Director of Special Services

The Harlem Children’s Zone (HCZ) is a nonprofit organization dedicated to ending intergenerational poverty in Central Harlem. HCZ provides a range of programs that support children and families through education, career, health and wellness initiatives.

Director of Special Education and English as a New Language – The Director is the instructional leader for Special Education (SpED) and English as a New Language (ENL) programs at Promise Academy Charter School. This role coordinates program implementation, supports educators, and ensures compliance with NY Learning Standards.

The Director leads the school’s Special Education program, planning, implementing, and supervising SpED and ENL services.

• Oversee a comprehensive Special Education program that aligns with Promise Academy’s pillars and NY Learning Standards.
• Design and implement data‑driven practices to evaluate existing and new programs.
• Ensure all special education/ENL services are provided effectively and in compliance with regulations.
• Address critical student needs, including behavioral, cognitive, language, and medical/health challenges.
• Organize regular Special Services meetings to monitor student progress.
• Monitor accountability for all systemic and process related to special education and ENL services.
• Supervise enrollment processes for SpEd and ENL.
• Deliver specialized instruction to scholars in need during extended learning sessions.
• Celebrate scholars’ progress and growth through planned events.
• Assist in budget coordination for SpEd and ENL sections.
• Serve on network committees to ensure students with disabilities and English language learners are considered.
• Coordinate assessment and reporting, supporting a comprehensive K‑12 assessment program and MTSS implementation.
• Provide professional development: design in‑service programs and keep staff informed of current research.
• Maintain communications with students, staff, parents, and community partners to enhance the educational program.
• Participate in administrative meetings and serve as the primary liaison with the Committee on Special Education.
• Perform other related duties as directed by the Deputy Superintendent.

• Support principals and education directors in performance reviews, observations, and evaluations of Learning Specialists.
• Ensure Special Education Coaches complete deliverables and cover compliance tasks when absent.

• Engage in continuous professional growth through memberships, conferences, advanced courses, and other learning activities.

• Participate in organization meetings to discuss performance of students with disabilities and English language learners.
• Serve as an instructional resource for programming decisions across the organization.
• May be required to work after‑school and weekends; be accessible for emergencies after work hours.

• Master’s Degree in Special Education, English as a New Language, or related field from an accredited institution.
• Minimum 5 years of administrative or leadership experience.
• Deep understanding of NY Learning Standards.
• Extensive experience in curriculum development, MTSS, and RTI.
• Demonstrated success in administrative roles.
• Strong interpersonal, communication, problem‑solving, and organizational skills.

Reports To:

Managing Director of Teaching and Learning

Supervises:
Special Education Coaches, Related Service Providers, English as New Language Teachers, and School Psychologist

Equal Opportunity Employer/Protected Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities. Harlem Children’s Zone is an EOE. The employer will not provide work visas for candidates requiring sponsorship.

• Salaray range: $140,000‑150,000 per year.
• Highly competitive base salary.
• Paid time off.
• Employee referral bonus.
• Career advancement.
• No‑cost health insurance.
• Life insurance.
• Short‑ and long‑term disability.
• Additional voluntary benefits.
• Wellness discounts.
• Commuter benefits.
• Financial wellness perks.
• Discounts on flights, hotels, theme parks, concert tickets, and more.