Director of Special Education

About the role

The Director of Special Education provides strategic oversight for Special Education and 504 services, ensuring students with IEPs and 504 plans receive high‑quality, grade‑level instruction. This senior leader works closely with schools, district leadership, and community partners to drive compliance, continuous improvement, and equitable outcomes.

Key responsibilities

• Lead development, implementation, and evaluation of all Special Education and 504 programs, aligning with state and federal guidelines.
• Provide instructional leadership and data‑driven professional development for school leaders, teachers, and department staff.
• Oversee program entry, assessment, design, placement, and continuous improvement processes, including compliance reporting and grant management.
• Coordinate staffing, tiered school support strategies, and inter‑departmental collaboration to maximize service delivery.

Required profile

• Extensive knowledge of IDEA, state regulations, and best practices for individualized education programs across the service continuum.
• Proven experience in leading large educational teams, budgeting, and strategic planning.
• Strong ethical standards, resilience, adaptability, and collaborative leadership style.

Required skills

• Proficiency with data management systems.
• Advanced use of Google Workspace and Microsoft Office Suite.
• Experience with educational platforms that support student progress monitoring.