating for policies that matter to Dentists and the patients they serve. Technical support is offered to help component dental societies advance their respective policy agendas and represent the profession in the local communities. NYSDA sponsors a political action committee (NYSDAPAC), which serves as the bipartisan voice of thousands of New York State Dentists. Together, in conjunction with NYSDA, NYSDAPAC helps to form long-lasting relationships with state legislators who understand the importance of dentistry and dentistry’s unrelenting commitment to improving oral healthcare in New York State. Over 90% of NYSDA members make voluntary contributions to NYSDAPAC to help to elect legislators who are interested in advancing oral healthcare in New York.

NYSDA members benefit from online resources including business resources, clinical resources, dental benefit information, legal resources, peer review options and leadership training, as well as social and networking forums to provide members with important insights into key issues and trends affecting the profession of dentistry.

Programs include:

• Dental Demonstration Project (DDP), a state-funded initiative, which was created in 2015 to improve oral health outcomes in underserved populations across New York State. Through one-day service events and community outreach provided by a Community Dental Health Coordinator (CDHC), the DDP strives to close the gap on unmet dental needs, improve health literacy and link families to resources in their local community.
• New Dentist Survival Guide Series, recognizing the challenges new dentists face, this program offers interactive sessions with experts in each field, including experienced colleagues who serve as mentors
• Membership Concierge is available to all NYSDA members whenever they need information or answers.
• Diversity and Inclusiveness Task Force supports NYSDA’s commitment to fostering an open and welcoming environment for all individuals within the dental profession and ensuring every dentist is represented and understood.
• Legal Protection Plan offers members a low cost prepaid legal plan that will defend them in government regulatory actions or investigations. NYSDA also offers a legal services panel providing discounted rates with vetted law firms that regularly work with dentists.
• Risk Management Partnership with MLMIC allows NYSDA member Dentists to work with an endorsed professional liability insurer to conduct risk management courses for insureds, live and online, to help reduce malpractice risk and improve patient care.
• NYSDA Support Service, Inc. utilizes the buying power of the full membership to offer member discounts on quality goods and services from carefully vetted companies.
• Continuing Education is managed through the New York State Dental Foundation. Members are able to take courses for both lecture/live credits as well as home study credits. The Foundation further assists member Dentists with securing their required credits and maintaining the records of completed coursework. The NYSDA Board of Trustees is currently comprised of 20 professional and committed volunteer Dentist members of the Society. Leadership also includes 18 Council and Committee Chairs and an ADA Trustee representing NYSDA (ADA Second Trustee District) at the national level. The Executive Director & CEO oversees a staff of approximately 20 full-time employees and an operating budget of more than $5 million.

POSITION DESCRIPTION

The Executive Director of NYSDA serves as the chief executive and administrative officer of the Association, responsible for the operational management of the organization and its affiliated entities. Reporting to the Board of Trustees, this leader ensures execution of the mission and vision, the Strategic Plan, and policies established by the Board of Trustees and the NYSDA House of Delegates.

Partnering closely with a motivated and professional Board, engaged members, and a committed staff, the Executive Director will play a critical role in stabilizing and strengthening the organization – financially, operationally, and culturally – while positioning it for long-term growth and impact. Serving as an ex-officio member of the Board, Executive Committee, and all committees, the Executive Director ensures effective governance by maintaining transparent communication, providing timely and accurate information, and supporting informed decision-making.

The Executive Director has full responsibility for the day-to-day operations of the Association, including staff leadership, program and service delivery, and organizational performance. This includes hiring, developing, and leading a high-performing team; aligning resources with strategic priorities; and fostering a culture of accountability, collaboration, and trust.

Financial stewardship is a core responsibility, including development and oversight of the annual budget in partnership with the Treasurer, management of expenditures, safeguarding of assets, and ensuring long-term financial sustainability through disciplined operations and diversified revenue strategies.

As the primary external representative of NYSDA, the Executive Director leads advocacy, government relations, and public affairs efforts, working closely with lobbying partners, policymakers, and stakeholders to advance the interests of the dental profession. The role also includes serving as a key liaison to affiliated entities, including the NYSDAPAC, and building strong partnerships across the state and nationally.

The Executive Director is responsible for leading strategic planning in partnership with the Board – translating priorities into clear, actionable goals, aligning resources, and ensuring measurable progress. A central focus of the role is enhancing membership value and driving growth through engagement, retention, education, and a compelling value proposition.

Success in this role requires the ability to navigate a complex, statewide stakeholder environment, balancing diverse perspectives while building alignment and trust across the Board, staff, local components, and external partners. The Executive Director must combine strategic vision with operational discipline, demonstrating both collaborative leadership and the ability to make timely, informed decisions.

