Director of Special Education
Administrative leader responsible for district-wide special education programs, compliance, and student services
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About Our Organization
We are committed to providing exceptional educational services and creating a positive learning environment for our students, staff, and community. Our organization values integrity, collaboration, innovation, and a commitment to excellence in everything we do.
Position Overview
The Director of Special Education provides leadership and oversight for all special education programs and services district-wide. This executive administrative position requires expertise in special education law (IDEA), program management, compliance, and instructional leadership. The director ensures that students with disabilities receive appropriate services and supports in compliance with federal and state regulations. The role involves supervising special education staff, managing budgets, coordinating IEP processes, ensuring compliance, and building strong relationships with families, staff, and community partners.
Responsibilities
Budget Management
- Develop, monitor, and manage annual budgets in alignment with district priorities and strategic goals
- Allocate resources effectively to support instructional programs, operations, and student needs
- Monitor budget expenditures and ensure fiscal responsibility and compliance
- Prepare budget reports and present financial information to stakeholders as needed
- Collaborate with district finance office on budget planning, reporting, and compliance
- Identify and pursue grant opportunities and alternative funding sources when applicable
- Ensure compliance with state and federal fiscal regulations and reporting requirements
- Make data-informed decisions about resource allocation to maximize impact on student outcomes
Leadership & Strategic Planning
- Provide visionary leadership aligned with district mission, values, and strategic goals
- Develop and implement strategic plans to improve student outcomes and school performance
- Lead change management initiatives and foster a culture of continuous improvement
- Build and maintain positive relationships with staff, students, families, and community stakeholders
- Communicate effectively with diverse audiences including staff, parents, district leadership, and community members
- Lead and participate in collaborative decision-making processes and shared leadership structures
- Manage crises and respond effectively to emergencies and challenging situations
- Represent the school/district positively in the community and at district and state-level meetings
Special Education Program Oversight
- Provide leadership and direction for all special education programs and services district-wide
- Ensure programs align with district goals, state standards, and best practices
- Monitor program effectiveness and student outcomes
- Lead continuous improvement efforts for special education services
- Coordinate with general education leadership to ensure inclusive practices
- Support implementation of evidence-based instructional practices for students with disabilities
Compliance & Legal Requirements
- Ensure full compliance with Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) and state special education regulations
- Monitor compliance with Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act
- Coordinate with legal counsel on special education matters and due process hearings
- Conduct compliance monitoring and prepare required reports
- Respond to state and federal monitoring visits and audits
- Stay current with changes in special education law and regulations
- Ensure proper documentation and record-keeping for all special education processes
Staff Supervision & Evaluation
- Supervise and evaluate special education coordinators, specialists, and support staff
- Support principals in evaluating special education teachers
- Recruit, hire, and retain qualified special education staff
- Coordinate professional development for special education staff
- Support new teacher induction and mentoring programs
- Address staff concerns and support conflict resolution
- Ensure staff have necessary training and credentials
Individualized Education Program (IEP) Management
- Oversee IEP development, implementation, and monitoring processes
- Ensure IEPs are developed in compliance with legal requirements
- Support IEP teams in developing appropriate goals and services
- Monitor IEP implementation and student progress
- Coordinate with related service providers (OT, PT, SLP, etc.)
