What are the responsibilities and job description for the Director of Special Education, Alternative Education position at Orange County Department of Education?

Director of Special Education, Alternative Education at Orange County Department of Education

Share on X

Application Deadline

8/11/2026 11:55 PM Pacific

Date Posted

7/29/2026

Contact

Stephanie Thomas

Number of Openings

Salary

Pay Range
$787.88 - $959.82 Daily

Length of Work Year

225 Days

Employment Type

Full Time

About the Employer

The Orange County Department of Education (OCDE) serves some of Orange County’s most vulnerable student populations and provides support and mandated fiscal oversight to 28 school districts serving more than 600 schools and approximately 475,000 students. In addition to providing direct instruction to students through its own alternative and special education programs, OCDE administers an array of programs and services that are critical to the operations of local school districts and community colleges, facilitating professional development, legal guidance, payroll, career and technical education support, high-speed internet access, Local Control and Accountability Plan assistance and approval, resources for families, and student enrichment. OCDE’s vision is that “Orange County students will lead the nation in college and career readiness and success.” Department staff are working to achieve this goal in collaboration with educators at all levels of student development, from early childhood through higher education, and in partnership with families, businesses and community organizations.

Job Summary

Lead with Vision. Inspire Excellence. Transform Student Outcomes. The Orange County Department of Education (OCDE) is seeking a visionary, collaborative, and student-centered leader to serve as our Director of Special Education, Alternative Education Division. This is an exceptional opportunity to provide strategic leadership for Special Education programs, division-wide services, and innovative initiatives that support educational excellence, organizational effectiveness, and positive outcomes for students with diverse learning needs. As Director, you will partner with educational leaders, staff, families, and community agencies to strengthen instructional programs, promote inclusive practices, ensure compliance with state and federal requirements, and foster a culture of continuous improvement. Your leadership will play a vital role in empowering school communities, advancing high-quality educational services, and creating meaningful opportunities for every student to thrive. If you are a forward-thinking educational leader who is passionate about collaboration, innovation, and making a lasting impact on students, educators, and school communities throughout Orange County, we invite you to apply and become part of the OCDE team.

Requirements / Qualifications

Education, Training and Experience: A typical way of obtaining the knowledge, skills, and abilities outlined above is: Education: Master’s degree in Education, Public Administration, or related field from an accredited institution. Experience: A minimum of 6 years of experience in managing multifaceted school operations, including 3 years of administrative and supervisory experience or an equivalent combination of training and experience. Credential: A valid California teaching or services credential and a valid California Administrative Services Credential.

Requirements for Consideration Completed Edjoin application - Resumes will not be accepted in lieu of the completed online application. Notice to Applicants: If you require accommodation in the application process, please inform us.

Requirements / Qualifications

Comments and Other Information

BENEFITS: We provide a safe, caring, courteous, and professional environment that fosters collaborative work and individual development for our employees. OCDE offers generous, comprehensive, tax-free insurance benefits options to full-time members of the staff. Benefits may be prorated for employees working fewer than 12 months per year or less than full-time. Benefits packages include medical, dental, and vision care insurance for employees and their eligible dependents, and life insurance for employees. Before receiving authorization to work in this position, the individual selected will be required to provide a current negative TB authorization, within the last 60 days, and submit fingerprints for the purpose of conducting a confidential background investigation and record check. The tests are arranged and paid for by OCDE. The Immigration Reform and Control Act of 1986 requires employers to verify the employability of all new employees. Before the Department will finalize an offer of employment, the candidate selected will be required to show original documents which establish both the individual’s identity and employment authorization. The candidate must also sign a statement under penalty of perjury regarding his/her employability. We reserve the right to reopen, readvertise, or delay filling this position. The Orange County Department of Education’s employment practices shall be free from discrimination based on actual or perceived race, color, religion, ancestry, national origin, ethnic group identification, physical or mental disability, gender, gender identity, gender expression, or sexual orientation, or on the basis of a person's association with a person or group with one or more of these actual or perceived characteristics. AA/EOE/ADA

Comments and Other Information

Links Related To This Job

Application and Selection Procedure
OCDE Human Resources
Non-Discrimination Policy

View Other Job Desc. / Ess. Elem.

Not all postings qualify for CalSTRS. Informational Only.

CalSTRS Info for New Educators

Apply for this job

Receive alerts for other Director of Special Education, Alternative Education job openings

Director of Special Education, Alternative Education

What are the responsibilities and job description for the Director of Special Education, Alternative Education position at Orange County Department of Education?