Director of Special Services

RSU 21 is an equal opportunity employer. We strive to be a welcoming and inclusive community that supports the safety and well-being of all of our students, faculty, and staff. We are committed to implementing programs and practices that support diversity, equity, and inclusion. As a part of this commitment, we welcome all applicants. RSU 21 does not discriminate based on race, color, gender, gender identity, orientation, disability, religion, age, national origin, sex, pregnancy or parental status, sexual orientation, disability status, genetic information, political affiliation, military service, or any other status protected under federal, state, or local law.

If you are a person of color, LGBTQ+, disabled, or belong to any protected class, we encourage you to apply. Our diversity strengthens our mission to produce global citizens.

As Director of Special Services, you will deliver measurable results while serving as the educational leader of the Special Services Department, responsible for articulating the department’s district-wide mission, vision, and educational goals to faculty, staff, families, students and the public.

As the educational leader of the Department of Special Services, you will promote the Department’s initiatives and the development and sustainability of best practices as related to the effective implementation of Individualized Education Plans (IEPs) and Section 504 Plans, within the framework of Board Policy and all legal guidelines.

The Director of Special Services is responsible for coordinating alignment of materials and resources, instructional program evaluation, personnel management, department professional development, staff scheduling, and effective fiscal management of the Department of Special Services.

The Director of Special Services provides leadership to coordinate and supervise the effective delivery of Special Education services (Pre-K to High School) and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act.

Reports to:

Superintendent of Schools

Supervision:
Directly supervises administrative office staff, IEP Coordinators, 504 Coordinator, Assistive Technologists, and oversees Special Education Teachers and Educational Technicians.

Terms of Employment:
Full-time, Year-round, Union, Salaried Position

Salary Range: $142,800 - $164,566, as per Administrator Association CBA, Salary Schedule A, CY

Love what you do, working at RSU 21 developing educational programs for teachers and students.

Must have a Maine certification as Director of Special Education (030). Minimum of earned Master’s degree and at least five (5) years experience as a special educator and two (2) years of administrative experience.

Evidence of strong skills in the following areas:

• Budget and school finance
• Special education and school law
• Interpersonal, collaboration, and communication skills
• Community relations
• Curriculum and instruction
• Educational philosophy and theory
• Leadership and organizational management
• Creativity in individualized program development
• Supervision and evaluation of personnel

• Collaborate with the Superintendent, Building Principals, and district special services staff to ensure equitable access to support and services for all students.
• Ensure high quality and certified staff are hired, retained, and provided with ongoing professional development opportunities.
• Ensure all schools and staff adhere to state and federal compliance requirements.
• Contribute to the development of the district’s educational philosophy.
• Remain informed of all legal requirements governing special education and Section 504.
• Provide leadership in establishing new programs and improving existing programs.
• Evaluate programs continuously and recommend changes as needed.
• Participate in recruitment, selection, and hiring recommendations for Special Services personnel.
• Maintain all legally required reports, records, and documentation.
• Develop and maintain complete records for all students receiving special services.
• Develop and manage the annual Special Services budget.
• Interpret Special Services objectives and programs to stakeholders and the public.
• Establish procedures for requisitioning and…