Senior Manager of Exceptional Learners - Center Programs
POSITION: Senior Manager of Exceptional Learners - Center ProgramsLOCATION: DSST: Home Office located in Denver, COSALARY: $87,500 - $106,800for up to six years of aligned experience. We also offer a relocation stipend for anyone joining us from 75 miles or more from Denver!STATUS: Full time year round, benefits eligible, exempt, in-person positionSTART: Immediate. You can view the current School Year Calendar here.Overview Of PositionThe Senior Manager of Exceptional Learners - Center Programs is a network leader charged with setting the vision for Center Programs at DSST and for supporting schools in executing that vision. The leader in this position will directly support the Center Programs at multiple schools to meet foundational effectiveness in the Core Program Elements we believe are essential to running strong Center Programs.Key Roles & ResponsibilitiesVision and StrategyAnnually develop strategic priorities, goals and project plans for Center Programs based on Core Program Elements and grounded in evidence based practicesDevelopment of strategy for 18-21 Transition/Support (research, development of systems, support of students currently in 18-21, HS Business etc.)Partner with school and network leaders to ensure this vision is inclusive of all students and reflective of DSST’s Core Values.Lead effective change management in pursuit of strong outcomes for all students with a focus on those who learn in Center Programs. School Support & Development of Center Program StaffComplete weekly observations and coaching meetings at each school with Center Program leads focusing on Core Program Elements and Targets for Trimester Support Center Program Leads in coaching Support Specialists on specific skills related to their work within the center program.Plan and lead regular development sessions for Center Program staff as well as additional sessions for school/network as needed.Collaborate with Center Program staff in developing IEP goals, data collection and programming for significant behaviors as well as developing and implementing Functional Behavior Assessments (FBAs) and Behavior Intervention Plans (BIPs).Partner with Special Education Administrators on leadership of Center Program Staff; support and develop these leaders to manage high functioning Center Program Teams, to set and meet ambitious targets for strong center programming, and to problem solve when challenging student, family, or staff situations arise. Have hard conversations when necessary and partner with School Directors and Managing Directors when challenges must be escalated.Team LeadershipServe as a leader on the Home Office Exceptional Learner Team in maintaining a strong and effective team culture. Partner with Home Office teams in pursuit of our goals for all students. Additional DutiesAs a member of the Home Office Team, you will participate in and support in the execution of:Home Office EventsNetwork Wide EventsMinimum QualificationsSpecial Education Teaching Experience:5+ years working within Special Education with a focus on significant needs populations3+ years of Special Education teaching experience in 6-12 setting with significant needs populations (i.e. Autism, Intellectual Disabilities, Affective Needs etc.)Leadership experience:4+ years of experience as a Special Education coordinator or leader at the school levelDeep knowledge of Special Education law and special education programming for significant needs populations (i.e. Autism, Intellectual Disabilities, Affective Needs etc.)Strong interpersonal skills and an ability to build relationships and collaborate with leaders and teachersExperience managing a direct reportA desire to drive system level improvementsEducation:Bachelor's Degree required from accredited universityIdeal QualificationsMaster's Degree or advanced coursework in relevant field strongly preferredMaster's Degree in Applied Behavior Analysis and/or BCBA Certification strongly preferredWho We AreAt DSST Public Schools, we are proud to achieve transformational results for our 7,500+ students — 97% of whom attend a Green (top-rated) school. Just as important is how we achieve them: values-centered, human-focused, and together.We invite educators and leaders who share our belief that there is more in us — more brilliance, more courage, more possibility — to join us.Our Impact100% of DSST graduates have been admitted to college or a postsecondary program15 of 16 schools rated Green on the 2024–25 SPF9 out of 10 DSST families would recommend DSST to a friend95%+ of staff say their managers check in regularly and care about them as people Why Work at DSST?At DSST, our Quantum 5 Culture defines how we help every team member grow, belong, and thrive.Comprehensive Compensation & Benefits: Competitive pay and a Total Rewards package that includes fertility and adoption support, educator-focused mental-health care, and everyday perks like Safeway grocery discounts.Growth & Opportunity: Weekly 1:1 coaching, data-driven feedback, and clear career pathways such as Apprentice Teacher and Emerging Leader.Rewards & Recognition: Core Value and TOAST Awards, milestone celebrations, and the signature Flower Person Award honoring staff who help our community flourish.Whole Human Wellness: Access to the Therapist of Color Collaborative, Wellness Wednesdays, comprehensive health coverage, and six weeks of paid parental leave.Thriving in Colorado: Time to recharge with 11+ weeks off each year, relocation support for out of state applicants, and local discounts that help you enjoy life in our beautiful sunshine filled state.Learn more about our Quantum 5 Culture and Compensation & Benefits.Equal Employment Opportunity and Diversity, Equity, and InclusionDSST Public Schools is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not exclude participation in, deny benefits to or discriminate on the basis of, race, color, religion, National origin, sex (including pregnancy and related conditions, sexual orientation, or gender identity), Age (40 and older), Disability, Genetic information (including employer requests for, or purchase, use, or disclosure of genetic tests, genetic services, or family medical history), retaliation for filing a charge, reasonably opposing discrimination, or participating in a discrimination lawsuit, investigation, or proceeding in admission or access to, or treatment or employment in its programs and activities.Physical DemandsThe physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to talk and hear. This position is active and may require standing, walking, bending, kneeling, stooping, and crouching throughout the day. The employee must lift and/or move items up to 30 pounds. The employee must have sufficient hand, arm, and finger dexterity to operate a computer keyboard and other office equipment. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and ability to adjust focus.