Executive Director of Special Programs

Job Description

Position: Executive Director of Special Programs

Department: Special Programs

Wage/Hour Status: Exempt

Immediate Supervisor(s): Superintendent

Pay Grade: Per DISD Compensation Manual

Days Employed: Per DISD Compensation Manual

• Direct and manage the district's special education, dyslexia, and school health programs to ensure provision of needed services for students with special needs
• Provide individualized programs to meet the needs of all special needs students while ensuring compliance with all state, federal, and local requirements

Education/Certification:

• Master's degree in educational administration
• Texas mid‑management or other appropriate Texas certificate
• Valid Texas teaching certificate with special education endorsement

Special Knowledge/

Skills:

• Knowledge of federal and state special education law
• Understanding of the individual needs of students with special needs
• Effective communication with all levels of special needs students and their parents
• Strong organizational, communication, and interpersonal skills
• Ability to manage budget and personnel
• Ability to interpret data and implement policy and procedures
• Conflict resolution skills with administrators, parents, teachers and staff

Experience:

• Minimum of 5 years teaching experience
• Minimum of 3 years campus administrator experience (preferred)

• Direct and manage the district’s special education, dyslexia, and school health programs
• Oversee development and implementation of special education curriculum and instructional programs
• Monitor effectiveness of special education programs through systematic evaluation
• Ensure compliance with federal/state laws and regulations regarding special education
• Manage student record‑keeping system, ensuring confidentiality and compliance
• Monitor participation of special education students in the state assessment system

• Recruit, select, train, supervise and evaluate special education staff
• Prepare and review job descriptions for the special programs department
• Conduct staff conferences to discuss performance and develop improvement objectives
• Make recommendations for staff placement, transfer, retention and dismissal

• Develop and administer the special education budget
• Prepare applications and reports for federal/state funds
• Monitor program expenditures and maintain fiscal control
• Work with administrators to design facilities meeting special education needs
• Monitor ADA compliance and accessibility requirements

• Oversee the ARD (Admission, Review, Dismissal) process district-wide
• Ensure effective implementation of student behavior management systems
• Coordinate transition services for special education students
• Monitor implementation of IEPs and student progress

• Serve as district liaison to community agencies
• Maintain professional relationships with staff, parents, and the community
• Represent the district professionally in special education matters
• Demonstrate openness and effective communication with stakeholders

• Maintain emotional control under stress
• Frequent district‑wide and occasional state‑wide travel
• Occasional prolonged and irregular hours
• Standard office environment with computer and peripherals
• Light lifting and carrying (less than 15 pounds)

Perform additional duties as assigned.

• Master’s degree preferred
• Citizenship, residency or work visa required

• Kim Rich, Executive Director of Human Resources
• Education Service Center
• Email: krich