Director of Special Services

Vancouver Public Schools; Vancouver (WA); On-site; USD 158,078 - 193,207; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health benefits

Retirement benefits

Paid time off

Job summary

Vancouver Public Schools in Vancouver, WA is seeking a senior leader for Special Services for the 2026-27 school year. The role oversees a continuum from Section 504 through IDEA and coordinates compliance, curriculum, and data-driven decision-making.

The Executive Director will lead program development, supervise administrators and staff, collaborate with families and partners, and advance VPS equity initiatives while maintaining alignment with the district’s Vision of a Graduate.

Qualifications

• Master's degree in education administration and WA admin certification required.
• Minimum five years of effective Special Education administration experience.
• Strong knowledge of IDEA/504, program development, policy, and data use.

Responsibilities

• Lead and administer special education programs, aligning 504/IDEA with inclusive practices.
• Recruit, supervise, and evaluate certificated and classified staff.
• Coordinate MTSS, curricula, and data-driven decision making.
• Ensure IDEA/504 compliance and lead corrective actions when needed.
• Foster community partnerships and equity-focused district initiatives.

Skills

Special education leadership

IDEA/504 knowledge

Policy & procedures

Data-driven planning

Communication skills

Equity framework

Education

Master's degree in Education administration

Washington State administrative certification

Tools

Technology for communication/planning

Job description

For the 2026-27 school year

Full time position

Posting Period: Open until filled

Fair Labor Standards Act Status: Exempt

We appreciate your interest in employment with Vancouver Public Schools (VPS). All applications are considered and reviewed. The most qualified and competitive applicant(s) that possess directly related experience and expertise, training, and education may be invited to participate in the interview/selection process. As part of the selection process, the District conducts confidential reference checks to include former and present employers and also requires a criminal background investigation. Unfortunately, due to the number of applications received, not all applicants will receive an interview.

Résumés should include education, relevant experience (including current position), and skills which highlight the qualifications of the position to which a person is applying.

All district employees are encouraged to review their personnel file periodically to ensure that their file includes current and relevant documentation that supports their education, experience, training, etc., as it relates to qualifications described on job postings.

Qualifications

• Education & Certification: Master's degree from an accredited institution required. Valid Washington State administrative certification.
• Experience: A minimum of five years of effective Special Education administration experience.
• Knowledge & Skills:
  • Demonstrated expertise and leadership with programming for students with disabilities, including a depth of knowledge regarding federal/state laws (IDEA, Section 504), and policy and procedures.
  • Knowledge of effective methods for program development, implementation, and evaluation.
  • Advanced ability to learn, operate, and utilize technology as an effective communication, planning, data‑analysis, and instructional tool.
  • Understanding of Safety Net and other iGrant processes
• Interpersonal & Communication:
  • Ability to work cooperatively and effectively with culturally, racially, and linguistically diverse students, families, and staff.
  • Exceptional written and oral communication skills, including public speaking and document preparation.
  • Ability to facilitate conflict resolution, work well under pressure, and exercise sound judgment in handling confidential matters.
  • Ability to implement the VPS equity lens decision‑making framework to inform strategic decision‑making.
• Professional Dispositions: Highly organized, results‑oriented, collaborative, and flexible, with a strong service ethic and a commitment to continuous learning and professional development.

Essential Functions

Strategic Leadership & Program Management

• Assists the Executive Director of Special Services in the leadership and administration of special education programs, overseeing a continuum of services from Section 504 through IDEA to ensure continuous progress towards meeting the unique needs of students as outlined in their 504 plans and IEPs, while maintaining access to the general education curriculum in the least restrictive environment.
  • Supports the management of personnel using effective management strategies.
  • Assists with collective bargaining agreements with labor partners and demonstrates a strong understanding of labor relations management.
  • Serves as a member of the district leadership team and supports goals aligned with equity, inclusive practices, and the district’s strategic plan (Vision of a Graduate).
  • Influences and supports a district culture conducive to continuous improvement for both students and staff.

Staff Supervision & Evaluation

• Works with principals and department leaders to recruit, retain, and supervise certificated and classified staff based on student enrollment needs.
• Conducts performance evaluations for administrative special education staff (including Assistant Directors and ESAs), develops improvement plans, and recommends disciplinary action when necessary.
• Provides leadership, mentoring, and direction to itinerant staff, special education teachers, and paraeducators to promote a collaborative team environment.

Curriculum, Instruction & Data

• Works with principals and district administrators to coordinate special education and basic education curricula and MTSS frameworks, ensuring specialized instruction requirements are met through collaborative development, supervision, and monitoring.
  • Supervises research, data collection, and evaluation to ensure all programmatic and instructional decisions are data‑driven.
  • Provides consultative services and instructional development support to building‑level administrators and special education teams.

Compliance & Legal Operations

• Directs comprehensive IDEA and Section 504 compliance frameworks, moving beyond standard reporting to actively monitor district‑wide systems and ensure full regulatory adherence.
• Directs investigations of complaints under IDEA and Section 504.
• Develops and implements corrective action plans to promptly and effectively resolve any identified areas of non‑compliance and improve systemic practices.
• Provides strategic oversight and expert consultation regarding student discipline protocols across all district and building levels.
• Negotiates and manages interagency agreements and external contracts aligned with departmental objectives.
• Fosters collaborative partnerships with private schools and directs key systemic initiatives, including Child Find, student referrals, and Services Plans.

Community Engagement & Collaboration

• Builds proactive community partnerships that reach across departmental lines, uniting local members and district staff to champion student learning.
• Integrates community‑based support by facilitating meetings with parents, staff, and outside agencies to ensure individualized student programs are appropriately and effectively implemented.
• Acts as a vital community resource for parents of students with special needs, demystifying complex program standards, compliance requirements, and legal frameworks.
• Fosters a deeply connected local network by maintaining clear communication and productive working relationships throughout VPS and the surrounding region.

Additional Requirements

• Maintains all active certificates, licenses, endorsements, and permits required by state and local authorities.
• Must possess reliable personal transportation to fulfill travel requirements and job responsibilities.
• Performs other duties and assumes additional responsibilities as assigned by leadership.

Benefits/Compensation

• 2026-27 Contract: 241 days
• Salary range: $175,643
• Benefits: Employees who are anticipated to work at least 630 hours may be eligible for health, dental, vision, flexible spending accounts, life, and disability insurance benefits. Detailed information, including further eligibility criteria, can be found here.
• Retirement: Employees may be eligible for retirement benefits through the Washington State Department of Retirement Systems (DRS). Eligibility is based on FTE. Detailed information can be found here.
• Time Off: Includes paid time off, sick, personal, religious, military and bereavement leave.
  • Sick Leave: 8 hours per month (part‑time employee accrual will be proportionate to their FTE).
  • Personal Leave: 3 days per school year