Assistant Director of SPED (Assistant Director #1911)

Illinois State Board of Education; Illinois; On-site; USD 70,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

The Illinois State Board of Education seeks a Special Education Leader responsible for providing guidance in special education programs and compliance. Duties include coordinating grant projects, monitoring Local Education Agencies, and representing the agency at conferences.

Applicants must hold a Master's degree in Special Education or a related field along with leadership experience in P-12 education. This role emphasizes fostering educational equity for all students. Equal opportunity applications are encouraged.

Qualifications

• Minimum of two years of experience in special education leadership.
• Experience managing budgets and project timelines.
• Working knowledge of special education laws and practices.

Responsibilities

• Provide leadership and support for special education programming.
• Coordinate administration of IDEA flow-through and related grants.
• Assist in statewide training development for IDEA grants.

Skills

Leadership in education

Communication skills

Knowledge of federal and state regulations

Data-based decision making

Education

Master's degree in Special Education or related field

Job description

Reporting to the Director of Special Education, provides leadership and support for special education programming and operations to schools, other educational organizations, and stakeholders. Assists in the management and direction of the day-to-day functions and programs of the department (e.g., timely approval of budgets, payroll transactions, and periodic reporting of progress), including directing, monitoring, and evaluating the activities of the department supervisors, staff and contractors to ensure the proper application of and adherence to Agency policies, state, and federal guidelines and timelines, fiscal accountability, and equity. Evaluates supervisors/assigned staff to provide guidance and support in their development to reach professional and Agency goals. Promotes collaboration with other departments as needed.

Duties and Responsibilities

• Assists in coordinating and overseeing the administration of IDEA flow-through, Part B discretionary grant funded projects, IDEA Part D state personnel development grant including maintenance of effort calculations and coordinated early intervention services, along with instruction and assessment.
• Assists in the development of statewide trainings for IDEA grants, responds to auditors regarding the processing and monitoring of IDEA grant programs.
• Assists in coordinating the monitoring of Local Education Agencies (LEAs), assists in coordinating the development and production of the LEA profiles, state systemic improvement plan, and LEA determinations.
• Assists in implementation of the Special Education Accountability and Support Systems, and associated work related to indicators of the State Performance Plan.
• Assists in establishing and coordinating department goals and activities in collaboration with departments across the Agency and serves as a liaison between departments within the Agency, and externally with diverse groups of stakeholders, parents and advocates, including making presentations and representing the Agency at local and national conferences.
• Assists in coordinating activities related to special education instruction, disability and parent supports, transition, and other activities related to public and non-public special education programming.
• Assists in providing support to the Supervisor of Nonpublic Special Education Programming, Supervisor of Grants Management, Grants Lead, and assists with state level issues related to special education services and supports.
• Assists in conducting evaluations of staff performances within the department, including the development of individual staff goals, ensuring timelines are met and equitable distribution of responsibilities.
• Assists in coordinating the planning and administration of the Special Education Directors Conference, staff professional development, and retreats annually.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Required Qualifications

• Master's degree in Special Education or related field, or, a Master's degree in Education plus two years of experience working with special education students/programming in P-12 public and/or private settings. (COPY OF TRANSCRIPTS REQUIRED AT TIME OF APPLICATION)
• Two years of demonstrated leadership in education addressing local, state and federal special education issues.
• Experience addressing litigation related to special education.
• Experience managing budgets, personnel, and effective management of project timelines.
• Working knowledge of federal and state laws and regulations regarding students with disabilities.
• Ability to communicate clearly orally and in writing.
• Knowledge of current issues and best practices in the field of education and special education.
• Knowledge of special education research and data-based decision making processes.

Preferred Qualifications

• Professional Educator License endorsed in LBSI and or Director of Special Education (or equivalent license in a state outside of Illinois).
• Experience in a variety of educational settings such as special education teaching, special education administrator, federal grants management, school administration.
• Knowledge of best practices regarding LRE and FAPE.

ISBE provides equal employment opportunities to all applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, or genetics. We actively foster a culture of inclusion and encourage individuals of all backgrounds to apply.

Illinois has an urgent and collective responsibility to achieve educational equity by ensuring that all policies, programs, and practices affirm the strengths that each and every child brings within their diverse backgrounds and life experiences, and by delivering the comprehensive supports, programs, and educational opportunities they need to succeed.