Senior Director - Ancillary Services

Detroit Public Schools Community District; Detroit (MI); On-site; USD 102,000 - 139,000; Full time

Job summary

Detroit Public Schools Community District is seeking an Exceptional Student Education Senior Director - Ancillary Services to lead speech-language, occupational and physical therapy, Audiology, and related services district‑wide from the Central Office. You will ensure IDEA/504 compliance, implement IEPs, and drive high‑quality services in inclusive settings.

You will collaborate with district leaders, principals, families and community partners, manage programs, staffing, budgets and contracts

Qualifications

• Master's Degree in Special Education, Educational Leadership, Social Work, Speech-Language Pathology, Occupational Therapy, Physical Therapy, Audiology, or related field.
• Valid Michigan certification, license, or approval in a related services or educational discipline.
• Minimum of seven years of progressively responsible experience in special education and/or related services.
• Minimum of three years of administrative or supervisory leadership experience.
• Extensive knowledge of IDEA, Section 504, MARSE, and special education compliance requirements.
• Demonstrated experience managing multidisciplinary teams and complex programs.
• Educational Specialist (Ed.S.) or Doctoral degree.(preferred)
• Central office leadership experience. (preferred)
• Experience supporting district-wide IEP implementation and compliance monitoring.(preferred)
• Knowledge of Medicaid billing, grant management, and special education finance. (preferred)

Responsibilities

• Provide leadership, supervision and growth development for related services supervisors-Speech-Language Pathologists/Audiologists, School Social Workers, Occupational Therapists, Physical Therapists, Audiologists.
• Develop, implement, and evaluate district-wide related service programs and initiatives.
• Establish program goals, performance measures, and accountability systems aligned with district priorities.
• Lead strategic planning and continuous improvement efforts for ancillary related services.
• Ensure implementation and monitoring of IEPs across all schools and programs.
• Monitor compliance with IDEA, Section 504, MARSE, and state and federal special education regulations.
• Oversee service delivery models and caseload management to ensure student needs are met appropriately.
• Collaborate with administrators to ensure timely evaluations, IEP development, and service implementation.
• Provide an systemic plan to monitor service delivery and progress monitoring of services across disciplines.
• Develop and implement guidance surrounding compensatory education.
• Analyze student achievement, service delivery, and compliance data to improve outcomes.
• Ensure evidence-based practices are utilized across all related service disciplines.
• Develop systems for monitoring progress toward IEP goals and service effectiveness.
• Promote inclusive practices and multidisciplinary collaboration.
• Recruit, hire, supervise, evaluate, and develop related service personnel.
• Provide coaching, mentoring, and professional learning opportunities for staff.
• Foster a collaborative culture focused on student success and continuous improvement.
• Support staff retention and workforce planning initiatives.
• Develop and manage departmental budgets, grants, and service contracts.
• Oversee staffing allocations, workload analyses, and resource distribution.
• Monitor Medicaid reimbursement opportunities and special education funding streams.
• Ensure efficient utilization of personnel, equipment, and contracted services.
• Foster positive relationships with families and community stakeholders.
• Serve as a district representative in meetings with parents, advocacy groups, and community agencies.
• Collaborate with community partners to expand resources and supports for students and families.
• Ensure transparent communication regarding special education services and processes.
• Perform other duties assigned.

Skills

Leadership

Team management

Regulatory knowledge

Education

Master's Degree in Special Education or related field

Educational Specialist (Ed.S.) or Doctoral degree

Job description

Position Title: Exceptional Student Education Senior Director - Ancillary Services

Location: Central Office

Salary: $102,471 - $138,637

Reports to: Exceptional Student Education Assistant Superintendent or Designee

Bargaining Unit: N/A

Benefits: Yes

Telecommuting Eligibility: Site Based. Not eligible for telecommuting

Position Summary

The Senior Director of Ancillary Services provides visionary leadership, strategic direction, and operational oversight for all related services throughout the district supporting students with disabilities. This position oversees Speech and Language Services, School Social Work services, Occupational Therapy Services, Physical Therapy Services, Audiology Services, and the implementation of Individualized Education Programs (IEPs) across the district.

