What are the responsibilities and job description for the Director - Exceptional Education (Effective 2026-2027 SCHOOL YEAR) position at Tucson Unified District?
Strategic Leader Wanted: Director of Exceptional Education (PreK-12)
Are you an expert administrator ready to direct a high-performing, collaborative Special Education division?
Tucson Unified School District is seeking a Director of Exceptional Education who will plan, administer, and direct comprehensive instructional and curriculum services for our PreK-12 special populations. This role requires a strategic thinker and an effective collaborator to achieve the highest standards of student achievement and compliance.
Key Responsibilities Include:
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Strategic Planning: Directing and planning all Special Education programs and services across the district.
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Cross-Functional Partnership: Serving as the essential link between Special Education and the core Curriculum and Instruction Department.
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Stakeholder Engagement: Aligning practices through productive collaboration with both internal teams (principals, teachers) and key external stakeholders.
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Program Administration: Managing programs designed to improve academic success and ensure every Exceptional Education student receives the necessary resources and support.
If you possess the necessary skill set to administer complex, student-focused programs and believe in the power of inclusive education, we invite you to apply.
Mission Statement
The mission of the Tucson Unified School District, in partnership with parents and the greater community, is to assure each pre-K through 12th-grade student receives an engaging, rigorous, and comprehensive education.
The District is committed to inclusion and non-discrimination in all District activities. At all times, District staff should work to ensure that staff, parents, students, and members of the public are included and welcome to participate in District activities.
SUMMARY
Plans, directs, and administers special education programs within Tucson Unified School District. Administers the instructional and curriculum services for special populations (PreK - 12th grade). Works in collaboration with the Curriculum and Instruction Department to ensure that student instructional needs are met. Works with internal and external stakeholders to align practices and procedures. Collaborates with Principals and Teachers to identify and assess student needs. Administers programs designed to improve student achievement for Exceptional Education Students.
REPORTS TO
Senior Director - Exceptional Education
MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS
Master’s degree in Education, Business Administration or related field
Valid Arizona Administrative Certificate
Valid Arizona IVP Fingerprint Clearance Card
Five years of teaching experience in a K-12 educational setting
Three years of experience developing and managing complex budgets including grant administration
Three years of experience in management or supervision
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS Consideration will be given to applicants who explicity confirm possession of the following preferred qualifications in their resume or application.
Doctorate degree in a related field
Three years of experience working with Exceptional Education (Special Education) students, community, and parents
One year of experience implementing state-level guidance to improve policies, practices, and procedures
THE SUCCESSFUL CANDIDATES WILL POSSESS THE FOLLOWING SKILLS
Verbal and written communication skills in English and a demonstrated ability to read and comprehend written/graphic and oral instructions
Experience in working with diverse constituencies/populations.
ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS AFTER HIRE
FBI fingerprint background check.
Proof of immunity to rubeola (measles) and rubella (German measles), or proof of MMR immunization.
POSITION SPECIFICS
EFFECTIVE: 2026-2027 SCHOOL YEAR
LOCATION: Exceptional Education - Broadway & Park Area
FTE: 1.0 - 8 hours per day
SALARY RANGE: $81,361.03 - $94,457.62
WORK CALENDAR: 12 month
START DATE: July 1, 2026
First Review of Applications will begin on December 18, 2025
Internal candidates will transfer at a rate commensurate with their bargaining unit language. For more information on salary schedule, please reference the Employee Agreements Webpage.
Salary will be prorated if the start date is after the first day of the work calendar for the position.
Tucson Unified School District is committed to a policy of nondiscrimination based on disability, race, color, religion/religious beliefs, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, or national origin.
Salary : $81,361 - $94,458