POSITION TITLE (Oracle title)

SENIOR DIRECTOR

WORKING TITLE

Senior Director-Special Education Policy

SCHOOL/DEPARTMENT

Special Education Services

LOCATION

Crossroads II, Cary, NC

PAY GRADE

Senior Director-Band 1

FLSA STATUS

Exempt

ELIGIBILITY FOR EMPLOYMENT CONTRACT

No

WORK WEEK SCHEDULE

Monday-Friday (occasional evenings and weekends) Position is available for a Hybrid Telework workweek 

POSITION PURPOSE:

Oversees and provides leadership and guidance to schools when complex knowledge of legal aspects of Special Education laws and policies are required. Develops, coordinates, and implements procedures and processes to ensure special education resources are effectively utilized and aligned with student needs. Aligns state and federal funding policies with district accounting processes. Collaborates with internal staff on complex cases and Individualized Education Program (IEP) representation. Supports Special Education Services’ (SES) compliance, specifically disputes. Leads professional development initiatives for principals, teachers, and staff members regarding implementation of special education policy.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:  

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES (KSAs)

• Extensive knowledge federal and state special education laws, regulations, and procedures;

• Considerable knowledge of Microsoft Office, including Word, Excel, and PowerPoint; Google Apps;

• Excellent analytical and organizational skills;

• Ability to provide leadership and oversee professional development regarding special education policies;

• Ability to create, interpret, evaluate, clarify, and apply policies and procedures individually and in a team-centered environment;

• Ability to lead and manage multiple complex projects simultaneously;

• Ability to lead simultaneous projects on a timeline and within budgetary constraints;

• Ability to communicate clearly and concisely both in oral and written form using a variety of communication techniques and tools to ensure the appropriate flow of information, collaborative efforts, and feedback; excellent public speaking and presentation skills;

• Ability to reflect appropriate responses to complex and sensitive situations, while maintaining a professional and personal demeanor;

• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with school officials, school system staff, attorneys, outside advocacy groups, external agencies, and other community members.

EDUCATION, TRAINING, AND EXPERIENCE

• Master’s degree in school administration or directly related field from an accredited university;

• Demonstrated successful experience in a progressively responsible administrative/management role;

• Experience in classroom teaching;

• Experience in developing and managing a department budget; 

• Experience in conducting data analysis.

CERTIFICATION AND LICENSE REQUIREMENTS

• Hold or be qualified to hold a North Carolina Professional Educator’s License in one of the license areas for Exceptional Children;

• Hold or be qualified to hold a North Carolina Professional Educator’s License for School Administrator-Principal, Curriculum Instructional Specialist or Exceptional Children’s Program Administrator;

• Must hold and maintain a valid motor vehicle operator’s license according to the State of NC requirements.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

1. Provides leadership and guidance pertaining to special education policies through an effective system of policy development, implementation, and compliance.

2. Stays abreast of current information regarding state and federal laws and regulations concerning special education.

3. Collects, monitors, and reports accurate and timely data within SES to the North Carolina Department of Public Instruction (NCDPI) and school system departments.

4. Investigates parent complaints received by NCDPI and collaborates with schools to respond and resolve complaints; manages responses to complaints made to the State, Office of Civil Rights, and Due Process Petitions, as directed by the Assistant Superintendent.

5. Facilitates requests for mediated and facilitated IEP meetings.

6. Monitors and complies with timeline regulations associated with dispute resolution options.

7. Develops and oversees SES Policy Team budget.

8. Performs other related duties, as assigned.

WORK ENVIRONMENT/PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

This job operates in a professional office environment and has a noise level of mostly low to moderate. This role routinely uses standard office equipment such as computers, scanners, and copiers. The position, at times, must be able to come into direct contact with school system staff, school officials, attorneys, outside advocacy groups, external agencies and other community members. Work is considered light physical work, requiring the exertion of up to ten pounds of force. The work frequently requires driving automotive equipment. 

EFFECTIVE DATE:  10/2023

DISCLAIMER:  The above statements are intended to describe the general purpose and responsibilities assigned to this position.  They are not intended to contain or be interpreted as a comprehensive inventory of all duties, responsibilities, and skills required by the employees assigned to this position.  This description may be revised by HR and approved at any time.