Assistant Director of Exceptional Student Services

Charter One; Mesa (AZ); On-site; USD 85,000 - 120,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health benefits

Paid time off

401k

Job summary

Charter One seeks an Assistant Director of Exceptional Student Services to lead ESS programs across its campuses. You will supervise staff, ensure compliance with IDEA and 504, and support families, IEP teams, and related services.

The role requires a Master's in Special Education or related field, plus 5+ years in ESS with leadership experience. Strong data analysis, communication, and collaboration skills are essential to drive district-wide improvements.

Qualifications

• Master's degree in Special Education or related field.
• 5+ years in special education with 2–3 years in supervisory role.
• Experience developing and implementing IEPs and overseeing related services.
• State certification in Special Education or related field.

Responsibilities

• Supports campus administration and ESS staff to maintain compliant programs.
• Review IEPs and 504 plans for compliance and accuracy.
• Oversee state reporting and monitoring practices (e.g., Child Counts, LEA Self-Assessment).
• Collaborate with school psychologists and related services teams to ensure timely evaluations.
• Lead ESS staff and site-based teams, modeling Charter One values.
• Engage with families and external stakeholders to support student outcomes.

Skills

Leadership

Data analysis

Communication

Organization

Collaboration

Education

Master's degree in Special Education or related field

Doctorate in Special Education or Educational Leadership (preferred)

Job description

Charter One works with schools across the country to provide all-inclusive education management services. At Charter One we pride ourselves on our thorough knowledge of charter school operations, academics, finance, human resources, information technology, marketing, and more. We handle the day-to-day work so that client school boards can focus on governance and policy issues to be sure that the vision and mission of the school are being carried out properly.

Assistant Director of Exceptional Student Services

Charter One is currently accepting applications for an Assistant Director of Exceptional Student Services that would work out of our both of our schools located in Lexington and Blythewood locations in South Carolina. Candidates must be willing to undergo a background check.

Responsibilities Include but are not limited to:

• Supports campus administration and special education staff to maintain highly effective special education programs and Section 504 protections for eligible students.
• Support campus administration with classroom observations and staff evaluations
• Support schools in maintaining collaborative relationships with families and IEP/504 teams.
• Works productively as a team member of Charter One leadership, providing support to ESS staff and site based teams.
• Be a model of the RAISE Values
• Maintain current and accurate professional knowledge to support Charter One and campus teams in appropriate decision making for students with disabilities.
• Responsible for ensuring each school maintains compliance with all state and federal requirement for special education and Section 504 programs.
• Regularly review all IEP's and 504 for compliance
• Supervise all state reporting requirements (i.e. Child Counts, IDEA Basic Grants, LEA Self-Assessment, etc.)
• Supervise state monitoring practices
• Facilitate corrective action when required
• Oversees and collaborate school psychologist and related services teams to ensure timely and technically sound evaluations are completed and appropriate services are provided.
• Support management of contracted staff as applicable
• Facilitate common Charter One evaluation practices
• Other duties as assigned.

Candidates with the following qualities will thrive:

• Strong leadership and management skills with the ability to coach, mentor, and support staff.
• Deep understanding of special education laws, including IDEA, 504 plans, and other related regulations.
• Proficient in data analysis and the ability to use data to evaluate programs and assess student progress.
• Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal, with the ability to effectively engage with parents, staff, and external stakeholders.
• Strong organizational and time-management skills, with the ability to handle multiple tasks simultaneously.
• Ability to collaborate effectively with district leadership, teachers, and parents to support the success of students with disabilities.

Required Qualifications:

• Master's degree in Special Education, Educational Leadership, School Administration, or a related field.
• BIB Background check
• 5+ years of experience in special education, with at least 2-3 years in a supervisory or leadership role within special education or ESS programs.
• Experience in developing and implementing IEPs, providing direct support to students with disabilities, and overseeing the delivery of related services.
• Experience in program management within the realm of special education, with a strong understanding of regulatory requirements and compliance.
• State certification in Special Education or related field

Preferred Qualifications:

• Doctorate degree in Special Education, Educational Leadership, School Administration, or a related field.
• 7+ years of experience in special education or exceptional student services with a proven track record in managing and improving educational programs for students with disabilities.
• Experience in overseeing district-wide special education programs, managing multi-disciplinary teams, and providing leadership at the regional or district level.

Travel may be required

Charter One offers a competitive salary that is individually determined based on education and experience. We offer health benefits, paid time off, and 401k investment options including employer contributions.