Director of Special Education

Director of Special Education
Full-Time | Year-Round School Setting | Monday–Friday, 8:00 AM – 4:00 PM

Willow’s Special Education Director will provide high quality leadership in the design and implementation of academic systems, ensure instructional excellence, regulatory compliance, and foster meaningful educational outcomes for every student. This role offers a unique opportunity to shape the academic foundation of a new, specialized school serving students with complex learning and behavioral needs. The Director will collaborate closely with administrative leadership, our Clinical Director, BCBAs, and Chief Clinical Quality Assurance Officer (BCBA) within a highly supportive, interdisciplinary framework that values evidence-based practice, teamwork, and continuous improvement. With Willow Academy, you will have the opportunity to collaborate and guide a skilled and compassionate team in our shared goal of helping each student with academic, behavioral, and adaptive skills necessary to transition successfully to a general education environment.

Why join the Willow Academy team?
At Willow ABA, we believe every team member should feel secure, significant, and accepted. That’s especially true in a school-based role where your leadership directly impacts student and staff success. We know the work of specialized education can be complex, so with Willow Academy you will have support each step of the way. You’ll be backed by a highly collaborative team, supported by experienced BCBAs, and surrounded by professionals who share your passion for creating meaningful change. We don’t want this to feel like just another job. We want you to grow, find purpose, and help us build something exceptional from the ground up!

About the Role:

As Special Education Director, you’ll oversee all academic and special education programming at Willow Academy. You’ll ensure high-quality instruction, compliance, and data-driven decision-making across classrooms, while fostering a culture of collaboration, consistency, and compassion. You’ll play a key role in shaping the school’s growth, integrating Multi-Tiered Systems of Support (MTSS), and aligning our academic programming with ABA-based behavioral supports.

Responsibilities:

• Oversee academic programming, curriculum design, and instructional quality
• Ensure compliance with state and federal special education regulations, including IEP development and implementation
• Supervise and support instructional staff to deliver individualized education aligned with student IEP and behavioral goals
• Collaborate with the Chief Clinical Quality Assurance Officer (BCBA) to ensure the effective implementation of educational and behavioral programming OR Maybe BCBA Clinical leadership
• Develop and implement MTSS systems to support student success across tiers
• Train and oversee teachers to ensure effective implementation of the academic curriculum provided by the Special Education Director
• Build strong relationships with families, school districts, and community partners
• Monitor academic data, compliance documentation, and program efficiency
• Lead the strategic expansion of academic programming and systems as the school grows

What we’re looking for:

• Master’s degree or higher in Special Education, Educational Leadership, or related field
• Active CDE Director of Special Education License
• Leadership experience in special education preferred (minimum of 5 years in special education, with at least 3 years in a director or similar role preferred)
• Experience in intensive behavior support settings or schools for complex populations
• Strong working knowledge of LPS school system requirements for special education programs
• Expertise in IEP compliance, instructional supervision, and staff development
• Familiarity with or interest in Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) and interdisciplinary collaboration
• Commitment to fostering a trauma-informed, inclusive school culture

Benefits:

• Health, Dental & Vision Insurance
• Short & long-term disability
• AD&D Life insurance
• 401(k) with employer matching 
• Flexible Spending & Health Savings Accounts
• 3 weeks of Paid Time Off 
• Parental Leave through state-funded program
• Ongoing professional development and growth opportunities
   

Salary: $90,000 per year, commensurate with experience and scope
Schedule: Monday–Friday, 8:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Job Type: Full-time, on-site
Location: Willow Academy (3128 East Maplewood Ave.)
 

At Willow ABA, we are proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer and committed to building an inclusive environment where everyone feels seen, supported, and able to thrive. A background and OIG check will be required for this position. Must be a U.S. authorized employer. Unfortunately, we are not able to sponsor individuals with a work visa at this time.