Managing Director of Special Services, CT

All Regions

About Achievement First

Achievement First (AF) is a non-profit 501(c)(3) organization that currently supports 41 public charter schools in New York, Connecticut, and Rhode Island. Consistently rated as one of the top charter school networks in the country for almost 25 years, AF is committed to continuous improvement, programmatic evolution for enhanced student outcomes, and sustainable growth. The majority of AF students are Black and Latinx children from low-income families who will be the first in their families to graduate from college.

AF currently employs more than 2,200 staff, 61% of whom identify as Black, Indigenous, and Multi-racial, who collectively educate nearly 15,000 students in Brooklyn and Queens, NY;
New Haven, Bridgeport, and Hartford, CT; and Providence, RI.

The mission of Achievement First is to deliver on the promise of equal educational opportunity for all of America's children. AF knows that every child, regardless of race, zip code, or economic status, deserves access to great schools. At AF, students realize their potential and develop the skills they need to graduate from high school, succeed in college, thrive in a competitive world, and serve as the next generation of leaders in their communities.

At AF, students and staff embark on a shared journey to fulfill their incredible potential.

We are looking for a strategic and knowledgeable Managing Director of Special Services to lead our work in Connecticut.

Your Impact

Team Special Services (TSS) develops people and systems for excellent, inclusive schools. The Managing Director of Special Services, Connecticut leads special services programming and compliance across Achievement First's Connecticut schools in New Haven, Bridgeport, and Hartford. Through the direct management and coaching of a team of 4 to 6 Special Services Network Directors and School Leaders, you will ensure the growth and success of all learners, especially students with disabilities and multilingual learners.

You will build director, school leader, and stakeholder skill, ensure a baseline of effective programming across academy levels, and develop school and network teams through professional development, working group facilitation, and strong coaching practice.

Reporting directly to the Associate Chief of Special Services, your duties include but are not limited to

Developing TSS Directors and School Leaders

• Observe network and school leaders performing tasks related to their priorities
• Support them through modeling and feedback
• Observe classes, facilitate meetings, and lead strategy planning and compliance work alongside leaders
• Support schools and school leaders through tactical compliance support and longer-term leadership development, in concert with the school principal and regional superintendent
• Prepare for and follow through on school visits:
• Schedule visits
• Prepare materials such as exemplars and review prework
• Send a debrief email after each visit

Regional Strategy and Team Management

• Implement the Achievement First vision for Special Services across the Connecticut region (New Haven, Bridgeport, Hartford)
• Execute on yearly Special Services goals and strategy to ensure all AF special services are delivered in alignment with that vision
• Plan proactive and responsive strategy to address Connecticut-specific needs
• Meet with Team Special Services to align on priorities and develop skills and knowledge

Professional Development

• Design and lead PD on special services work for the entire AF network

Candidate Profile

All successful candidates for this position will have:

• A Master's degree in Education with an emphasis on special education
• Connecticut certification, or the ability to obtain it immediately,…