Key areas of focus include:

• Ensuring financial sustainability and revenue diversification
• Driving membership growth, engagement, and value
• Strengthening advocacy impact and legislative effectiveness
• Building organizational alignment, trust, and transparency
• Advancing strategic priorities with clear, measurable outcomes
• Identifying strategic opportunities to strengthen partnerships and engagement beyond traditional dental stakeholders

This is an opportunity for a forward-thinking leader to elevate NYSDA’s presence and influence, modernize operations, and position the Association to meet the evolving needs of the profession and its members.

KEY LEADERSHIP PRIORITIES (FIRST 12–24 MONTHS)

• Strengthen financial position and operational discipline
• Stabilize and grow membership while enhancing member value
• Elevate NYSDA’s advocacy presence and legislative impact
• Rebuild trust and alignment across Board, staff, and components
• Advance a clear, actionable strategic direction
• Modernize operations and enhance member services

RELATIONSHIPS & STAKEHOLDER ENGAGEMENT

This leadership role encompasses building and maintaining strong relationships:

• Downstream with NYSDA’s 13 local components
• Upstream with the American Dental Association (ADA)
• Externally with policymakers, partners, and stakeholders across New York State

The Executive Director will work closely with component Executive Directors while advancing NYSDA’s statewide and national interests. Active participation and visible leadership at NYSDA and ADA House of Delegates meetings are essential.

QUALIFICATIONS

• An undergraduate degree from an accredited college or university is required. An advanced degree is preferred. CAE designation is highly valued.
• Proven executive leadership experience (CEO, Executive Director, COO, or equivalent) with demonstrated success leading complex organizations and driving strategic outcomes.
• Strong leadership, decision-making, communication, and quantitative skills; educational background typically associated with completion of an undergraduate degree in a business-related or relevant field (advanced degree a plus).
• Demonstrated financial and operational management expertise, including extensive budget oversight, financial planning, and a track record of ensuring organizational sustainability and revenue diversification.
• Significant experience in advocacy, government relations, or public policy, with the ability to effectively engage policymakers and represent organizational interests in a complex legislative environment.
• Knowledge and expertise in association management; Certified Association Executive (CAE) designation preferred.
• Deep understanding of management principles and practices, with experience leading staff, operations, and organizational strategy at scale.
• Proven success working with Boards, committees, and diverse stakeholder groups; skilled in navigating complex governance structures and balancing competing priorities.
• Experience leading strategic planning efforts at the senior management and Board level, with the ability to translate vision into measurable outcomes.
• Understanding and comfort with the use and integration of technology to enhance operations, member services, and organizational effectiveness.
• Knowledge of the dental profession, organized dentistry, or related healthcare organizations is preferred but not required; candidates must demonstrate the ability to quickly build subject matter credibility and relationships.
• Commitment to building strong relationships across a statewide environment, with a preference for candidates willing to maintain a visible, in-person presence in Albany.

DESIRED CHARACTERISTICS

• Demonstrated ability to build, motivate, and mentor high-performing teams, while fostering a culture of accountability, collaboration, transparency, and trust.
• Exceptional interpersonal and relationship-building skills, including the ability to unify diverse perspectives, manage complex personalities, and effectively resolve conflict.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills; charismatic, with a commitment to transparency and clear, consistent engagement with internal and external stakeholders.
• Demonstrated adaptability and change leadership capability, including experience modernizing operations, driving innovation, and thinking “outside the box” while maintaining alignment.
• Strategic, forward-thinking mindset with the ability to balance vision with execution.
• Collaborative, consensus-building approach paired with the confidence to make timely, well-informed decisions.
• Political and organizational savvy, with the judgment to navigate sensitive situations and competing priorities effectively.

COMPENSATION & BENEFITS

The salary range for this position is $300,000–$350,000 and will be commensurate with relevant experience, demonstrated expertise, and other applicable considerations. NYSDA offers a comprehensive benefits package, including 11 paid holidays, vacation time, group health and dental insurance, and a 401(k) plan.

Place where work is performed:

The Executive Director’s office is located at NYSDA headquarters in Albany, New York, and currently operates on a hybrid basis. Regular in-office presence is required.

NYSDA is an equal opportunity employer. NYSDA is committed to the principle and policy of equal employment opportunity. NYSDA will not discriminate against employees or applicants for employment on any legally recognized basis including, but not limited to, veteran status, military status, race, color, religion, sex, pregnancy, marital status, creed, national origin, genetic predisposition, physical or mental disability, age, sexual orientation, or any other protected class recognized by federal, New York State or local law. In addition, participation in lawful activities outside the workplace is deemed a protected class in New York State.

For more information about NYSDA, visit: nysdental.org/

SEARCH PROCESS

The search for NYSDA’s next Executive Director is being conducted by Tuft & Associates.

Applicants should submit a cover letter and resume to:

Jill Christie, President, Tuft & Associates, c/o cbabjak@tuftassoc.com