Executive Director of Exceptional Student Services

 
Position Summary:
Manage all service and support programs that are available to students with conditions or identified disabilities as required under Individuals with Disabilities Education Act throughout the school district. Provide leadership, supervision, and support to assigned Office of Exceptional Student Services Directors, Managers, and staff.  Provide guidance, leadership, and oversight of all state/federal compliance requirements of such efforts. Administer a seamless system of guidelines, processes, and procedures necessary for these services and supports for students and staff districtwide. Ensuring all state/federal compliance requirements of such efforts are met throughout the process and align with the district’s vision and mission. The Executive Director of Special Educations advises and supports the Assistant Superintendent of Teaching and Learning and other upper leadership on key issues related to critical cases, campus needs/requirements, and student supports necessary to provide best-in-class special education services to students in all campuses across Oklahoma City Public Schools.
 
Essential Duties:

• Direct and administer the district’s special education program to ensure the delivery of needed services for students with special needs
• Provide leadership and oversight in developing a collaborative culture of excellence within the Office of Exceptional Student Services
• Provide leadership and oversight to ensure implementation and compliance of policies established by Federal and State law, State Board of Education rules, and local Board policy in the area of special education
• Provide regular reports to the Assistant Superintendent of Teaching and Learning and the Deputy Superintendent.
• Ensure management reporting and research framework,using evaluative findings to enhance the special education programs effectiveness and efficiency.
• Provide leadership in planning and implementing curriculum and instructional improvements for students with disabilities that yield improved student performance
• Provide leadership and oversight in building district and campus capacity in acquiring, analyzing, and reporting data pertaining to students with disabilities
• Develop an annual budget including local and federal funds for assigned areas of responsibility
• Allocate campus and central staff to maintain appropriate staffing levels and ensure the provision of needed support and services for students with disabilities
• Provide instructional resources and materials to support departmental staff in
• meeting district and departmental goals
• Ensure the provision of professional development opportunities to support special
• education staff in the instruction of students with disabilities
• Promote positive community relations through effective communication and involvement of parents and community
• Stay abreast of current topics, trends, and best practices in the area of
• special education through a variety of professional opportunities.
• Perform all other tasks and duties as assigned 

Job Specifications: To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill and/or ability required.
 
Minimum Qualifications (Knowledge, Skills and/or Abilities):

• Master’s Degree from an accredited university
• Oklahoma State Department of Education Administrator's Certificate (Elementary, Secondary, or Superintendent);
• Experience working with children and youth in a special education setting; experience in an urban school setting and/or in a multicultural education environment preferred.
• Comprehensive and proficiency in theories and principles of learning and evaluation; knowledge of special education principles, theories and laws.
• Demonstrate ability to resolve logistical and operational problems related to special education service delivery. Demonstrate knowledge of state and federal special education law.
• Demonstrate knowledge of special education programs. Effective oral and written communication skills.
• Strong interpersonal skills, strong work ethic and collaborative work style
• Five (5) years’ experience in program administration and the supervision of professional personnel;
• Five (5) years’ experience in a special education leadership role;
• Five (5) years’ experience in leading diverse work teams, program evaluation research methods, and understanding IDEA grant administration;
• Solid strategic planning, analytical and decision-making skills;
• Excellent communication and organizational skills;
• General knowledge of the school District’s mission and goals, programs, facilities, and personnel

Physical/Mental Requirements:   

• Must have adequate manual dexterity to write legibly and perform required duties on the computer. 
• Must have adequate visual acuity to read, interpret and transcribe written material and other required duties.
• Requires normal range of hearing and clear speaking abilities to interact appropriately with others in person and on the telephone.
• Requires some stooping, bending, stretching and occasional lifting not to exceed 25 pounds. 
• Sitting for prolonged periods of time.
• May periodically require work outside of normal business hours, including weekends, under sometimes. stressful conditions in order to meet business needs and strict deadlines. 

 Work Environment:  

• Office duties will be performed in a well-lighted, climate controlled environment.   

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