Executive Director of Special Education and Exceptional Learners

Executive Director of Special Education and Exceptional Learners

Roanoke City School District Administration on Campbell - Roanoke, Virginia

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This job is also posted in Roanoke City Public Schools

Job : 5823358

Final date to receive applications: Posted until filled

Posted: Jul 08, 2026 4:00 AM (UTC)

Starting Date: Jul 8, 2026

GENERAL STATEMENT OF JOB

The Executive Director of Special Education and Exceptional Learners is committed to leading pre-K to 12 special education programs and enhancing services for exceptional students. This role ensures compliance with all regulatory standards while fostering innovative educational strategies to support all students' success. This role will serve on the division leadership team. The Executive Director of Special Education and Exceptional Learners reports to the Chief Academic Officer.

• Establish and maintain partnerships with external agencies to enhance educational and therapeutic services for students, ensuring that programs are both effective and compliant with federal, state, and local standards.
• Direct comprehensive training programs for instructional staff, including special education teachers, PLATO teachers, and instructional assistants, to promote best practices in education for both traditional and exceptional student populations.
• Oversee the strategic allocation of resources to schools, tailoring support to meet the varied needs of special education and exceptional students.
• Stay abreast of legislative changes in special education and exceptional services, advising the district on necessary policy adjustments.
• Maintain robust communication with parents, community partners, and internal stakeholders about special education developments and exceptional student services.
• Champion the integration of gifted students and those requiring specialized therapies into inclusive educational settings, ensuring access to appropriate learning resources and environments.
• Manage the provision and training of assistive technology to support the educational participation of all students.
• Collaborate closely with regular education programs to ensure a unified approach to student support across the district.
• Develop educational materials and special programs that cater to the unique needs of special education and exceptional students.
• Supervise daily operations within the Special Education and Exceptional Learners Department and the Supervisor of Gifted Programs.

• Works in conjunction with the Virginia Department of Education, the Office of Civil Rights, the Office for Special Education Programs, and various other state and local agencies to meet the needs of students.
• Monitors contracts with individuals and agencies for special services not available through the school system; and ensures compliance of program with federal, state, and local regulations.
• Develops and implements standards, policies, and procedures related to child services in special education and exceptional education.
• Leads key instructional programming efforts for students with disabilities.
• Coordinates with local agencies, parents, and school personnel to resolve problems and secure needed resources and services.
• Monitors the progress of current services and programs for operational effectiveness and makes recommendations for adjustments as needed.
• Responds to calls and correspondence regarding all programs and services offered by the Special Education and Exceptional Learners Department.
• Supervises compliance with reviews of the Individual Education Plans.
• Coordinates placement decisions for separate special educational classes via daily communication with school personnel and Special Education Department Administrators.
• Determines available space in all classes and assign location of services for special education students.
• Assists and collaborates with principals regarding the selection, placement, and evaluation of special education teachers and instructional assistants.
• Participates in special consultations and case conferences with school psychologists and eligibility chairs.
• Directs all data collection, data management, and production of Special Education reports.
• Consults with the school board attorney on individual cases when necessary.
• Attends state level meetings regarding policies, procedures, and legal updates.
• Performs other related work as required.
• Supervises and conducts personnel administration duties for direct subordinates, evaluating, assigning special duties, monitoring attendance and travel reports, and granting leave.

Evaluate all direct reports and other administrators as assigned. Direct Reports include but are not limited to Special Education Supervisors. Follows through other duties as assigned. The Executive Director of Special Education and Exceptional Learners’ duties will have been satisfactorily performed when the evaluation of this person is at standard or above on the…