DIRECTOR, SPECIAL EDUCATION

Denver Public Schools; Denver (CO); On-site; USD 118,000 - 144,000; Full time

Job summary

Denver Public Schools is seeking a visionary Special Education Director to provide system-wide leadership for high-quality, compliant programs for students ages 3-21. The role ensures district practices meet state and federal requirements while aligning with the district's equity and excellence goals.

The Director will lead SPED administrators and staff, develop procedures, manage budgets, and collaborate with families, schools, and outside agencies to deliver services that support academic and

Qualifications

• Master’s degree in Education or Special Education required.
• Doctorate preferred.
• At least three years of administrative experience in special education.
• Three years of teaching in a public school special education setting.
• Colorado Director of Special Education licensure required.

Responsibilities

• Lead and supervise special education administrators and staff to ensure compliant, effective programs.
• Develop procedures for identification, evaluation, and placement of students with special education needs.
• Represent the district in due process matters and with external agencies.
• Collaborate with families, staff, and the community to plan and evaluate services.
• Oversee recruitment, hiring, supervision, evaluation, professional development, and budget for SPED.

Skills

Leadership & Team Management

Regulatory & Compliance

Stakeholder Collaboration

Education

Master's Degree in Education, Special Education or related

Doctorate preferred

Job description

Job Description

Applications will be received until November 17, 2026. If the position is not filled by then, we may consider applications submitted after the deadline.

This position requires an active or approved Special Education Director License with the Colorado Department of Education. Click here to visit CDE and learn more.

About This Job

Provides system-wide leadership to develop effective, appropriate special education programs, ensuring district practices are legal and ethical so every child can achieve at a high level and be prepared for post-secondary success.

Responsibilities include but are not limited to:

• Leadership & Team Management: Leads special education administrators and team members, creating a culture of innovation, continuous improvement, and learning in the delivery of services aligned with district goals.
• Instructional & Programmatic Support: Supports equitable evidence-based practices for academic growth, social-emotional learning, and behavior management within a multi-tiered system of supports framework.

What DPS Offers You

• A Culture that values Equity, Accountability, Integrity, Collaboration and Fun with a shared vision that Every Learner Thrives.
• Salary Range: $117,624 - $144,066/annually. Click here for more information on compensation for these roles.
• In addition to competitive compensation, DPS has other Total Reward offerings such as; time off, health and wellness benefits, and PERA Retirement. For more information visit our New Employee Resources.

What You’ll Do

• Implements and maintains special education programs and services for students ages 3-21, ensuring that schools and the District follow all state and federal regulations
• Develops system procedures for identification, evaluation and placement of students with special education needs
• Provides leadership and system representation in matters relating to due process procedural safeguards
• Represents the school system in dealing with outside agencies and organizations concerned with special education
• Collaborates effectively with district staff, families, special education teachers and the community for the purpose of planning, developing, implementing, maintaining and evaluating educational services and/or programs
• Oversees operational functions, including the recruitment, hiring, supervision and evaluation of staff; professional development; budget management; compliance monitoring
• Facilitates meetings and processes for the purpose of implementing and maintaining district special education programs and services that achieve desired objectives
• Maintains a high level of knowledge regarding developing special education issues, changes in the laws and case law, and educational methods of educating students with disabilities for the purpose of managing an excellent special education program; incorporates policies and procedures in accordance with laws and regulations

What You’ll Need

• Master's Degree in Education, Special Education or related required
• Doctorate preferred
• Three or more years of management experience in the administration of special education programs to include two (2) or more years as a school leader or similar leadership role in education required
• Three (3) years of teaching experience in a public school special education setting required
• Three (3) years of management responsibility experience required
• Colorado Director of Special Education licensure required
• Lead for racial and educational excellence and work to dismantle systems of oppression and inequity in our community, along with believing in and supporting all students so they feel seen and heard with access to high quality education.
• Live and work with a permanent home address in Colorado while working with us.
• Have the ability with or without accommodations to meet the physical demands of the position.

Denver Public Schools is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, gender expression, and sexual orientation), parental status, national origin, age, disability, genetic information (including family medical history), political affiliation, military service, or any other status protected by law or regulations. It is our intention that all qualified applicants be given equal opportunity and that selection decisions be based on job-related factors.

Students First. Integrity. Equity. Collaboration. Accountability. Fun

About Us

With 193 schools, over 89,000 students and over 10,000 staff members, Denver Public Schools is the largest urban school district in Colorado. We’re focused on building a system that’s designed to help every student thrive. We’re re-focusing our efforts where they matter most: on creating classrooms that are vibrant centers of learning, where caring teachers are engaging their students in rigorous, culturally responsive experiences in order to lift all students toward a bright horizon. Visit the Denver Public Schools website for more information.