Director of Special Education and Pupil Services on Assignment

Delaware County Intermediate Unit; Morton (PA); On-site; USD 80,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading educational institution is seeking a Director of Special Education and Pupil Services to provide visionary leadership and ensure the effective delivery of special education programs. This role involves collaboration with stakeholders, budget management, and compliance with legal standards to enhance student achievement and well-being.

Qualifications

• Visionary leadership in K–12 special education and pupil services programming.
• Experience with legal compliance and program evaluation.

Responsibilities

• Oversee special education and pupil services budget and staffing.
• Ensure legal compliance with IDEA and other regulations.
• Develop action plans for continuous improvement in student achievement.

Skills

Leadership

Collaboration

Data Analysis

Education

Master's Degree in Education

Job description

Purpose of position

The Director of Special Education and Pupil Services is a key member of an LEA’s executive administrative team, responsible for the leadership, coordination, and evaluation of special education, student and pupil services programs. This position ensures the effective development, implementation, and supervision of high-quality programs that address the academic, behavioral, emotional, and health-related needs of all students, including those with disabilities. The Director leads initiatives to enhance school climate, student achievement, and legal compliance, while fostering collaboration among internal and external stakeholders.

Essential Functions

1. Provide visionary leadership in planning, implementing, and evaluating K–12 special education and pupil services programming, including mental health, nursing, counselors, social workers, and behavior support.
2. Support noncurricular initiatives of a district to ensure effective and efficient delivery of supportive services to students, families, and the community.
3. Coordinate safety and crisis response initiatives with county and other stakeholders and organizations.
4. Design and execute action plans aligned with strategic priorities and continuous improvement goals, monitor the effectiveness of all education programming, and guide necessary programmatic changes to increase student achievement and social-emotional learning.
5. Collaborate with the cabinet, school leaders, and staff to align programming with the district’s mission, vision, and improvement goals.
6. Supervise and support the special education and pupil services administrator and other direct reports, providing feedback that fosters professional growth and program excellence.
7. Lead the development and delivery of evidence-based practices and curriculum across all programs serving students with and without disabilities.
8. Evaluate and ensure the effectiveness of behavioral and discipline practices district-wide; analyze data regularly to promote safe, inclusive, and supportive school environments.
9. Oversee the coordination of Central Registration, home school registration, and ensure data quality for PIMS and state-mandated reporting.
10. Ensure collaboration among guidance departments to develop post-secondary plans for students with disabilities and provide college and career readiness activities from early schooling years.
11. Serve as a resource and liaison to families and community partners, addressing parent concerns with responsiveness, transparency, and customer service.
12. Work with school principals to review and revise student discipline handbooks annually; ensure compliance with Chapters 14, 15, 16, and all relevant laws.
13. Develop and manage the special education and pupil services budget; recommend staffing and caseload allocations to meet student needs efficiently and responsibly.
14. Coordinate the design and submission of Extended School Year (ESY) proposals and lead summer programming planning for eligible students.
15. Ensure adherence to all legal and regulatory requirements, including IDEA, Section 504, Title IX, and PA School Code.
16. Promote staff development through high-quality, job-embedded professional learning and coaching, supporting improved instructional practices and compliance.
17. Facilitate communication with staff via team meetings, coaching, and walkthroughs, fostering shared ownership of goals and expectations.
18. Contribute to district and school-level planning, emphasizing data use and inclusive practices.
19. Oversee report preparation and submission of data for federal, state, and district program monitoring.
20. Perform other responsibilities as assigned.
21. Uphold confidentiality and ethical standards, maintaining the privacy of privileged information.