Director, Accessible Educational Materials Services (Aems

Director, Accessible Educational Materials Services (AEMS)

The Louisiana Special Schools are experiencing a critical shortage of certified teachers, school counselors, interpreters and educators of the Deaf or hard of hearing.

The LA SPECIAL SCHOOL DISTRICT is seeking applicants for Director, Accessible Educational Materials Services (AEMS).

The Director, Accessible Educational Materials Services (AEMS) is responsible for the effective management and operations of all agencies programmatic support areas. He/she provides guidance and support to the leadership of the Louisiana School for the Deaf, Louisiana School for the Visually Impaired, and the Special Schools Program. The Director is charged with leading a staff of professionals that operate specific operational support and agency oversight.

These areas include special education, school improvement, federal and state programs, professional development, admissions, compliance, testing, student mental health, related services, and data/research.

The position frequently consults and recommends to the Superintendent on issues within the assigned area of responsibility, including but not limited to:

• Executive Leadership
• Provides executive leadership for Louisiana's Accessible Educational Materials Services Program.
• Develops and implements strategic initiatives that improve statewide access to accessible instructional materials.
• Serves as a member of the Superintendent's Executive Leadership Team.
• Advises the Superintendent on statewide services, accessibility initiatives, and federal program compliance.
• Develops long-range strategic plans, goals, objectives, and performance measures for the division.
• Federal Quota Administration
• Serves as Louisiana's Ex Officio Trustee to the American Printing House for the Blind (APH).
• Oversees administration of the APH Federal Quota Program.
• Coordinates the Annual Federal Quota Census.
• Approves expenditures of Federal Quota funds.
• Ensures compliance with all APH policies, federal regulations, and reporting requirements.
• Maintains accountability for federally funded materials and equipment.
• Accessible Educational Materials
• Directs statewide acquisition, production, and distribution of Accessible Educational Materials (AEM).
• Oversees production and distribution of:
• Braille instructional materials
• Large print materials
• Digital accessible media
• Audio materials
• Tactile graphics
• Ensures eligible students receive instructional materials in a timely manner.
• Develops procedures that improve statewide access to accessible instructional materials.
• Program Administration
• Oversees operations of the Louisiana Instructional Materials Center (LIMC).
• Develops policies and procedures for efficient program operations.
• Establishes quality assurance standards for accessible media production.
• Ensures continuous improvement of service delivery models.
• Monitors program outcomes and operational performance.
• Financial Management
• Develops and administers the division budget.
• Oversees Federal Quota expenditures.
• Identifies grant opportunities and alternative funding sources.
• Ensures responsible stewardship of state and federal resources.
• Monitors contracts, purchases, and procurement activities.
• Personnel Management
• Supervises professional, technical, and administrative staff.
• Conducts employee performance evaluations.
• Develops staff professional development plans.
• Promotes employee engagement and accountability.
• Builds a collaborative, student-centered culture.
• Stakeholder Engagement
• Collaborates with:
• Local Education Agencies (LEAs)
• Teachers of Students with Visual Impairments (TVIs)
• Orientation and Mobility Specialists
• Families
• Institutions of Higher Education
• Louisiana Department of Education
• American Printing House for the Blind
• National organizations serving individuals who are blind or visually impaired
• Represents SSD on statewide and national committees.
• Delivers presentations and professional development.
• Compliance
• Ensures compliance with:
• IDEA
• Section 504
• Americans with Disabilities Act
• Every Student Succeeds Act
• APH Federal Quota Program requirements
• Louisiana Special Education regulations
• Agency policies
• Continuous Improvement
• Evaluates statewide service needs.
• Develops innovative…