Education Program Director

Spectrum Schools; Oakland (CA); On-site; USD 80,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

Spectrum Schools is seeking an Education Program Director to lead its Special Education Program. This role involves fostering an educational environment that promotes student achievement and overseeing site operations. The ideal candidate will have a strong background in educational leadership and a commitment to excellence in special education.

Benefits

Comprehensive health plans, including medical, dental, and vision

Free telehealth and virtual counseling

Life and disability insurance

Employee assistance programs

Flexible spending and health savings accounts

Paid time off, holidays, and leave policies

Retirement plans (401k)

Employee discounts and growth opportunities

Qualifications

• Master’s degree in education or related field required.
• Minimum 2 years of experience in educational leadership.
• Strong management skills and knowledge of school operations.

Responsibilities

• Provide vision and leadership to support student achievement.
• Manage daily operations including scheduling and budgeting.
• Ensure compliance with legal and policy requirements.

Skills

Leadership

Creative problem-solving

Communication

Organization

Conflict resolution

Decision-making

Education

Master’s degree or higher in education or related field

Educational leadership or school administrator credential

Pupil personnel services (PPS) credential

Licensed clinical social worker (LCSW)

Credential in special education instruction

Tools

Microsoft Office

Instructional technology

Job description

Starting Salary: $80,000 - $100,000 /year

Environment: Special Education Program

Spectrum Center Schools and Programs, a growing organization with a social mission to offer hope, is seeking an Education Program Director to join our award-winning Special Education team. We provide a culture that welcomes innovation, encourages creative expression, and offers limitless potential for personal and professional satisfaction.

If you thrive in a collaborative, student-centered, outcome-driven environment, seek a career making a meaningful impact in special education, and possess strong leadership skills, creative problem-solving abilities, a sense of humor, and an unwavering commitment to excellence — We Should Talk!

As the Education Program Director, you will play a key leadership role in fostering an educational environment that promotes student achievement, safety, and engagement. You will act as the site instructional leader, responsible for implementing instructional practices, overseeing site operations, and ensuring compliance with educational policies.

The Program Director oversees all site functions, ensures a safe learning environment, and acts as a liaison between the site and designated contacts by establishing positive, interactive relationships.

Responsibilities Include:

1. Providing vision and leadership to support student achievement and effective operations by supervising staff, developing performance management plans, and participating in professional development.
2. Participating in recruitment and selection to ensure qualified staff for the program.
3. Analyzing staff development needs and aligning them with the Spectrum instructional vision.
4. Leading induction/training of new staff to ensure successful onboarding.
5. Monitoring safety, compliance, staffing ratios, and crisis protocols.
6. Managing daily operations including scheduling, facilities, food services, transportation, administration, and budgeting.
7. Demonstrating fiscal responsibility and maximizing resource impact.
8. Participating in enrollment processes and managing student transitions.
9. Instructing and evaluating staff and students to ensure fidelity of instruction and performance.
10. Reporting on student progress and program effectiveness.
11. Using assessment data to inform instruction and interventions.
12. Maintaining accurate records and ensuring timely reporting.
13. Ensuring compliance with legal and policy requirements.
14. Promoting positive student behavior and providing support to students with academic challenges.
15. Performing other duties as assigned.

Qualifications Required:

• Master’s degree or higher in education, special education, psychology, counseling, applied behavior analysis, social work, rehabilitation, or a related field.
• Educational leadership or school administrator credential with at least 2 years of experience working with pupils with disabilities.
• Pupil personnel services (PPS) credential for counseling or psychology.
• Licensed clinical social worker (LCSW).
• Licensure in psychology.
• Credential in special education instruction with at least 2 years of teaching experience in special education.

Qualifications Preferred:

• Minimum 2 years of experience in educational leadership or school administration.
• Minimum 2 years of teaching experience in a special education setting.
• Experience working with students with disabilities.
• Knowledge of curriculum development, assessment, and instructional management.
• Understanding of state licensure, certification, and accreditation laws.
• Skilled in working with students with severe learning and behavioral disorders, autism spectrum disorders, and related disabilities.
• Strong management skills and knowledge of school operations.
• Excellent communication, organization, conflict resolution, multitasking, and decision-making skills.
• Ability to build relationships with students, parents, staff, and community partners.
• Proficiency with technology, including instructional technology, Microsoft Office, and databases.
• Leadership qualities aligned with servant leadership principles.

Spectrum Center Schools is part of ChanceLight Behavioral Health, Therapy, & Education, a national provider of alternative and special education programs. We have helped change over 240,000 student lives in partnership with over 235 school districts nationwide.

Learn more at: https://bit.ly/m/WorkWithPurpose

Join us to make a lasting impact, support student success, and find personal and professional fulfillment. Your path to a rewarding career starts here—where growth, empowerment, and collaboration define our culture, and every day is a Chance to transform lives through education!

Perks and Benefits Include:

• Comprehensive health plans, including medical, dental, and vision
• Free telehealth and virtual counseling
• Life and disability insurance
• Employee assistance programs
• Flexible spending and health savings accounts
• Paid time off, holidays, and leave policies
• Retirement plans (401k)
• Employee discounts and growth opportunities

If you're ready to make a difference, This Is Your Chance!

Join us and empower students to overcome challenges and reach their full potential!