Executive Director of Special Education - Educational Services Center

Job Title: Executive Director of Special Education

FLSA Exemption Status: Exempt

Classification Group: Administrator

Supervising Position: Assistant Superintendent of Special Populations

Pay Plan: Administrator

Pay Range: Range 09

Last Updated: 04/01/2026

Pay Information

Benefits Information

JOB SUMMARY: Provide visionary, equity-centered leadership for the design, implementation, and continuous improvement of special education and related services across the district. This role ensures full compliance with federal and state laws while advancing the District’s commitment to inclusive practices, academic excellence, and the success of the whole child. In alignment with CCSD’s Strategic Plan, the Executive Director leads system-wide efforts to improve outcomes for students with disabilities, ensures equitable access to rigorous learning environments, and fosters collaborative partnerships among schools, families, and the community. This position supervises special education leadership staff and works closely with district and school leaders to build capacity and coherence across the system.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES: The subsequent duties outline the fundamental operations of the position and exemplify the nature of the tasks carried out. They do not encompass a comprehensive inventory of the obligations and responsibilities fulfilled in this role. The approximation of frequencies and time allocation percentages are flexible and subject to the requirements of the organization. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Job Task Descriptions Frequency Percentage of Time

Provide strategic leadership to implement a district-wide vision for special education aligned with CCSD’s Strategic Plan, equity commitments, and student achievement goals

Daily 10%

Lead continuous improvement cycles to increase academic achievement, inclusion, graduation rates, and post-secondary outcomes for students with disabilities

Daily 10%

Analyze and utilize multiple data sources to inform decision-making, program evaluation, and continuous improvement efforts

Daily 10%

Supervise, support, and evaluate directors, coordinators, and program specialists; build leadership capacity aligned with CCSD leadership expectations

Daily 10%

Partner with school leaders to strengthen inclusive practices, co-teaching models, and Multi-Tiered Systems of Support (MTSS)

Daily 10%

Ensure compliance with IDEA, Section 504, ADA, and Colorado Department of Education (CDE) regulations, including oversight of IEP and 504 processes

Weekly 10%

Develop, manage, and monitor departmental budgets, including federal (IDEA) and state funding, ensuring responsible stewardship of public resources

Weekly 10%

Oversee due process hearings, state complaints, mediations, and legal matters; collaborate with legal counsel and HR to mitigate risk and ensure procedural fidelity

Weekly 5%

Oversee staffing allocations and service delivery models to ensure equitable access, efficiency, and alignment with student needs

Weekly 5%

Engage families as partners and collaborate with community agencies, advocacy organizations, and CDE to support student success

Weekly 5%

Design and oversee professional learning aligned to district priorities, evidence-based practices, and compliance requirements

Monthly 5%

Monitor and address disproportionality in identification, discipline, and placement through an equity lens

Monthly 5%

Perform other duties as assigned or requested.

Daily 5% TOTAL 100%

REPORTING RELATIONSHIPS: This job has supervisor responsibilities including, but not limited to, interviewing, hiring, directing work, assigning work, supervising work, training, evaluating, disciplining, and terminating. Direct reports:

• Director of Special Education
• Executive Assistant I
  
  

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS: The minimum prerequisites of formal education, professional work experience, certifications, licenses, endorsements, designations, trainings, and other criteria that a candidate must fulfill to be considered for a position. It is essential that certifications, licenses, endorsements, designations, and trainings are fulfilled, valid, and not expired.

• Criminal background check and fingerprinting required
• Master's degree in Special Education, Educational Leadership, or related field
• Five (5) years of leadership experience in special education or student services
• Valid Colorado administrative license (principal or district-level)
• Deep knowledge of IDEA, Section 504, ADA, and Colorado special education regulations
• Demonstrated experience with program development, compliance, and staff supervision
• Demonstrated commitment to equity, inclusion, and culturally responsive practices
  
  

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS AND WORKING CONDITIONS: The physical demands, mental functions, cognitive capacities, and work environment factors required to perform a position’s essential functions. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• Work location is subject to change to meet the requirements of the organization
• Light work strength level (lifting or carrying up to 25 pounds)
• Primarily works indoors
• Typically a quiet noise level
• Work is performed in office and school-based environments
• Frequent travel between district sites and facilities
• Occasional evening meetings (e.g., Board of Education, community events)
• Ability to sit, stand, walk, and use standard office equipment for extended periods
  
  

DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS: Formal education, professional work experience, certifications, licenses, endorsements, designations, trainings, and other qualifications relevant to the position that are strongly preferred but not mandatory for a candidate to be considered.

• Doctoral degree (Ed.D. or Ph.D.)
• Experience working in the public sector, specifically public education
• Experience working directly with people from diverse racial, ethnic, and socioeconomic backgrounds
• Experience managing complex budgets and grant funding
• Experience leading systemic change and continuous improvement initiatives
• Strong background in inclusive practices and MTSS frameworks
• Racially conscious and culturally competent with the skill, will, capacity, and knowledge to commit to a culture of continuous improvement