Director Of Special Education

AIMS K-12 College Prep Charter District | Oakland; Oakland (CA); On-site; USD 134,000 - 165,000; Full time

Job summary

AIMS K-12 College Prep Charter District in Oakland seeks a Director of Special Education and Student Services to lead district-wide special education services and ensure high-quality educational programs for students with disabilities. The role emphasizes compliance with IDEA and Section 504, inclusive practices, and strategic guidance for staff and families.

The position requires a Master’s degree in a relevant field, leadership experience, and knowledge of federal/state laws.

Qualifications

• Master’s degree in Special Education, Educational Leadership, or related field.
• California Administrative Services Credential preferred.
• Minimum five years in special education, with at least three in leadership.
• Extensive knowledge of IDEA, Section 504, and state regulations.
• Experience leading teams and cross-department collaboration.

Responsibilities

• Ensure district-wide compliance with IDEA, Section 504, and regulations.
• Oversee IEPs and Section 504 plans development and evaluation.
• Supervise special education staff and related service providers.
• Collaborate with site leaders to promote inclusive practices.
• Lead due process, mediations, and hearings with timely responses.
• Monitor data on student achievement and program effectiveness.
• Develop and manage the special education budget.
• Provide PD and technical assistance to staff.
• Recruit, hire, and evaluate special education personnel.
• Partner with county/state agencies and SELPA.

Skills

Leadership

Communication

Collaboration

Data analysis

IEP/504 knowledge

Education

Master's degree in Special Education, Educational Leadership, or related field

California Administrative Services Credential preferred

Job description

Title: Director of Special Education and Student ServicesCategory: CertificatedWork Year: 12 MonthsEmployment Type: Full TimeStarting Range: $134,129.51-$165,214.79FLSA: ExemptSupervisor: Chief Academic Officer/SuperintendentJOB GOALS:To lead and manage all aspects of special education services across the AIMS K-12 College Prep Charter District. TheDirector ensures that students with disabilities receive high-quality educational programs and services in compliancewith federal and state regulations, supports inclusive practices, provides strategic direction to staff, and cultivatescollaborative relationships with families and community partners.REPRESENTATIVE DUTIES: (Incumbents may perform any combination of the essential functions shown below.This position description is not intended to be an exhaustive list of all duties, knowledge, or abilities associated withthis classification, but is intended to reflect the principal job elements accurately.)ESSENTIAL JOB DUTIES: Ensure district-wide compliance with IDEA, Section 504, and other applicable federal and state regulations. Oversee development, implementation, and evaluation of Individualized Education Programs (IEPs) and Section504 plans. Supervise and support special education instructional staff, school psychologists, speech-language pathologists,occupational therapists, and other related service providers. Collaborate with site leaders and general education staff to promote inclusive practices and provide support forstudents with disabilities in all learning environments. Coordinate with families, advocates, and external agencies to ensure student needs are met and concerns areaddressed promptly and effectively. Lead due process procedures, including responding to complaints, preparing for mediations and hearings, andensuring legal timelines are met. Collect, analyze, and report data related to student achievement, program effectiveness, staffing, andcompliance. Develop and manage special education budgets, ensuring resources are allocated equitably and effectively. Provide professional development and technical assistance to staff regarding instructional strategies, compliance,and student support. Recruit, hire, train, and evaluate special education personnel in collaboration with Human Resources. Serve as the district liaison with county and state agencies, SELPA, and other partners in the delivery of services. Maintain current knowledge of best practices, legal updates, and policy changes in the field of special education. Provide executive oversight of student support services and programs. Oversee districtwide initiatives in Social Emotional Learning (SEL), restorative justice, and health/wellnessprograms. Manage systems concerning student attendance, discipline policies, foster youth support, and unhoused familyresources. Coordinate wraparound services via Community School Managers and school-based health centers. Partner with local agencies and internal departments on crisis intervention and safety compliance Ensure effective implementation of programs designed to support student academic, behavioral, social, andemotional success. Provide oversight and direction with educational leaders to develop integrated systems of support, includingimmunizations and student records. Promote equitable access to educational opportunities and support services. Reviews high quality instruction and provides feedback to leaders regarding PBIS, MTSS and SEL supports. Supports and Implements LCAP, SPSA, Charter Petition requirements and overall program evaluation. Evaluates and Supervises all Special Education and Student Services Staff members. Perform additional duties as assigned by the CAO or Superintendent.QUALIFICATIONS: Master’s degree in Special Education, Educational Leadership, or related field required. Valid California Administrative Services Credential (or ability to obtain) preferred. Minimum five years of experience in special education, with at least three in a leadership or supervisory role. In-depth knowledge of federal and state special education laws and regulations. Experience managing teams and collaborating across departments.KNOWLEDGE AND ABILITIES:Knowledge of: IEP and 504 development, implementation, and monitoring. Special education instructional practices and inclusive service delivery. Student support systems, including MTSS, PBIS, and SEL. Compliance timelines, documentation, and procedural safeguards. Data collection and analysis related to student services. Family engagement and collaborative problem-solving practices. Experience supporting IEPs, 504 Plans, student support systems, or related services preferred. Knowledge of special education laws, regulations, and service delivery models. Experience working collaboratively with educators, administrators, families, and related serviceproviders. Experience with data collection, documentation, compliance monitoring, and case managementpreferred.Ability to: Build positive relationships with students, families, staff, and school leaders. Organize multiple priorities and meet compliance deadlines. Communicate clearly and professionally with diverse stakeholders. Provide effective technical assistance and support to school teams. Analyze information and identify areas requiring follow-up or intervention. Maintain accurate and confidential records. Work independently while maintaining strong communication with the Chief Academic Officer andSuperintendent. Respond to challenging situations with professionalism, discretion, and sound judgment. Support the implementation of districtwide systems and initiatives. Demonstrate cultural responsiveness and a commitment to equitable outcomes for students withdisabilities.PHYSICAL ACTIVITY REQUIREMENTS:Minimum Work Position (Percentage of Time):Standing: 30% | Walking: 20% | Sitting: 50%Minimum Body Movement (Frequency):None (0) | Limited (1) | Occasional (2) | Frequent (3) | Very Frequent (4)Lifting (lbs.): 15-18 Lifting: 2 Bending: 2Pushing and/or Pulling Loads: 1 Reaching Overhead: 1 Kneeling or Squatting: 1Climbing Ladders: 0 Climbing Stairs: 2NON-DISCRIMINATION: AIMS College Prep Charter District does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion,gender, marital status, ancestry, political affiliation, age, sexual orientation, disability, medical condition, national origin,or mental or physical handicap in any of its policies or procedures related to admissions, employment, educationalservices, programs or activities.