Education Program Director - $2,500 Sign-on Bonus!

ChanceLight Behavioral Health, Therapy, & Education; Monroe (NC); On-site; USD 80,000 - 90,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, Dental & Vision plans

Telehealth & virtual counseling

401k retirement plan

Paid time off & holiday schedule

Growth & development opportunities

Job summary

ChanceLight Behavioral Health, Therapy, & Education is seeking an Education Program Director in North Carolina to lead the Special Education team and transform student outcomes through instructional excellence and staff development.

The role oversees site operations, liaises with school districts, recruits and mentors staff, and ensures compliance with IEPs and state requirements. A strong background in ABA/PBIS and data-based decisions is essential.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree or higher in education or related field.
• Master's degree or higher preferred in education or related field.
• NC state EC credential required or in process.
• NC state administrator credential preferred or in process.
• Experience in special education services and compliance (min 5 years).
• Experience in school administration or educational leadership (min 3 years).
• Knowledge of ABA, PBIS, FBAs and BIPs.
• Experience with IEPs and related processes.
• Strong communication, organization and decision-making skills.
• Proficiency with instructional technology and MS Office.

Responsibilities

• Provide visionary leadership to drive student achievement and site operations.
• Recruit, hire and retain qualified staff.
• Supervise and coach staff; oversee professional development.
• Oversee enrollment processes and transition planning.
• Ensure compliance with IEPs, state requirements and ChanceLight policies.
• Prepare reports on student achievement and program effectiveness.
• Maintain accurate student records and ensure safety and crisis readiness.
• Manage budget, resources and district/community relationships.

Skills

ABA & PBIS

IEP experience

Staff training

Communication skills

Education

Bachelor's degree

Master's degree

NC EC credential (in progress/obtained)

School administrator credential (in progress/obtained)

Tools

MS Office

Data management

Job description

Salary: $80,000 - $90,000 /year PLUS $2,500 Sign-on Bonus!

ChanceLight Behavioral Health, Therapy, & Education, a growing, dynamic organization with a social mission to offer hope, is seeking an Education Program Director to join our award-winning Special Education team and perform meaningful work in a culture that welcomes innovation, encourages creative expression and offers limitless potential for personal and professional satisfaction!

If you thrive in a collaborative, goal-oriented environment focused on meaningful outcomes for students with special education needs, seek a career filled with genuine purpose, and possess strong problem-solving skills, compassion and exceptional dedication — We Should Talk!

As the Education Program Director, you will play a pivotal role in transforming student outcomes by championing excellence in instruction and fostering an environment of continuous academic growth. Serving as the instructional leader, you will inspire and guide our dedicated staff to consistently deliver high-quality teaching practices aligned with ChanceLight's proven educational strategies. Your leadership will ensure that policies and procedures are implemented effectively, creating a supportive and efficient learning environment where every student can thrive.

This position oversees all site operations and functions as the liaison between the site and the school districts’ designated site contacts by establishing and maintaining positive, interactive, working relationships.

• Providing visionary leadership to drive student achievement and ensure smooth, effective operations by supervising staff, developing and implementing performance management plans, identifying professional learning needs, and engaging in continuous professional growth opportunities.
• Participating in the recruitment and selection process to build and retain a faculty/staff team with the instructional skills and competencies necessary to meet the unique needs of the program’s student population.
• Analyzing staff professional development needs and aligning them with ChanceLight instructional vision while recognizing achievements, addressing concerns, and maintaining productive, solutions-focused site operations.
• Leading the induction and training of new staff—either directly or through designees—to ensure a positive onboarding experience and maximize the success and retention of new team members.
• Monitoring facilities and programs to ensure the safety of students and staff at all times, including compliance with contractual and state requirements, adherence to staffing ratios, and readiness to implement crisis protocols.
• Performing essential managerial functions such as overseeing daily school operations, managing schedules and activities, coordinating custodial and maintenance efforts, supervising food and transportation services, directing administrative and budgetary processes, allocating resources, and fostering positive district and community relationships.
• Demonstrating fiscal responsibility by strategically maximizing resources in partnership with the direct supervisor to support instructional priorities and student outcomes.
• Participating in the enrollment process from initial referral to final day of attendance, ensuring timely placement, conducting effective site tours, managing rosters per student needs and state mandates, and contributing to transition planning toward the least restrictive environment when applicable.
• Instructing, monitoring, and evaluating staff and students in the effective use of learning materials and resources to ensure instructional fidelity and optimal student performance.
• Observing, evaluating, and reporting staff and student performance using the START Checklist or other approved observation tools to inform feedback and improvement efforts.
• Participating in accreditation and quality assurance processes to ensure the site meets or exceeds ChanceLight and accrediting body standards.
• Preparing and presenting reports on student achievement, development, and activities to showcase progress and program effectiveness.
• Compiling, analyzing, and utilizing assessment data to track student growth, inform instruction, and guide targeted academic interventions.
• Maintaining accurate, complete, and timely records of student progress in compliance with state laws, ChanceLight guidelines, and district policies.
• Ensuring the on-time completion and distribution of grades, report cards, IEP progress reports, and transcripts for all students.
• Ensuring compliance with all mandatory requirements, including the IEP process, state assessments, and ChanceLight policies.
• Promoting a positive school culture by fostering programs and practices that encourage appropriate student behavior, applying support or disciplinary measures as needed in alignment with ChanceLight policies.
• Providing guidance, encouragement, and academic counseling to students facing challenges to help them achieve their goals.
• Performing other duties as assigned to support the overall success of the program and its students.

