What are the responsibilities and job description for the Director of Special Education position at HealthSearch Group?
🌟 Executive Director —Special Education & Community Services
Type: Full-time | Day
Benefits: Medical, dental, retirement, PTO, professional development
Are you a mission-driven leader who loves building programs that change lives? We’re seeking an Executive Director to lead and grow an organization that provides education, vocational training, and community-integration services for children, adolescents, and young adults with developmental disabilities.
What you’ll own
- Provide strategic leadership and operational oversight across education, vocational/transition services, day services, family supports, and community programs.
- Partner with the Board to develop and execute a multi-year strategic plan.
- Oversee budgeting, financial forecasting, fundraising strategy, and fiscal health.
- Ensure program quality, regulatory compliance, and strong outcomes (student growth, employment/placement, community engagement).
- Build and mentor a senior leadership team and cultivate a positive, inclusive organizational culture.
- Serve as the organization’s principal external ambassador — cultivating funders, school districts, community partners, and donors.
Must-haves
- Bachelor’s degree required; Master’s preferred (education, nonprofit management, social work, related).
- 7–10 years progressive leadership in nonprofit education, special services, or human services; 3–5 years in a senior executive role.
- Strong financial acumen (budgeting, forecasting, fundraising).
- Experience with program development and operational compliance in special-needs or related services.
- Excellent communicator, collaborator, and public-facing representative.
- Deep commitment to inclusion, dignity, and person-centered services.
Nice-to-haves
- Familiarity with NY/state education or developmental-disability regulations (OPWDD/IDEA/Medicaid) — helpful but not required for all regions.
- Proven success growing revenue streams (grants, philanthropy, social enterprise).
Why this role matters
You’ll lead an organization that empowers individuals with disabilities to increase independence, achieve vocational goals, and participate fully in the community. This is a high-impact, visible role ideal for an inspiring leader who’s equal parts strategist, fundraiser, operator, and advocate.