- Ensure timely completion of evaluations and IEP meetings
- Support resolution of IEP disputes and concerns
Budget & Resource Management
- Develop and manage special education budgets including state and federal funding
- Allocate resources effectively to support special education programs
- Monitor expenditures and ensure fiscal responsibility
- Coordinate with district finance office on budget planning and reporting
- Identify and pursue grant opportunities for special education programs
- Ensure compliance with fiscal regulations and reporting requirements
- Make data-informed decisions about resource allocation
Parent & Advocate Relations
- Build positive relationships with parents and guardians of students with disabilities
- Respond to parent concerns and inquiries in a timely and professional manner
- Facilitate communication between families and school staff
- Coordinate parent training and support programs
- Work collaboratively with parent advocacy groups
- Support resolution of disputes and concerns
- Ensure families understand their rights and the special education process
Professional Development & Training
- Coordinate professional development for general and special education staff
- Provide training on special education law, compliance, and best practices
- Support implementation of evidence-based instructional strategies
- Coordinate with outside agencies and service providers
- Ensure staff have necessary training on accommodations, modifications, and assistive technology
- Lead district-wide initiatives to improve special education services
Data Analysis & Reporting
- Collect, analyze, and report on special education data and outcomes
- Monitor student achievement and progress for students with disabilities
- Prepare required state and federal reports
- Use data to inform program improvement and resource allocation
- Track compliance indicators and performance measures
- Present data to district leadership, school board, and stakeholders
Required Qualifications
- Master's degree in Special Education, Educational Leadership, or closely related field
- Valid state administrative credential/license (Principal or Director of Special Education)
- Valid state special education teaching certification/license
- Minimum of 5 years of experience in special education (teaching and/or administration)
- Deep knowledge of IDEA, Section 504, and special education law
- Understanding of special education programs, services, and best practices
- Strong leadership, communication, and interpersonal skills
- Ability to pass background check and fingerprint clearance
- Experience with budget management and fiscal responsibility
- Knowledge of compliance monitoring and reporting requirements
Preferred Qualifications
- Doctorate in Special Education, Educational Leadership, or related field
- Previous experience as a director of special education or special education coordinator
- Legal training or coursework in special education law
- Extensive experience with diverse disability categories and service delivery models
- Experience with due process hearings and legal proceedings
- Training in instructional leadership and program evaluation
- Experience with assistive technology and universal design for learning
- Bilingual skills (as applicable to district needs)
- National Board Certification or advanced credentials
- Experience with state and federal monitoring and compliance
Skills & Competencies
- Deep expertise in special education law (IDEA, Section 504) and compliance
- Strong program management and organizational skills
- Budget management and fiscal responsibility
- Staff supervision and evaluation capabilities
- Data analysis and evidence-based decision making
- Excellent communication skills (verbal, written, and presentation)
- Conflict resolution and problem-solving skills
- Ability to work collaboratively with diverse stakeholders
- Cultural competency and ability to work with diverse populations
- Knowledge of evidence-based instructional practices for students with disabilities
- Understanding of assistive technology and accommodations
- Crisis management and emergency response
- Technology proficiency for data management and communication
- Commitment to equity and inclusion for students with disabilities
Work Environment
For Administrators
This position works primarily in school and district office settings, including private office spaces, conference rooms, and various school locations. The role involves frequent collaboration with teachers, staff, district administrators, families, and community stakeholders. The position requires attendance at evening events, parent meetings, school board meetings, and district activities. The administrator works as part of a leadership team and reports to district-level administrators. The position follows the school calendar schedule with additional responsibilities during summer months and may involve travel between school sites and district offices as needed.
For Special Education
The director works primarily in district office settings with frequent travel to school sites. The position requires regular attendance at evening IEP meetings, parent meetings, school board meetings, and district events. The director may need to respond to emergencies and urgent compliance matters outside of regular hours.
Physical Requirements
This role requires the ability to sit for extended periods, use a computer keyboard and mouse, and communicate effectively via phone and video conferencing. The position involves occasional standing, walking, and lifting of light objects (up to 10 pounds). Employees must have sufficient vision and hearing to perform essential job functions. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.
Benefits & Perks
Standard Benefits
We offer a comprehensive benefits package including medical, dental, and vision insurance, retirement plans, paid time off, holidays, and professional development opportunities. Additional benefits may vary based on employment status and location.
In Addition to Our Standard Benefits Package
Administrative staff receive:
- Competitive salary aligned with education and experience
- Professional development opportunities and continuing education support
- School calendar schedule with extended responsibilities during summer months
- State retirement system participation
- Professional liability coverage
- Opportunities for advancement and district-level leadership roles
- Access to professional learning communities and networking opportunities
- Administrative leave and professional development funding
- Legal support and training in special education law
Legal & Compliance
Equal Opportunity Employer
We are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity at our company. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status.
At-Will Employment
This position is at-will, meaning either the employee or the employer may terminate employment at any time, with or without cause or notice, except as may be limited by applicable law or collective bargaining agreement.
Background Check Policy
All offers of employment are contingent upon successful completion of a background check, which may include criminal history, employment verification, and reference checks, as permitted by applicable law.