EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF SPECIAL SERVICES

Job Title: Executive Director of Special Services Wage/Hour Status: ExemptReports to: Chief Student and School Support Officer Pay Grade: Admin Pay 10Dept./School: Special Services Days: 227Supervises: Direct ReportsPrimary Purpose: Provide strategic leadership for a comprehensive, districtwide special services system that ensures equitable access, improved student outcomes, and full compliance with federal, state, and local requirements. Lead the design, implementation, and continuous improvement of instructional programs and services for students receiving special services, including special education, Section 504, dyslexia, and specialized programs. Build organizational capacity across campuses and departments to ensure high-quality instruction, effective service delivery, and positive student outcomes.Qualifications:Education/Certification:Master's Degree from an accredited institutionValid Texas certification in Special EducationValid Texas Principal or Mid-Management certification (preferred)T-Tess certification and AEL/ILD certification (preferred)Special Knowledge/Skills:Extensive knowledge of IDEA, Section 504, and Texas special education lawStrong understanding of instructional practices for students with disabilitiesKnowledge of MTSS, inclusion models, and Least Restrictive Environment (LRE) practicesAbility to analyze and use data to drive program improvementStrong organizational, communication, and interpersonal skillsAbility to manage budgets, personnel, and complex systemsSkill in conflict resolution and stakeholder engagementExperience:Minimum of 5 years of progressively responsible experience in special education or related servicesExperience in campus or district-level leadershipExperience supervising staff and managing large-scale programsMajor Responsibilities and Duties:Leadership and Systems ManagementProvide vision and leadership for all special services programs, including special education, dyslexia, Section 504, and related servicesSupervise and evaluate directors, supervisors, and assigned staffLead cross-functional collaboration with district Executive Director team, department leaders and campus leadershipServe as a key member of the district leadership team to support districtwide initiatives and prioritiesInstructional LeadershipLead improvement and monitoring of instructional practices for students with disabilities to include IEP-to-instruction alignment checksEnsure alignment with Tier I instruction, MTSS frameworks and district curriculumOversee the development and delivery of special education instructional framework defining expectations for special education instruction across all service models.Lead the development and implementation of high-quality instructional practices for students receiving special servicesEnsure alignment of special education services with Tier 1 instruction, MTSS frameworks, and district curriculumMonitor instructional delivery through classroom observations, data reviews, and program evaluationsPromote inclusive practices and access to grade-level curriculum in the least restrictive environmentCompliance and Risk ManagementEnsure full compliance with federal, state, and local laws, policies, and proceduresDevelop and implement internal monitoring and audit systems for:IEP quality and implementationEvaluation timelinesService delivery documentation* Oversee district response to TEA monitoring, complaints, and due process hearings* Identify and mitigate areas of legal and programmatic riskProgram Evaluation and AccountabilityEstablish and monitor key performance indicators, including:Student achievement and growth (STAAR and local measures)Inclusion Rates (LRE)Evaluation timelines and compliance metricsDisproportionality indicators* Use data to drive continuous improvement and strategic decision-making* Provide regular reports to district leadership and Board of TrusteesStudent Services ManagementOversee the referral, evaluation, and eligibility process to ensure timely and appropriate identification of studentsEnsure effective implementation of the Admission, Review, and Dismissal (ARD) process districtwideMonitor transition services for students entering, exiting, and transitioning between programsEnsure appropriate placement and services based on individual student needsBudget and Resource ManagementDevelop and manage the special services budget to ensure effective and efficient use of resourcesAlign staffing and resources to meet student needs and program prioritiesMaximize reimbursement opportunities, including SHARS/MedicaidMonitor contracts and services for students receiving services outside the districtPersonnel Management and Talent DevelopmentRecruit, hire, train, supervise, and evaluate special services staffDevelop and implement strategies to recruit and retain highly qualified personnelBuild leadership capacity in the area of special education among campus administrators and special education staffCollaborate with Human Resources to address staffing needs and shortagesCampus Support and AccountabilityCollaborate with campus administrators to ensure implementation of special services programs with fidelityProvide training, coaching and support to principals and staffDevelop systems to educate campus leaders and staff on the referral process and ensure that Multi-Tier Support Services continue as students are in the pipeline for assessments.Build leadership capacity in the area of special education among campus administratorsCommunication and Community RelationsEstablish and maintain effective communication with staff, parents and community stakeholdersServe as a liaison between the district and community agenciesPromote parent engagement and provide resources to support familiesArticulate the district's vision and goals for special services to stakeholdersAttend Board meetings and provide updates as requiredPolicy, Reports, and LawImplement the policies established by federal and state law, State Board of Education rule, and local board policy in area of special education. Recommend sound policies and procedures to improve program.Compile, maintain, and file all reports, records, and other documents required.Follow district safety protocols and emergency procedures.Supervisory Responsibilities:Supervise, evaluate, and support assigned staffMake recommendations regarding assignment, retention, discipline, and dismissalOversee evaluation team and support personnel.Working Conditions:Mental Demands/Physical Demands/Environmental Factors: Maintain emotional control under stress. Frequent districtwide and occasional statewide travel; occasional prolonged or irregular hours.Tools/Equipment Used: Standard office equipment including personal computer and peripheralsPhysical Requirements: Prolonged sitting; occasional bending/stooping, pushing/pulling, twistingMotion: Repetitive hand motions, frequent keyboarding and use of mouseLifting: Occasional light lifting and carrying (less than 15 pounds)