Director of Special Education

Director of Special Education at Oakland School for the Arts

About the Employer

Oakland School for the Arts (OSA) is a vibrant creative community rooted in Oakland’s rich cultural landscape. Serving 800 students in grades 6–12, OSA blends rigorous academics with artistic excellence, celebrating the unique voices and talents of each student. Diverse experiences make our teams stronger and help us better serve our equally diverse student population. We encourage all candidates interested in this opportunity, including Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC), as well as candidates from historically underrepresented communities, to apply. All voices and perspectives matter here. At OSA, we believe that education and the arts are powerful tools for transformation. Our mission is to prepare graduates for college and career through innovative arts education, inspiring them to shape the world with their unique voices. Our vision is generations of creative thinkers, authentic leaders, and problem-solvers who bring the essential value of the arts to every community.

Job Summary

Job Summary

Oakland School for the Arts seeks a strategic, collaborative, and student-centered Director of Special Education to lead the development, implementation, and continuous improvement of a high-quality special education program that supports the diverse needs of all learners. The Director of Special Education provides leadership for OSA’s special education services, ensuring compliance with federal and state regulations while fostering an inclusive educational environment where students with disabilities have meaningful access to rigorous academics, creative programming, and opportunities for growth. This role oversees special education programming, staff supervision, compliance systems, budget management, and partnerships with families, service providers, and SELPA partners. The Director works closely with school leadership, faculty, and student support teams to strengthen inclusive practices, improve outcomes for students with disabilities, and align special education services with OSA’s mission and schoolwide initiatives, including Multi-Tiered System of Supports (MTSS). The Director of Special Education reports to the Principal and collaborates closely with school administrators, educators, families, and external partners to ensure effective service delivery and student success.

Requirements / Qualifications

Requirements / Qualifications

Salary : $124,802 - $157,983