Jeffco Public Schools (Jeffco) is located in Jefferson County, Colorado. It is the second largest school district in Colorado serving 69,000 students across 155 schools. With 14,000 employees, the district is the largest employer in Jefferson County and has provided educational excellence for more than 70 years.

Jeffco embraces the spirit of the West and the natural beauty of the Rocky Mountain region with the county spanning more than 770 square miles running the length of the western edge of the Denver metropolitan area. The district is diverse in both population and geography, from urban to rural, including the mountain communities in the foothills west of Denver.

Overall, Jeffco has 31% of students that qualify for free and reduced lunch, an indicator of poverty, and 34% minority (25% Hispanic) student population. The district is implementing a new strategic plan, Jeffco Thrives 2025 that is focused on providing a world-class education that prepares all Jeffco students for bright and successful futures as local and global citizens. Come join us!

Jeffco Public Schools is a Single-State Employer. All candidates hired by Jeffco Public Schools must reside within the state of Colorado.

The Special Education Department falls within the Student Success Division overseeing special education services district wide. The department is designed to efficiently support schools in serving the needs of students with disabilities.

First consideration will be given to candidates that apply prior to July 3, 2023.

Exec Dir - Special Education
Annual Position
FLSA: Exempt
FTE: 1.00000 , Hours/Day: 8.000 , Days/Year: Year Round
Salary Plan, Grade, Step: JCA - Administrator - 229 days , G12, 1
Min-Mid Annual Salary Range: $115,808.00 - $138,407.50 Effective as of: 06-16-2022

**Annual salary noted above is based on an 8 hour day and full days worked calendar. Any position that is less than a full FTE/8 hours per day or late start will be prorated accordingly.

Certain Education Support Professional (ESP) jobs may include the value of holiday pay into the hourly rate. Review the Holiday in Rate column of the Education Support Professional Job Title, Wage Plan, Grade document.

The successful new hire or rehired candidate will be responsible to complete and incur the fingerprinting and processing fee of $54.50 through an appropriate fingerprinting vendor and the Colorado Bureau of Investigation, within 48 hours of offer acceptance.

