Assistant Director, Special Education

LANE EDUCATION SERVICE DISTRICT

JOB DESCRIPTION

POSITION TITLE: Assistant Director, Special Education

DEPARTMENT/SERVICE AREA:  Special Education 

REPORTS TO: Director of Special Education

FLSA STATUS/ CLASSIFICATION:       Exempt

SALARY PLACEMENT:             Licensed Administrative 

POSITION PURPOSE/SUMMARY:  

The Assistant Director of Special Education provides executive-level leadership and operational support to the Director in the oversight, coordination, and continuous improvement of special education programs, services, and operations, and serves as acting Director in their absence. This position advances equitable, inclusive, and research-based practices that improve outcomes for all students and fosters a community of belonging within ESD special education programs, in alignment with the agency's commitment to eliminating opportunity and achievement disparities related to race, gender, ethnicity, disability, sexual orientation, and socioeconomic status.

In collaboration with internal and external partners, the Assistant Director ensures alignment of programs with federal and state requirements, agency priorities, and constituent district needs while promoting high-quality, compliant, and equitable service delivery.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

Lead Special Education Programs and Services 

• To provide system-level leadership and ensure effective delivery of special education programs and services by:
  • Directing assigned special education programs, with primary responsibility for Life Skills and related instructional/service delivery models.
  • Leading the design, implementation, evaluation, and continuous improvement of special education programs and services across assigned areas.
  • Establishing program priorities and aligning service delivery with federal and state requirements, ESD policy, and district needs.
  • Applying and ensuring implementation of evidence-based special education practices to improve student outcomes and program effectiveness.
  • Developing and implementing short- and long-range strategic plans for special education service delivery in collaboration with internal and external stakeholders.
  • Leading assigned projects, initiatives, and cross-functional teams to achieve organizational goals and service improvements.
  • Participating as a member of the agency administrative leadership team to align service area operations with agency-wide priorities.
  • Providing leadership and participation in professional associations and external stakeholder groups relevant to special education administration.

Supervise Staff and Manage Personnel Functions 

• To oversee personnel functions and ensure effective workforce performance and compliance by:
  • Directing employment actions, including selection, assignment, discipline, and separation of Service Area employees in alignment with ESD policies, collective bargaining agreements, and applicable laws.
  • Providing direct supervision, direction, and performance accountability for assigned staff.
  • Ensuring consistent implementation of employee evaluation systems and performance management processes.
  • Interpreting and enforcing agency policies, procedures, and labor agreement provisions within assigned programs.
  • Addressing complex personnel issues and supporting resolution of staff performance and conduct matters.

Manage Budgets and Ensure Fiscal Accountability 

• To ensure responsible fiscal management and stewardship of program resources by:
  • Developing, implementing, and managing assigned Service Area budgets in accordance with ESD fiscal policies and procedures.
  • Monitoring expenditures, forecasting needs, and ensuring fiscal alignment with program goals and constraints.
  • Ensuring accuracy, compliance, and accountability in all financial management activities.
  • Making fiscally responsible decisions that balance program needs with available resources and funding requirements.

Coordinate Interagency Communication and Collaboration

• To coordinate and represent the Service Area in external partnerships and compliance-related activities by:
  • Serving as primary liaison between Lane ESD, constituent districts, and state and federal agencies on special education programs, compliance, and service delivery.
  • Representing the Service Area in meetings, committees, and interagency collaborations related to special education.
  • Facilitating high-level, complex, and confidential communications among districts, agencies, staff, and external partners.
  • Building and sustaining collaborative partnerships that support coordinated service delivery and compliance with regulatory requirements.

Exercise Professional Judgment and Leadership 

• To provide independent leadership and support organizational effectiveness by:
  • Exercising independent judgment and decision-making authority in the management of assigned programs and services.
  • Responding to emerging issues, priorities, and operational needs with appropriate leadership action.
  • Ensuring alignment of program operations with agency mission, strategic goals, and compliance requirements.
  • Performing other related duties and responsibilities as assigned by the Director.

QUALIFICATIONS AND REQUIREMENTS:

Education and Licensure

• Master's degree from an accredited institution in Special Education or closely related field, including specialization in at least one area of special education.
• A valid Oregon Administrative License.

Experience

• Five (5) years of progressively responsible experience in special education, including instructional leadership, program coordination, or related administrative roles.
• Two (2) years of experience managing or coordinating special education programs within a service-oriented educational organization.
• Any equivalent combination of education and experience that provides the required knowledge, skills, and abilities may be considered listed above.

Preferred Qualifications

• Two (2) years of building-level administrative experience with responsibility for special education programs.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Knowledge of special education law, compliance requirements, and service delivery systems.
• Knowledge of budget development, fiscal management, and resource allocation in a public education setting.
• Ability to lead and sustain high-performing teams in a complex organizational environment.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills with diverse stakeholder groups.
• Ability to analyze complex operational and instructional issues and develop effective solutions.
• Ability to exercise independent judgment in program leadership, delegation, and accountability systems.
• Ability to develop and maintain effective partnerships with districts, agencies, and community stakeholders.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

The physical demands described here are representative of those required to successfully perform the essential functions of this position. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. This position requires frequent use of a computer and standard office equipment. The employee regularly stands, sits, walks, bends, reaches, and communicates verbally and in writing. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move materials or supplies weighing up to 30 pounds. Specific vision abilities required include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus. Frequent travel to off-site locations is required, with occasional evening or weekend travel.

WORK ENVIRONMENT/CONDITIONS:
Work is generally performed in a clean, indoor office environment. The employee may be exposed to inclement weather during travel or off-site activities. The position requires regular interaction with staff, district personnel, and external agencies in both formal and informal settings. 

The work is generally performed in an indoor, clean, and non-hazardous environment. The employee may be exposed to inclement weather during site visits, field trips, or community-based activities conducted outside the agency. The physical demands and work environment characteristics described are representative of those required to perform the essential functions of the position. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

WORK EXPECTATIONS:

• Effectively engage with individuals from diverse cultures or backgrounds, and experiences.
• Demonstrate professionalism, sound judgment, and appropriate behavior, speech, and attire.
• Utilize appropriate equipment and software as established for agency use as well as other equipment and software appropriate to the assignment.
• Maintain regular and punctual attendance.
• Confer regularly with immediate supervisor.
• Follow all District work procedures and reasonable requests by proper authority.
• Perform program responsibilities in accordance with statutes, OARs, administrative rules, policies, and collective bargaining agreements.

EVALUATION:

Performance will be evaluated in accordance with the provisions of Board policy and the evaluation program adopted for the position.

The statements contained herein reflect general details as necessary to describe the principal functions of this job, the level of knowledge and skill typically required and the scope of responsibility, but should not be considered an all-inclusive listing of work requirements.  Individuals may perform other duties as assigned, including work in other functional areas to cover absences or relief, to equalize peak work periods or otherwise to balance the workload.

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