Director of Student Support Services (2026-2027)

Position Title: Director of Student Support Services

Reports to: Chief Academic Officer

FLSA Status: Exempt

Position Overview

The Director of Student Support Services provides strategic leadership, planning, and oversight of the district's student support systems, including Exceptional Children (EC) services and the Multi-Tiered System of Supports (MTSS). This role operates as an integral component of the district's academic framework, ensuring that student support services are fully aligned with systemic instructional priorities.

Under the supervision of the Chief Academic Officer, the Director leads the development and implementation of systems designed to improve student outcomes through proactive, data-driven academic and behavioral supports. The Director ensures compliance with federal, state, and local laws to include special education, Section 504, and ADA while building the district's capacity to deliver quality, inclusive practices across all schools.

Essential Duties And Responsibilities

Leadership & Strategic Planning

• Lead the development and implementation of a cohesive systemic student support framework aligned with academic priorities.
• Collaborate with district and school leaders to ensure alignment between instruction, intervention, and student support services.
• Develop and refine MTSS, intervention, and inclusive practices across all schools using data to inform decisions and improve outcomes.
  
  

Exceptional Children (EC) Program Oversight

• Ensure district compliance with federal, state, and local regulations related to special education.
• Support the development and monitoring of Individualized Education Programs (IEPs) and program service delivery models.
• Provide guidance to schools on best practices and coordinate on complex student matters.
• Ensure compliance with Section 504 and ADA requirements for students with disabilities.
  
  

MTSS & Intervention Systems Development

• Lead implementation and continuous improvement of the district's MTSS framework.
• Support schools in developing proactive, data-driven intervention systems aligned with instructional practices.
• Collaborate with school-based teams to strengthen early identification and intervention for struggling students.
  
  

Student Support Coordination

• Provide district-level guidance and support for school counselors, nurses, speech/language pathologists, and other student support specialists in alignment with best practices.
• Coordinate medical homebound services and other specialized support programs.
• Facilitate district-wide social-emotional learning initiatives and mentoring programs.
  
  

Operational Supervision & Delegation

• Supervise and support assigned personnel, delegating operational responsibilities while maintaining oversight of program quality and compliance.
• Support consistency in practices and expectations across all district schools.
  
  

Staff Development & Capacity Building

• Develop and support professional learning aligned to Exceptional Children, MTSS, and student support systems.
• Build school-level capacity to implement effective interventions, inclusive practices, and SEL supports.
  
  

Budget & Resource Management

• Develop and manage budgets related to Exceptional Children and student support services.
• Monitor expenditures to ensure effective and compliant use of local, state, and federal funds.
• Ensure reporting of student support outcomes and compliance to state and federal agencies.
• Advise on grant opportunities or funding for student support services, as appropriate.
  
  

Communication & Collaboration

• Collaborate with school leadership, district departments, families, and community organizations to ensure consistency, alignment, and shared accountability for student success.
• Serve as a resource and advisor for stakeholders regarding programs, processes, and supports.
  
  

Compliance & Risk Management

• Ensure compliance with all applicable laws, regulations, and district policies related to student support services.
• Develop and maintain procedures to ensure accurate documentation, reporting, and program monitoring.
• Identify and mitigate risks related to program implementation and compliance.
  
  

Other Duties

• Perform other related duties as assigned to support district priorities and student outcomes.
  
  

Minimum Qualifications

• Master's degree in Educational Leadership, Special Education, School Psychology, School Counseling or related field.
• Valid South Carolina certification in Educational Leadership and Special Education.
• Minimum of five years of experience in special education or student support services, including leadership experience.
• Strong knowledge of Exceptional Children law, MTSS frameworks, and intervention systems.
• Strong leadership, communication, and organizational skills with the ability to manage complex systems and collaborate with diverse stakeholders.
  
  

Preferred Qualifications

• Successful experience in a school administration role.
• Experience leading district-level or multi-school student support initiatives.
• Experience implementing MTSS frameworks at scale.
  
  

Work Conditions

• Full-time position with occasional evening or weekend hours as required.
• Work performed primarily in an office or school environment.
• Requires travel between district sites as needed.
  
  

Terms of Employment

• 240 days. Salary commensurate with education and experience, based on the Lexington Four Administrative Salary Schedule (A3 - A4).