POSITION TITLE (Oracle title)

SENIOR DIRECTOR 

WORKING TITLE

Senior Director for Instructional and Social/Emotional Behavior Programs

SCHOOL/DEPARTMENT

Chief of Staff and Strategic Planning

LOCATION

Crossroads II, Cary, NC

PAY GRADE

Senior Director-Band 1

FLSA STATUS

Exempt

ELIGIBILITY FOR EMPLOYMENT CONTRACT

Yes

WORK WEEK SCHEDULE

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

POSITION PURPOSE:

Provides leadership and collaboration with schools and departments to foster an environment that is student-focused and results-oriented. Oversees and supports the effective operation of system-wide implementation of instructional resources designed for the delivery of specially designed instruction in both academic and social emotional/behavior programming.  Directs the development, implementation, and coordination of teams responsible for instructional programming and allocation of school staff for students with disabilities participating in the general content standards, including the Occupational Course of Study, and the extended content standards.  Works closely with the Special Education Services Assistant Superintendent and other members of the Special Education Services’ Leadership team on policy development, budget and finance, implementation of State and Federal Policy and strategic planning supporting the district mission to provide outstanding opportunities for academic achievement for all students.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:  

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES (KSAs)

• Extensive knowledge and understanding of the principles, practices, and procedures of public school system policies and federal, state, and local regulatory requirements;

• Comprehensive knowledge of Microsoft Office, specifically Word, Excel, Access, and PowerPoint; Google Apps;

• Extensive knowledge of pedagogical models and strategies for improving instructional delivery;

• Proven experience in effective leadership and management of adults, including supervisory, coaching, evaluation, problem-solving, and team building among a variety of stakeholders;

• Ability to exercise good judgment and make decisions in accordance with school board policies and regulations and established administrative guidelines;

• Ability to work collaboratively with special education services senior leadership and other district teams/departments to provide strong advocacy for student with disabilities;

• Ability to work collaboratively with school administrators to implement and monitor special education programs;

• Ability to interface with other departments to coordinate reciprocal services for achieving departmental goals;

• 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;

• Ability to convey complex information to a variety of audiences, excellent public speaking and 

• presentation skills;

• Ability to manage and evaluate curriculum, assessments, and instructional programs and initiatives for continuous improvement;

• Ability to maintain professional and emotional control under stress; reflects appropriate response to situations, while maintaining professional and personal demeanor;

• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with school system staff, staff members of external funding agencies, and the community.

EDUCATION, TRAINING, AND EXPERIENCE

• Master’s Degree or higher in Special Education or Administration from an accredited college or university;

• Demonstrated experience as a district leader in special education or a directly related field;

• Demonstrated experience in successful Special education classroom teaching;

• Demonstrated experience in development and managing a department budget; 

• Demonstrated experience in commitment to educational excellence and continuous improvement demonstrated through the development and implementation of successful K-12 instructional programs and exercised in the selection, training, and evaluation of staff.

CERTIFICATION AND LICENSE REQUIREMENTS

• North Carolina Professional Educator’s License in one of the license areas for Exceptional Children;

• North Carolina Professional Educator's License for School Administrator-Principal, Curriculum Instructional Specialist or Exceptional Child Director;

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

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• Demonstrated achievement as a special education educational leader with vision and strong instructional insight.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

1. Plans, organizes, provides, implements, modifies, monitors and evaluates instructional programs and the development of special education curriculum to meet the various student goals and program objectives.

2. Provides direction, consultation, and supervision to program employees; consults with district and school-based staff on individual cases and on implementations of federal, state, and local policies and procedures.

3. Compiles and analyzes data from a variety of sources for the purpose of evaluating curriculum and/or services, implementing programs and/or services and complying with financial, legal and administrative requirements.

4. Plans, organizes, schedules, and supervises Extended School Year programs in collaboration with the Director of Alternative Special Education.

5. Manages short-term, ongoing and long-term instructional programs for students across various classrooms and sites; assures compliance, safety and instructional quality.

6. Provides direction in the development and implementation of instructional programs for students with disabilities; develops short and long-range planning goals for program development and placement.

7. Provides ongoing consultation, guidance and training on the use of new and innovative methods, strategies, and materials which enhance the education progress of special education students.

8. Provides direction in the development of school-based special education staffing formulas and allotment process and procedures in accordance with district and state established policies and guidelines.

9. Works in conjunction with the Office of Student Assignment and Facilities to ensure district and state processes and procedures are followed in the development and placement of school-based programs.

10. Collaborates with the departments of Academic Advancement and Student Support Services regarding course and graduation requirements to ensure positive outcomes for students with disabilities.

11. Addresses and resolves parents’ concerns regarding their students’ education, responds directly or facilitates staff responses to parental inquiries, concerns and complaints, investigates complaints or concerns from parents or staff.

12. Serves as a liaison and networks with a variety of stakeholders, including but not limited to, parents, staff, districts, community agencies, and other county educational offices.

13. Conducts personnel administration duties for staff, including hiring and terminations, staff development, evaluating, assigning special duties, monitoring attendance and travel reports, and granting leave.

14. Assists in the preparation of budgets for the programs and individual teams; monitors the implementation and finances in relation to developed budgets, contracts, and service agreements.

15. Collaborates with the Special Education Services Policy Team and school board attorney on individual cases, when necessary.

16. Collaborates with Special Education Leadership to foster and facilitate communication and collaboration, trust, and understanding between parents/community and school personnel regarding special education matters.

17. Assists with responding to communication and requests from the district school board as directed by the Assistant Superintendent of Special Education Services. 

18. Assists with the organization and deployment of a comprehensive professional development program for district and school-based staff on special education requirements.

19. Assists with the planning, development, and deployment of a comprehensive program for students with disabilities, which assesses needs of students, establishes objectives and priorities, delegates responsibilities to staff, develops strategies to achieve objectives and evaluates programs.

20. Supervises and coordinates homebound instruction for homebound or hospitalized students.

21. Assists in recruitment, screening, hiring, training, and assigning of special education personnel.

22. 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, external agencies, and the public. 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:  8/2024

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.