The Senior Director ensures compliance with IDEA, Section 504, Michigan Department of Education requirements, and all applicable federal and state regulations while promoting equitable, high-quality services that support student achievement and inclusion. The position collaborates closely with district leaders, principals, exceptional student staff, families, and community partners to ensure students receive appropriate services in the least restrictive environment as outlined in their IEP.

Minimum Qualifications

• Master's Degree in Special Education, Educational Leadership, Social Work, Speech-Language Pathology, Occupational Therapy, Physical Therapy, Audiology, or related field.
• Valid Michigan certification, license, or approval in a related services or educational discipline.
• Minimum of seven years of progressively responsible experience in special education and/or related services.
• Minimum of three years of administrative or supervisory leadership experience.
• Extensive knowledge of IDEA, Section 504, MARSE, and special education compliance requirements.
• Demonstrated experience managing multidisciplinary teams and complex programs.
• Educational Specialist (Ed.S.) or Doctoral degree.(preferred)
• Central office leadership experience. (preferred)
• Experience supporting district-wide IEP implementation and compliance monitoring.(preferred)
• Knowledge of Medicaid billing, grant management, and special education finance. (preferred)

Essential Functions

• Provide leadership, supervision and growth development for related services supervisors-Speech-Language Pathologists/Audiologists, School Social Workers, Occupational Therapists, Physical Therapists, Audiologists.
• Develop, implement, and evaluate district-wide related service programs and initiatives.
• Establish program goals, performance measures, and accountability systems aligned with district priorities.
• Lead strategic planning and continuous improvement efforts for ancillary related services.
• Ensure implementation and monitoring of IEPs across all schools and programs.
• Monitor compliance with IDEA, Section 504, MARSE, and state and federal special education regulations.
• Oversee service delivery models and caseload management to ensure student needs are met appropriately.
• Support resolution of compliance concerns, state complaints, mediation activities, and due process proceedings.
• Collaborate with administrators to ensure timely evaluations, IEP development, and service implementation.
• Provide an systemic plan to monitor service delivery and progress monitoring of services across disciplines.
• Develop and implement guidance surrounding compensatory education.
• Analyze student achievement, service delivery, and compliance data to improve outcomes.
• Ensure evidence-based practices are utilized across all related service disciplines.
• Develop systems for monitoring progress toward IEP goals and service effectiveness.
• Promote inclusive practices and multidisciplinary collaboration.
• Recruit, hire, supervise, evaluate, and develop related service personnel.
• Provide coaching, mentoring, and professional learning opportunities for staff.
• Foster a collaborative culture focused on student success and continuous improvement.
• Support staff retention and workforce planning initiatives.
• Develop and manage departmental budgets, grants, and service contracts.
• Oversee staffing allocations, workload analyses, and resource distribution.
• Monitor Medicaid reimbursement opportunities and special education funding streams.
• Ensure efficient utilization of personnel, equipment, and contracted services.
• Foster positive relationships with families and community stakeholders.
• Serve as a district representative in meetings with parents, advocacy groups, and community agencies.
• Collaborate with community partners to expand resources and supports for students and families.
• Ensure transparent communication regarding special education services and processes.
• Perform other duties assigned.

Security Clearance

Internal Applicants

If you are a current Detroit Public Schools Community District employee, you do not have to submit to a new security clearance, unless your new role requires a different type of criminal background check.

External Applicants

In alignment with Michigan law, if you are hired to fill a position, you will be required to submit to a Detroit Public Schools Community District criminal background check. Information regarding required background checks will be shared at point of hire.

DPSCD does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, disability and/or religion. Contact the Civil Rights Coordinator for more information at [phone] or detroitk12.org/compliance.