Special Education Compliance Manager

Job Title: Special Education Compliance Manager
Location: 910 W. Van Buren St., Chicago, IL 60607

• Traveling to different school campuses on the north and south side of Chicago it required

Reports To: Managing Director of Student Services
Salary: Starting at $80,000, commensurate with experience
Employee Type: Regular Full Time
Start Date: September 2026

Distinctive Schools creates diverse, joyful, welcoming communities rooted in social justice and rigorous learning. We support all learners to be engaged, curious, and to achieve their full potential. Our students become confident advocates, creative problem-solvers, and collaborative leaders.

The Special Education Compliance Manager is responsible for student evaluations, monitoring Individualized Education Programs (IEPs), and supporting schools, staff, and families to fulfill these plans towards greater student development and achievement. The Special Education Compliance Manager will use a data-driven approach to best support the needs of each individual student, and does so in compliance with federal and state regulations regarding special education, including the Individual with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973.

Program Oversight/Management:

• Oversee compliance rate at all campuses for completing all Annual Reviews, Initial and Three-Year Reevaluations according to State and Federal Law
• Monitor student progress, related services and program compliance, participating in review and revision of IEPs, as appropriate, and elevate any issues to the Managing Director of Student Services
• Consult with school principals of any concerns regarding special education
• Serve as liaison between Distinctive Schools (DS), authorizer, ISD/LEA, and the state (IL ) in order to stay abreast of training opportunities, best practices, mandated trainings and compliance requirements

Data Integrity & Reporting:

• Review tracking reports daily in computerized system to ensure 100% compliance for due dates on all documents
• Ensure that high quality IEPs are designed and implemented effectively
• Conduct audits of all draft and finalized documents
• Monitor and audit special education files
• Oversee accurate student data and records
• Ensure appropriate documentation of all communication with parents/guardians for scheduled meetings using computerized system Professional Learning, Leader Development & Coaching
• Supervise and coach Special Education Case Managers
• Work collaboratively with Managing Director of Student Services, Case Managers and Campus Principals to determine instructional and social needs of students that ensure success while also participating on the multidisciplinary team to promote students' wellbeing
• Assist in recruitment, hiring and training of all related service providers including School Psychologists, Social Workers, Nurses, Speech/Language Pathologists, Occupational Therapists and Physical Therapists (and any other related service provider outlined in an IEP)
• Assist in allocation model and support as it pertains to related-service providers across the region
• Attend all professional development and meetings relevant and share information with all special education teachers, school principals and managing director
• Collaborate with team leaders to provide support and guidance for issues pertaining to students with exceptionalities
• Facilitate meetings, as directed, for special education teachers at each campus
• Work collaboratively with the Shared Leadership Team to support the learning of special education

Education:

Bachelor’s degree in special education OR Master’s degree in educational administration

Qualifications:

Professional Educator License (PEL) in one of the following…