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Career Opportunity

Director of Special Education Programmatic Support (Director #1817)
1817
Springfield or Chicago
Exempt
Special Education Programmatic Support
$97,984 - $129,829
$97,984 - $161,674
Monday – Friday 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
September 28, 2023
Open Until Filled

Reporting to the Executive Director, provides leadership and support in special education programming for schools and other educational organizations. Responsible for the management and direction of the overall programmatic functions of the department. Directs, monitors and evaluates the activities of department staff to ensure the proper application of and adherence to agency policies, state and federal guidelines, and to ensure equity. Responsible for the supervision of daily operation of the functions and programs of the department, including developing individual staff development to reach goals, ensuring timelines for the completion of work by department staff are established and met. Promotes collaboration with other departments as needed. Responsible for ensuring proper use of time by department staff, including timely approval of budgets, payroll transactions and periodic reporting of progress toward achievement of goals.​

  • ​​​​Coordinates and oversees the administration of the Illinois Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) part B discretionary grant funded projects, the IDEA part D deaf/blind grant, and instruction and assessment.
  • Responds to auditors regarding the processing and monitoring of IDEA grant programs.
  • Coordinates the monitoring of local education agencies (LEAs), and implementation of the special education accountability and support systems, and associated work related to indicators of the State Performance Plan.
  • Coordinates activities related to special education instruction, disability and parent supports, transition, and other activities related to public and non-public special education programming.
  • Provides support to the Supervisor of nonpublic special education programming and assists with state level issues related to nonpublic programmaning.
  • Serves as an agency representative to diverse groups of stakeholders, parents and advocates.
  • Serves as liaison for state committees and professional organizations, including giving presentations and representing the Agency at local and national conferences.
  • Assists in establishing and coordinating departmental goals and activities in collaboration with departments across the Agency.
  • Serves as a liaison between departments within the Agency and with education organizations.
  • Conducts the evaluation of staff performance within the department, including the development of individual staff goals, ensuring timelines are met and equitable distribution of responsibilities.
  • Performs other duties as assigned.
  • Master's degree in Special Education, or, a Master's degree in Education or Educational administration plus two or more years of experience within the last five years as a Director or in a leadership role working with special education. (COPY OF TRANSCRIPTS REQUIRED AT TIME OF APPLICATION)
  • Two years (in addition to education requirements) of demonstrated leadership in education.
  • Experience managing budgets, personnel, and effective management of project timelines.
  • Working knowledge of federal and state laws and regulations regarding students with disabilities.
  • Ability to communicate clearly, both orally and in writing.
  • Knowledge of current issues and best practices in the fields of education and special education.
  • Knowledge of special education instruction and assessment.
  • Experience with/in research and data-based decision making processes.
  • Knowledge of best practices regarding students from diverse abilities and backgrounds.
  • Experience in Microsoft Office Suite.
  • Ability to adapt to a changing environment and handle multiple priorities.
  • Endorsed or licensed as a Director of Special Education.
  • Experience in serving as a Director of Special Education​ or special education administrator and relevant licensure.
  • Experience in a variety of educational settings including public and nonpublic special education.
  • Experience as a special education administrator in more than one rural/urban district.
  • Experience providing supports for students with multiple disabilities and/or English language learners with disabilities.
  • ​Experience in support planning, team leading, collaboration or management of services.

ISBE provides equal employment opportunities to all applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, or genetics. We actively foster a culture of inclusion and encourage individuals of all backgrounds to apply.

Illinois has an urgent and collective responsibility to achieve educational equity by ensuring that all policies, programs, and practices affirm the strengths that each and every child brings within their diverse backgrounds and life experiences, and by delivering the comprehensive supports, programs, and educational opportunities they need to succeed.