EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF SPECIAL SERVICES

Job Title: Executive Director of Special Services Wage/Hour Status: Exempt

Reports to: Chief Student and School Support Officer Pay Grade: Admin Pay 10

Dept./School: Special Services Days: 227

Supervises: Direct Reports

Primary 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 institution
• Valid Texas certification in Special Education
• Valid 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 law
• Strong understanding of instructional practices for students with disabilities
• Knowledge of MTSS, inclusion models, and Least Restrictive Environment (LRE) practices
• Ability to analyze and use data to drive program improvement
• Strong organizational, communication, and interpersonal skills
• Ability to manage budgets, personnel, and complex systems
• Skill in conflict resolution and stakeholder engagement

Experience:

• Minimum of 5 years of progressively responsible experience in special education or related services
• Experience in campus or district-level leadership
• Experience supervising staff and managing large-scale programs

Major Responsibilities and Duties:

Leadership and Systems Management

• Provide vision and leadership for all special services programs, including special education, dyslexia, Section 504, and related services
• Supervise and evaluate directors, supervisors, and assigned staff
• Lead cross-functional collaboration with district Executive Director team, department leaders and campus leadership
• Serve as a key member of the district leadership team to support districtwide initiatives and priorities

Instructional Leadership

• Lead improvement and monitoring of instructional practices for students with disabilities to include IEP-to-instruction alignment checks
• Ensure alignment with Tier I instruction, MTSS frameworks and district curriculum
• Oversee 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 services
• Ensure alignment of special education services with Tier 1 instruction, MTSS frameworks, and district curriculum
• Monitor instructional delivery through classroom observations, data reviews, and program evaluations
• Promote inclusive practices and access to grade-level curriculum in the least restrictive environment

Compliance and Risk Management

• Ensure full compliance with federal, state, and local laws, policies, and procedures
• Develop and implement internal monitoring and audit systems for:
  • IEP quality and implementation
  • Evaluation timelines
  • Service delivery documentation
• Oversee district response to TEA monitoring, complaints, and due process hearings
• Identify and mitigate areas of legal and programmatic risk

Program Evaluation and Accountability

• Establish and monitor key performance indicators, including:
  • Student achievement and growth (STAAR and local measures)
  • Inclusion Rates (LRE)
  • Evaluation timelines and compliance metrics
  • Disproportionality indicators
• Use data to drive continuous improvement and strategic decision-making
• Provide regular reports to district leadership and Board of Trustees

Student Services Management

• Oversee the referral, evaluation, and eligibility process to ensure timely and appropriate identification of students
• Ensure effective implementation of the Admission, Review, and Dismissal (ARD) process districtwide
• Monitor transition services for students entering, exiting, and transitioning between programs
• Ensure appropriate placement and services based on individual student needs

Budget and Resource Management

• Develop and manage the special services budget to ensure effective and efficient use of resources
• Align staffing and resources to meet student needs and program priorities
• Maximize reimbursement opportunities, including SHARS/Medicaid
• Monitor contracts and services for students receiving services outside the district

Personnel Management and Talent Development

• Recruit, hire, train, supervise, and evaluate special services staff
• Develop and implement strategies to recruit and retain highly qualified personnel
• Build leadership capacity in the area of special education among campus administrators and special education staff
• Collaborate with Human Resources to address staffing needs and shortages

Campus Support and Accountability

• Collaborate with campus administrators to ensure implementation of special services programs with fidelity
• Provide training, coaching and support to principals and staff
• Develop 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 administrators

Communication and Community Relations

• Establish and maintain effective communication with staff, parents and community stakeholders
• Serve as a liaison between the district and community agencies
• Promote parent engagement and provide resources to support families
• Articulate the district’s vision and goals for special services to stakeholders
• Attend Board meetings and provide updates as required

Policy, Reports, and Law

• Implement 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 staff
• Make recommendations regarding assignment, retention, discipline, and dismissal
• Oversee 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 peripherals

Physical Requirements: Prolonged sitting; occasional bending/stooping, pushing/pulling, twisting

Motion: Repetitive hand motions, frequent keyboarding and use of mouse

Lifting: Occasional light lifting and carrying (less than 15 pounds)