SUMMARY Provide leadership in the planning, coordination, and management of the Special Education services for the district, aligning with Jeffco Thrives 2025 and prioritizing the success of exceptional learners, while ensuring compliance with federal and state regulations. Facilitate coordination between support programs, promoting a cohesive approach to meeting the diverse needs of exceptional learners. Build strong relationships and effective collaboration with district and school leaders; community partners; and parents to foster a collective effort to support exceptional learners. Implement Board of Education policies and procedures and assure compliance with federal and state rules and regulations related to special education programs.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES include the following. Other duties may be assigned.
Provide guidance and support to instructional leaders,; collaborating to align curriculum, instructional strategies, and assessments in order to meet the diverse needs of exceptional learners. Advocate for the implementation of innovative approaches that improve student outcomes using current research and best practices in both general and special education.
Foster a positive and inclusive climate and culture within the Special Education department and throughout the district. Implement strategies to enhance staff morale, engagement, and well-being; recognizing their contributions and providing professional development opportunities.
Lead the development and implementation of innovative programs and services that meet the unique needs of exceptional learners, preschool through age 21, while ensuring alignment with the strategic direction outlined in Jeffco Thrives 2025. Create a culture of continuous improvement within the Special Education department, encouraging creative problem-solving, a growth mindset, and a commitment to excellence.
Analyze data and assess the needs of special education programs, considering student needs, service gaps, and facility utilization. Develop and implement programs that align with student needs and support their educational journey in the least restrictive environment and ensuring a continuum of services.
Make informed and timely recommendations regarding program placement, closure, or relocation based on data-driven insights. Collaborate with relevant stakeholders to ensure the appropriate and efficient use of facilities that meet the diverse needs of exceptional learners.
Provide regular updates, reports, and presentations to ensure that all stakeholders are well-informed and engaged in the planning, implementation, and evaluation of Special Education services. Develop and maintain communication channels for transparency and information sharing with stakeholders.
Cultivate strong relationships and work closely with community partners, parents, advocates, school leaders, and district leaders to ensure effective collaboration, shared resources, and a cohesive support system for exceptional learners.
Oversee the dispute resolution processes, including mediation, state complaints, and due process complaints related to special education. Collaborate with legal counsel and relevant stakeholders to provide guidance and support. Maintain accurate records, documentation, and timelines in accordance with state requirements. Act as a liaison between the district and external agencies.
Ensure timely and accurate collection, analysis, and reporting of data required for state and federal compliance by the Special Education department. Identify areas for improvement and implement corrective measures when needed.
Effectively implement Board of Education policies and procedures related to special education programs, as well as broader educational policies. Regularly review policies, procedures, and practices to ensure alignment with legal requirements and best practices. Provide guidance and support to staff members to promote a culture of compliance and accountability.
Oversee the district's Special Education Advisory Committee (SEAC), ensuring its effective functioning and meaningful engagement with stakeholders. Represent the district at the State Director's Meeting and the Metro Special Education Director Group. Serve as a key representative on the District's collective bargaining teams; representing the District's interests and priorities during collective bargaining sessions from the lens of special education. Facilitate regular meetings and discussions with the Jefferson County Educator's Association (JCEA) Special Education Collaborative Committee on matters related to policy development, program implementation, and professional development for special education staff to improve the overall quality of special education services.
Oversee Special Education Department including allocation and management of resources, staffing, and team alignment to support the delivery of quality Special Education services. Provide supervision, guidance, performance feedback and evaluations for the Directors of Special Education within the district. Support the professional growth and development of department staff.
Partner with IT and Student Data Privacy on the implementation, integration, and management of district software systems, and technology platforms related to Special Education, such as the IEP system and student records management. Provide leadership in identifying, evaluating, and implementing technological solutions that enhance efficiency, data accuracy, and reporting capabilities.
Support staff training and professional development in utilizing software systems effectively. Stay abreast of advancements in educational technology and advocate for the adoption of innovative tools that improve Special Education services and streamline administrative processes.
Other duties as assigned.
To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
EXPERIENCE 3 years' of experience in an administrative or leadership role within special education such as coordinator, supervisor, assistant director, etc. 5 years' of experience as either a special education teacher, special services provider, or related services provider.
EDUCATION AND TRAINING Master's degree plus or higher in special education from a regionally accredited institution.
CERTIFICATES, LICENSES, REGISTRATIONS Colorado Type D Administrative License with Director of Special Education Endorsement or be eligible for the Special Education Director TEE Authorization.
SKILLS, KNOWLEDGE, & EQUIPMENT Strong leadership skills with the ability to provide guidance, support, and direction to instructional leaders, staff, and stakeholders. In-depth knowledge of special education principles, practices, and instructional strategies, as well as a solid understanding of general education principles and best practices. Proficiency in data analysis and evidence-based decision-making to assess program needs, monitor student outcomes, and drive continuous improvement. Excellent communication and stakeholder engagement skills to establish effective partnerships, foster collaboration, and advocate for the needs of exceptional learners. Familiarity with educational technology and software systems used in special education, including IEP management systems, student records management, and data reporting tools.
SPAN OF CONTROL Directly supervises employees in the Special Education Department. Positions supervised include Special Education Directors, and the Secretary to the Executive Director. Carries out supervisory responsibilities in accordance with the organization's policies and applicable laws. Responsibilities include interviewing, hiring, and training employees; planning, assigning, and directing work; evaluating performance and providing feedback that contributes to the professional growth and development of staff; rewarding and disciplining employees; addressing complaints and resolving problems. Responsible for assisting with budget development and accountability.
The physical demands, mental functions, and work environment characteristics described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
PHYSICAL DEMANDS While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to talk or hear. The employee frequently is required to walk and sit. The employee is occasionally required to stand; use hands to finger, handle, or feel; and reach with hands and arms. The employee must regularly lift and/or move up to 10 pounds and frequently lift and/or move up to 25 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, and ability to adjust focus.
MENTAL FUNCTIONS While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to analyze, communicate, coordinate, synthesize, evaluate, use interpersonal skills, compile, and negotiate. The employee is frequently required to compare. The employee is occasionally required to instruct and compute.
WORK ENVIRONMENT The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.

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The Jefferson County School District does not discriminate on the basis of disability, race, color, creed, religion, national origin, age, sexual orientation, marital status, political affiliation, pregnancy, or gender.