Position Title

Director-Special Education

Required Application Type

Teacher / Admin

Salary/Pay Scale

$135,000-$145,000 prorated to amount of service

Job Description

LOCATION:          Special Education – 900 Watervliet-Shaker Road

SALARY - BOCES employee salary commensurate with experience and in accordance with contract language.

BASIC FUNCTION:

The work involves responsibility for managing the BOCES Special Education Division’s programs and services, including the provision of quality programs and services in response to the needs of school districts and the school-aged children served.  The Director provides visionary leadership at the local, regional, and state levels to promote excellence and innovation in special education. This includes active participation and leadership in regional and statewide initiatives, work groups, and professional associations to influence policy, share best practices, and ensure alignment with current standards and regulations. Reports to the Assistant District Superintendent for Curriculum & Instruction.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

1. Provides leadership for strategic planning and direction in the development and implementation of high quality and comprehensive special education programs. Provides direct supervision and evaluation for special education programs, principals and staff to include: Instructional programs, Itinerant programs, Related Service programs, and Grant supported services assigned by the Assistant District Superintendent for Curriculum and Instruction.
2. Provides leadership at the state and regional levels by engaging in cross-district collaboration, policy discussions, and professional networks to advance best practices and promote system-wide improvements in special education.
3. Facilitates regional meetings and work groups focused on regulatory requirements, best practices, addressing shared challenges, aligning services, and enhancing the quality and equity of special education programming across districts.
4. Ensures the development and implementation of an ongoing process for assessing districts service needs and student achievement in accordance with all applicable laws, organizational rules, policies and regulations.
5. Ensures that an ongoing process for program evaluation, which is related to annual BOCES goals, is in place and actively being updated.
6. Develop and administers an annual budget for the division in conjunction with the Director of Business Operations, Assistant District Superintendent for Curriculum & Instruction, Principals, and other District administrative staff members as appropriate to ensure student and district needs are being met.
7. Oversees the process of personnel administration which includes recruitment, employment, supervision, evaluation, and staff development in accordance with applicable BOCES policies and procedures in conjunction with the Director of Human Resources and the human resources staff.
8. Sits on the APPR Committee at the direction of the Assistant District Superintendent for Curriculum & Instruction.
9. Works with the Special Education Superintendents’ Advisory Committee under the guidance of the Assistant District Superintendent for Curriculum & Instruction, and the Deputy District Superintendent & Chief Operating Officer.
10. Participates in relevant national, state, and regional associations.
11. Recommends the purchase of equipment and supplies under the guidance of the Director of Business Operations or his/her staff.
12. Performs other tasks as assigned by the Assistant District Superintendent for Curriculum & Instruction.
13. Thorough knowledge of special education principles, practices, laws, and regulations.
14. Strong understanding of educational budgeting methods and procedures.
15. Demonstrated knowledge of current issues, trends, and best practices in special education at the local, regional, and state levels.
16. Ability to lead, supervise, and support staff across multiple sites with a focus on professional growth and accountability.
17. Proven ability to develop, manage, and monitor a complex budget across a large division.
18. Excellent communication skills, including the ability to write and speak clearly, concisely, and persuasively.
19. Capacity to foster and maintain effective working relationships with school district leaders, state agencies, area educators, families, and the public.
20. Skilled in building consensus, facilitating collaborative processes, and leading diverse teams toward shared goals.
21. Demonstrated ability to manage change and implement innovative practices that improve student outcomes.
22. Demonstrates key personal characteristics of effective leadership, including integrity, resilience, empathy, adaptability, strategic thinking, decisiveness, and a strong commitment to equity and inclusion.

Job Qualifications

1. Graduation from a regionally accredited or New York State registered college or university with at least a master’s degree in educational administration, or related field. 
2. New York State School District Administrator (SDA) or School District Leader (SDL) certification required.
3. At least five (5) to ten (10) years of progressively responsible administrative experience in a special education setting. 
4. Three (3) to five (5) years of teaching experience or demonstrated knowledge of issues regarding teaching and learning. 
5. A strong knowledge of special education, including New York state teaching standards. 
6. Highly knowledgeable about instructional excellence in a special education setting, and a leader in instructional reform.
7. District level experience is preferred but not required.

The selected applicant will be subject to a fingerprint supported criminal history background check in accordance with SAVE Legislation effective July 1, 2001.

Job Category

Leadership Positions

Job Location

Capital District Region

Additional Information