Education Program Director

ChanceLight Behavioral Health, Therapy and Education; Oakland (CA); On-site; USD 80,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading organization in special education is seeking an Education Program Director to foster a collaborative environment that promotes student achievement and safety. The role involves overseeing site operations, ensuring compliance with educational policies, and leading staff development. Join a mission-driven team dedicated to making a meaningful impact in the lives of students with disabilities.

Benefits

Comprehensive health plans

Life & disability insurance

Paid time off

Retirement plan

Employee discounts

Qualifications

• Master’s degree in education or related field required.
• At least 2 years of experience with students with disabilities.
• Educational leadership credential preferred.

Responsibilities

• Oversee site operations and ensure compliance with educational policies.
• Provide vision and leadership to support student achievement.
• Monitor safety and compliance with guidelines.

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) or psychologist licensure

Credential in special education instruction

Tools

Microsoft Office

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 offer a culture that welcomes innovation, encourages creative expression, and provides 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 operations, ensures a safe learning environment by following guidelines for issues and incidents, and acts as a liaison between the site and contacts by establishing positive relationships.

Responsibilities Include:

• Providing vision and leadership to support student achievement and effective operations by supervising staff, developing performance plans, identifying professional development needs, and participating in training.
• Participating in recruitment and selection to ensure qualified faculty/staff for the program.
• Analyzing staff development needs, aligning with Spectrum's instructional vision, recognizing accomplishments, and addressing issues.
• Leading induction/training of new staff to ensure positive onboarding and success.
• Monitoring safety and compliance with guidelines, staffing ratios, and crisis protocols.
• Managing daily operations including schedule, custodial, maintenance, food services, transportation, administration, and finances.
• Demonstrating fiscal responsibility and maximizing resources.
• Participating in enrollment, ensuring timely classroom placement, conducting site tours, managing classroom rosters, and developing transition plans.
• Monitoring and evaluating staff and student use of learning materials to ensure fidelity and performance.
• Evaluating staff and student performance using observation tools.
• Ensuring site passes accreditation standards and preparing reports on student progress and program effectiveness.
• Using assessment data to measure growth and inform instruction.
• Maintaining accurate records and ensuring timely reporting.
• Ensuring compliance with legal and policy requirements.
• Promoting positive student behavior and supporting students academically.
• 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 from an accredited institution.
• Educational leadership or school administrator credential with at least 2 years of experience working with students with disabilities.
• Pupil personnel services (PPS) credential for school counseling or psychology.
• Licensed clinical social worker (LCSW), psychologist licensure, or other relevant credentials.
• Credential in special education instruction with at least 2 years of teaching experience in special education.

Qualifications Preferred:

• At least 2 years of experience in educational leadership or school administration.
• At least 2 years of teaching experience in a special education setting.
• Experience working with students with disabilities and knowledge of curriculum development and assessment.
• Understanding of licensure, certification, and accreditation laws.
• Expertise in working with students with severe learning, emotional, behavioral, or autism spectrum disorders.
• Strong management skills and knowledge of school operations.
• Excellent communication, organization, conflict resolution, and decision-making skills.
• Ability to build relationships with students, families, staff, and community partners.
• Proficiency with technology including instructional tools, Microsoft Office, and database systems.
• Servant leadership qualities focused on team needs and problem-solving.

About Spectrum Center Schools: A division of ChanceLight Behavioral Health, Therapy, & Education, a leading provider of alternative and special education programs for children and young adults. Over 45 years, we have positively impacted over 240,000 students in partnership with 235 districts nationwide.

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

Join us to make a lasting impact, achieve success, and reach your professional goals in a supportive, growth-oriented environment. Your path to a rewarding career starts here — where every day offers a chance to transform lives through education!

Perks and Benefits Include:

• Comprehensive health plans, telehealth, and counseling
• Life & disability insurance, Employee Assistance Program
• Flexible spending accounts, legal and pet insurance
• Paid time off, holiday schedule, and leave policies
• Retirement plan, employee discounts, and growth opportunities

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

Join us to empower students and build a brighter future!