Director of Specialized Programs & Nontraditional Education

Nimble; Hartford (CT); Hybrid; USD 150,000 - 163,000; Full time

Job summary

Hartford Public Schools seeks a Director of Specialized Programs in the Office of Special Education to oversee Early Childhood, IGOAL, STEP, and RISE, plus educational services for students in Hartford Juvenile Detention Center and regional facilities.

The role requires strong leadership, compliance with state and federal requirements, and creative problem-solving to ensure continuity of services and high-quality supports for students with disabilities across traditional and non-traditional

Qualifications

• Advanced degree in special education required.
• Minimum of five years of successful experience in special education settings.
• Experience implementing and monitoring compliance with federal and state special education requirements.
• Experience with CT-SEDS or similar data management systems.
• Experience leading professional development initiatives related to special education.
• In-depth understanding of IEP development, implementation, and monitoring processes.
• Thorough knowledge of FAPE and LRE principles and their practical application.
• Experience with program development and evaluation, including data analysis to drive improvement.
• Experience with special education legal proceedings and due process.
• Outstanding leadership and organizational skills.
• Urban school systems experience preferred.

Responsibilities

• Provide supervision and leadership for specialized education programs, ensuring effective implementation and continuity.
• Coordinate case management oversight for students with IEPs placed in detention centers and regional facilities.
• Establish program expectations, operating practices, and service-delivery standards district-wide.
• Develop creative, individualized solutions for students in non-traditional settings.
• Lead program administrators and staff in solving complex student cases with interdisciplinary supports.
• Build partnerships with district departments, community agencies, and detention education providers.
• Ensure accurate state and federal reporting, documentation, and audit readiness.
• Prepare analyses, reports, and communications for the Executive Director on program performance.
• Oversee professional development and coaching to strengthen staff capacity.
• Support comprehensive program reviews for continuous improvement.

Education

Advanced degree in special education

Job description

Hartford Public Schools seeks a Director of Specialized Programs in the Office of Special Education to oversee Early Childhood, IGOAL, STEP, and RISE, plus educational services for students in Hartford Juvenile Detention Center and regional facilities.

The role requires strong leadership, compliance with state and federal requirements, and creative problem-solving to ensure continuity of services and high-quality supports for students with disabilities across traditional and non-traditional