What are the responsibilities and job description for the Senior Manager of Special Education position at Intermediate District 287?
Intermediate District 287 is looking for two Senior Managers of Special Education!
Intermediate District 287 serves students in grades K-12, as well as transition age students (18-22 years old), from our 12 member districts in the west metro area. Our district offers a wide range of services and specialized programs, primarily focused on setting IV special education, that is designed to meet the diverse needs of our students. To better understand our student population and work environment check out this video.
Why Work with Us?:
At Intermediate District 287, we are committed to fostering an inclusive and supportive environment for both students and staff. Here’s what makes our district special:
- Trauma-Informed Approach: We prioritize understanding the impact of past trauma on student behaviors, creating a safe and supportive space to help each student thrive.
- Comprehensive Support Services: Each school is equipped with a dedicated team, including School Social Workers, Psychologists, Counselors, Behavior Intervention Specialists, and Student Safety Coaches who are all working together to build meaningful relationships and support student success.
- Small Class Sizes: We offer personalized attention in small classes, with an average of 6-8 students per class, ensuring every student receives the individualized care they deserve.
- Commitment to Diversity: We value diverse perspectives and life experiences, and our strategic vision is focused on hiring and retaining racially diverse and racially conscious staff across all levels of our organization.
Position Details:
We have two open Senior Manager positions
Location: Based out of the District Service Center in Plymouth, MN
Start Date: July 1, 2026
Contracted days: 261 days
This position follows the Employment Guide for Administrators and Unaffiliated Employees
Salary: Minimum starting salary for Administrative Senior Managers is $88,000
Benefits:
- Low cost medical and dental insurance
- District funded HRA account
- Life insurance and long-term disability
- Optional health care flexible spending account (FSA)
- Optional dependent care flexible spending account (FSA)
- Extensive wellness services that includes 6 free confidential counseling sessions
- Retirement benefits through TRA
- Optional 403b with district match
- Paid time off
- Mental Health benefits
- Ongoing professional development
- More details can be found on our webpage: Contracts/Benefits - Intermediate District 287
Education and Experience Requirements
- Advanced degree in education or related field or Ed. Specialist Degree
- Three (3) years of professional-level experience working in an educational setting
- Special Education licensure and teaching experience in special education, preferred
Licensure Requirements
- Director of Special Education license
Essential Functions
The following identifies the primary and essential functions of the position and is not intended to be an exhaustive listing of all duties.
- Organizational Management
- Provide support to the Director of Special Education for program budgets
- Assist the Director of Special Education in equitable and responsible distribution of resources
- Assist the Director of Special Education with program and enrollment planning including Extended School Year (ESY)
- Curriculum Planning and Professional Development
- Provide leadership for the implementation of professional development
- Provide leadership to implement best practice curriculum and instruction for students with disabilities
- Assist with the development of programs to ensure equitable opportunities to accelerate growth for students with disabilities
- Collaborate with coaches, Instructional Leadership Team (ILT), and others on ensuring effective instructional practices and the consistent use of curriculum
- Conduct program evaluation and data analysis to improve outcomes for students
- Department Climate/Culture
- Support Division of Special Education and Itinerant Services with developing and monitoring improvement planning and implementation
- Participate in team meetings
- Facilitate team meetings and update staff with pertinent information
- Communication
- Provide critical coaching and leadership to staff that helps ensure educational equity and effective interventions
- Communicate with member district reps in regards to student programming and services
- Mediate Staff to Staff, Staff to Student, and Student to Student conflicts
- Policies and Procedures
- Provide leadership for special education in District 287
- Provide professional development in curriculum, instruction, service delivery, and due process
- Provide due process support and direction to staff
- Provide guidance, support, and direction with respect to fidelity of program implementation for students
- Performance Management
- Collaborate with Director, Assistant Directors, Senior Managers, and others to hire, supervise, and evaluate staff
- Collaborate and carry out aspects of investigative activities as appropriate and necessary, in collaboration with an Assistant Superintendent, Executive Director, Director, or Assistant Director
- Provide feedback, support and assistance to licensed instructional staff regarding Individualized Education Plans (IEPs), Positive Behavioral Support Plans (PBSP), Three-Year Reevaluations, Child Study documentation, and other related areas
- Provide ongoing formative feedback including walkthroughs on employee instructional practice/performance
- Utilize problem solving and conflict resolution skills to resolve disputes and ensure students receive a free, appropriate, public education
- Provide guidance/decision making during IEP meetings
- View the full Job Classification
Interview Process:
- Applications are due by May 22, 2026
- First round interviews will be May 29, 2026
- Second round interviews will be June 1, 2026
Website: https://www.district287.org/careers
Email: hr@district287.org