Education Program Director

Starting Salary: $90,000 – $100,000 / year based on experience plus $5,000 sign‑on bonus!

Environment: Special Education Program Grades K-12

Spectrum Center Schools and Programs a growing dynamic organization with a social mission to offer hope is seeking an Education Program Director to join our award‑winning Special Education team and perform meaningful work in a culture that welcomes innovation, encourages creative expression and offers limitless potential for personal and professional satisfaction.

If you thrive in a collaborative goal‑oriented environment focused on meaningful outcomes for students with special education needs, seek a career filled with genuine purpose and possess strong problem‑solving skills, compassion and exceptional dedication. We should talk!

• Providing visionary leadership to drive student achievement and ensure smooth, effective operations by supervising staff, developing and implementing performance management plans, identifying professional learning needs, and engaging in continuous professional growth opportunities.
• Participating in the recruitment and selection process to build and retain a faculty / staff team with the instructional skills and competencies necessary to meet the unique needs of the program’s student population.
• Analyzing staff professional development needs and aligning them with Spectrum’s instructional vision while recognizing achievements, addressing concerns and maintaining productive, solutions‑focused site operations.
• Leading the induction and training of new staff—instructions either directly or through designers—to ensure a positive onboarding experience and maximize the success and retention of new team members.
• Monitoring facilities and programs to ensure the safety of students and staff at all times, including compliance with contractual and state requirements, adherence to staffing ratios and readiness to implement crisis protocols.
• Performing essential managerial functions such as overseeing daily school operations, managing schedules and activities, coordinating custodial and maintenance efforts, supervising food and transportation services, directing administrative and budgetary processes, allocating resources and fostering positive district and community relationships.
• Demonstrating fiscal responsibility by strategically maximizing resources in partnership with the direct supervisor to support instructional priorities and student outcomes.
• Participating in the enrollment process from initial referral to final day of attendance, ensuring timely placement, conducting effective site tours, managing rosters per student needs and state mandates, and contributing to transition planning toward the least restrictive environment when applicable.
• Instructing, monitoring and evaluating staff and students in the effective use of learning materials and resources to ensure instructional fidelity and optimal student performance.
• Observing, evaluating and reporting staff and student performance using the START Checklist or other approved observation tools to inform feedback and improvement efforts.
• Participating in accreditation and quality assurance processes to ensure the site meets or exceeds Spectrum and accrediting body standards.
• Preparing and presenting reports on student achievement, development and activities to showcase progress and program effectiveness.
• Compiling, analyzing and utilizing assessment data to track student growth, inform instruction and guide targeted academic interventions.
• Maintaining accurate, complete and timely records of student progress in compliance with state laws, Spectrum guidelines and district policies.
• Ensuring the on‑time completion and distribution of grades, report cards, IEP progress reports and transcripts for all students.
• Ensuring compliance with all mandatory requirements including the IEP process, state assessments and Spectrum policies.
• Promoting a positive school culture by fostering programs and practices that encourage appropriate student behavior, applying support or disciplinary measures as needed in alignment with Spectrum policies.
• Providing guidance, encouragement and academic counseling…