Title: Director of Special Education and Student Services
Category: Certificated
Work Year: 12 Months
Employment Type: Full Time
Starting Range: $134,129.51-$165,214.79
FLSA: Exempt
Supervisor: Chief Academic Officer/Superintendent
JOB GOALS:
To lead and manage all aspects of special education services across the AIMS K-12 College Prep Charter District. The
Director ensures that students with disabilities receive high-quality educational programs and services in compliance
with federal and state regulations, supports inclusive practices, provides strategic direction to staff, and cultivates
collaborative relationships with families and community partners.
REPRESENTATIVE DUTIES: (Incumbents may perform any combination of the essential functions shown below.
This position description is not intended to be an exhaustive list of all duties, knowledge, or abilities associated with
this classification, but is intended to reflect the principal job elements accurately.)
ESSENTIAL JOB DUTIES:
● Ensure district-wide compliance with IDEA, Section 504, and other applicable federal and state regulations.
● Oversee development, implementation, and evaluation of Individualized Education Programs (IEPs) and Section
504 plans.
● Supervise and support special education instructional staff, school psychologists, speech-language pathologists,
occupational therapists, and other related service providers.
● Collaborate with site leaders and general education staff to promote inclusive practices and provide support for
students with disabilities in all learning environments.
● Coordinate with families, advocates, and external agencies to ensure student needs are met and concerns are
addressed promptly and effectively.
● Lead due process procedures, including responding to complaints, preparing for mediations and hearings, and
ensuring legal timelines are met.
● Collect, analyze, and report data related to student achievement, program effectiveness, staffing, and
compliance.
● Develop and manage special education budgets, ensuring resources are allocated equitably and effectively.
● Provide professional development and technical assistance to staff regarding instructional strategies, compliance,
and student support.
● Recruit, hire, train, and evaluate special education personnel in collaboration with Human Resources.
● Serve as the district liaison with county and state agencies, SELPA, and other partners in the delivery of services.
● Maintain current knowledge of best practices, legal updates, and policy changes in the field of special education.
● Provide executive oversight of student support services and programs.
● Oversee districtwide initiatives in Social Emotional Learning (SEL), restorative justice, and health/wellness
programs.
● Manage systems concerning student attendance, discipline policies, foster youth support, and unhoused family
resources.
● Coordinate wraparound services via Community School Managers and school-based health centers.
● Partner with local agencies and internal departments on crisis intervention and safety compliance
● Ensure effective implementation of programs designed to support student academic, behavioral, social, and
emotional success.
● Provide oversight and direction with educational leaders to develop integrated systems of support, including
immunizations and student records.
● Promote equitable access to educational opportunities and support services.
● Reviews high quality instruction and provides feedback to leaders regarding PBIS, MTSS and SEL supports.
● Supports and Implements LCAP, SPSA, Charter Petition requirements and overall program evaluation.
● Evaluates and Supervises all Special Education and Student Services Staff members.
● Perform additional duties as assigned by the CAO or Superintendent.
QUALIFICATIONS:
● Master’s degree in Special Education, Educational Leadership, or related field required.
● Valid California Administrative Services Credential (or ability to obtain) preferred.
● Minimum five years of experience in special education, with at least three in a leadership or supervisory role.
● In-depth knowledge of federal and state special education laws and regulations.
● Experience managing teams and collaborating across departments.
KNOWLEDGE AND ABILITIES:
Knowledge of:
● IEP and 504 development, implementation, and monitoring.
● Special education instructional practices and inclusive service delivery.
● Student support systems, including MTSS, PBIS, and SEL.
● Compliance timelines, documentation, and procedural safeguards.
● Data collection and analysis related to student services.
● Family engagement and collaborative problem-solving practices.
● Experience supporting IEPs, 504 Plans, student support systems, or related services preferred.
● Knowledge of special education laws, regulations, and service delivery models.
● Experience working collaboratively with educators, administrators, families, and related service
providers.
● Experience with data collection, documentation, compliance monitoring, and case management
preferred.
Ability to:
● Build positive relationships with students, families, staff, and school leaders.
● Organize multiple priorities and meet compliance deadlines.
● Communicate clearly and professionally with diverse stakeholders.
● Provide effective technical assistance and support to school teams.
● Analyze information and identify areas requiring follow-up or intervention.
● Maintain accurate and confidential records.
● Work independently while maintaining strong communication with the Chief Academic Officer and
Superintendent.
● Respond to challenging situations with professionalism, discretion, and sound judgment.
● Support the implementation of districtwide systems and initiatives.
● Demonstrate cultural responsiveness and a commitment to equitable outcomes for students with
disabilities.
PHYSICAL ACTIVITY REQUIREMENTS:
Minimum Work Position (Percentage of Time):
Standing: 30% | Walking: 20% | Sitting: 50%
Minimum Body Movement (Frequency):
None (0) | Limited (1) | Occasional (2) | Frequent (3) | Very Frequent (4)
Lifting (lbs.): 15-18 Lifting: 2 Bending: 2
Pushing and/or Pulling Loads: 1 Reaching Overhead: 1 Kneeling or Squatting: 1
Climbing Ladders: 0 Climbing Stairs: 2
NON-DISCRIMINATION: AIMS College Prep Charter District does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion,
gender, marital status, ancestry, political affiliation, age, sexual orientation, disability, medical condition, national origin,
or mental or physical handicap in any of its policies or procedures related to admissions, employment, educational
services, programs or activities.
Skills Required
- Master's degree in Special Education, Educational Leadership, or a related field
- Valid California Administrative Services Credential or ability to obtain it
- At least five years of special education experience, including at least three years in a leadership or supervisory role
- In-depth knowledge of federal and state special education laws and regulations
- Experience managing teams and collaborating across departments
- Knowledge of IEP and 504 development, implementation, and monitoring
- Knowledge of special education instructional practices and inclusive service delivery
- Knowledge of MTSS, PBIS, and SEL student support systems
- Knowledge of compliance timelines, documentation, and procedural safeguards
- Experience supporting IEPs, 504 Plans, student support systems, or related services
- Experience with data collection, documentation, compliance monitoring, and case management
- Experience collaborating with educators, administrators, families, and related service providers
What We Do
A tuition-free public charter school based in Oakland, California, founded in 1996 by Native American families to maintain cultural connections for their children. It has since evolved into a comprehensive K-12 institution serving approximately 1,300 students. AIMS focuses on cultivating a community of diverse learners who achieve academic excellence and preparing them for lifelong success through innovative instruction and social responsibility.