Qualifications Required:

• Bachelor's degree or higher in education or a closely related field of study.
• Master's degree or higher in education, special education or a closely related field of study preferred.
• Licensed currently or in the process of obtaining a NC state exceptional children (EC) credential.
• Licensed currently or in the process of obtaining a NC state education administrator, school principal or related credential preferred.
• Ability to obtain and maintain certification in company approved crisis management training.
• Minimum five years prior experience in special education services and compliance, particularly for students with learning disabilities, autism spectrum disorders, emotional behavioral disorders and/or other related disabilities.
• Minimum three years prior experience in school administration or educational leadership, preferably in an alternative, special education and/or behavioral health program setting.
• Comprehensive knowledge of administrative and school operations, functions, and compliance requirements.
• Well-versed in applied behavior analysis (ABA) including positive behavior interventions and supports (PBIS), effective teaching strategies, classroom management systems, data-based decision making, functional behavior analysis (FBA) and behavior intervention plans (BIP's).
• Prior experience and highly knowledgeable in working with students with individualized education plans (IEP's).
• Proficiency in providing motivation and having critical conversations with students that help move them toward realistic goals.
• Highly skilled in providing training, professional development and/or coaching to teachers and education staff.
• Proven ability to build and maintain multiple relationships with students, parents, teachers, leaders and community and/or district partners.
• Advanced oral and written communication, organization, conflict resolution, multitasking, problem solving, and decision-making ability.
• Well-versed in the use of relevant technology including experience with instructional technology, computers, Microsoft Office Suite, database entry and basic office equipment.

ChanceLight Behavioral Health, Therapy, & Education is the nation’s leading provider of alternative and special education programs for children and young adults. Operating a variety of specialized program centers, we partner with more than 235 school districts nationwide to provide instructional and behavioral services in a safe, trusting environment where students can achieve their full potential.

Learn more about our history, our mission and the program services we provide by visiting the link below:

• https://bit.ly/m/WorkWithPurpose

At ChanceLight we believe in providing more than just a job, as a member of our team you'll receive the opportunity to make meaningful impacts, the support needed to achieve success, and all the tools essential to reaching your personal & professional fulfillment! Your path to a truly 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 Medical, Dental and Vision Plans
• FREE Telehealth and Virtual Counseling Sessions
• FREE Health Advocacy Services and 24/7 Nurse Line
• Company Paid Life & Disability Insurance
• Company Paid Employee Assistance Program
• Flexible Spending and Health Savings Accounts
• Personal Protection Insurance Plans
• Legal Services Insurance
• Pet Health Insurance
• Accrual-based Paid Time Off
• School Hours and Paid Holiday Schedule
• Extensive Personal and Life Event Paid Leave Policy
• 401k Retirement Saving Plan
• Perks at Work Employee Discount Program
• Opportunities for Growth & Development
• And So Much More!

If you're ready to start making lasting impacts on the lives of students and contribute to the creation of a brighter future — This Is Your Chance!

Careers, With ChanceLight Work. With Purpose.