The Executive Director of School Success has the responsibility and accountability for Special Education Schools and Programs and provides strategic leadership and oversight for all special education services within the organization. This role is responsible for ensuring that schools and programs meet or exceed state and federal special education standards while fostering an inclusive and supportive environment for students with diverse needs. The Executive Director collaborates with school leadership, teachers, support staff, parents, and the community to develop and implement innovative practices that enhance student learning, development, and well-being.

Responsibilities

The Executive Director will be responsible for:

Leadership and Vision: Develop and implement the organization’s long-term strategic plan for special education services and programs, ensure compliance with relevant laws, set goals for student achievement and staff development, lead data-driven decision-making, and contribute to organizational development by managing Site Administrators through recruitment, retention, performance management, employee development, coaching, and feedback.
Program Management and Oversight: Supervise the design, implementation, and evaluation of special education programs/services, manage staff development and resources, ensure effective Individualized Education Program (IEP) management, and support academic integrity by ensuring compliance with state and federal laws, including IDEA, through proper implementation of procedures related to MET, IEP, Reporting, grading, curriculum, instruction, and assessments.
Budgeting and Resource Allocation: Manage the budget, oversee resource allocation to ensure effective use of site-based budgets, facilities, and technology, promote the organization’s positive image by supporting Site Administrators in alignment with the organizational vision and mission, demonstrate ethical behavior as a role model for school-based staff, partners, and students, and partner with HR on internal investigations.
Community Engagement and Advocacy: Collaborate with families, community partners, and stakeholders to promote special education initiatives and student success.
Staff Supervision and Development: Mentor Site Administrators and other staff, and implement professional development to maintain best practices in special education.
Student-Centered Focus: Lead the development of personalized learning plans/therapeutic interventions, promote inclusive practices, and ensure equitable support for students.

Qualifications

Education Requirements:

Master’s degree in Special Education, Educational Leadership, or a related field (Doctorate preferred)

Experience Requirements:

Comprehensive knowledge of state and federal special education laws and regulations.
5-10 years of progressively responsible leadership experience in special education, including experience at the administrative level.
Proven experience in managing budgets, leading teams, and overseeing large-scale educational programs.
Preferred experience leading multiple schools or large-scale special education programs.
Preferred familiarity with managing complex student populations, including those with moderate to severe disabilities.
Preferred demonstrated success in securing external funding through grants or other financial sources.

Job Specific Requirements:

Organizing, Planning, and Prioritizing Work: Developing specific goals and plans to prioritize, organize, and accomplish your work.
Judgement and Decision-making: Considering the relative costs and benefits of potential actions to choose the most appropriate one.
Social Perceptiveness: Being aware of others' reactions and understanding why they react as they do.
Complex Problem Solving: Identifying complex problems and reviewing related information to develop and evaluate options and implement solutions.
Administration and Management: Knowledge of business and management principles involved in strategic planning, resource allocation, human resources modeling, leadership technique, production methods, and coordination of people and resources.
Management of Financial Resources: Determining how money will be spent to get the work done, and accounting for these expenditures.
Management of People Resources: Motivating, developing, and directing people as they work, identifying the best people for the job.
Management of Material Resources: Obtaining and seeing the appropriate use of equipment, facilities, and materials needed to do certain work.