Managing Director of Special Services, CT

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, in both of the following:
• CT #165 Special Education K-12
• CT #092 Intermediate Administration or Supervision
• A proven, multi-year track record of exemplary teaching experience, preferably ensuring the achievement of low-income, minority students. This includes at least four years of highly successful teaching experience with highly effective supports of students with disabilities/IEPs
• At least five years of school or district leadership experience

In addition, the following characteristics are required to be successful on this team:

• Deep knowledge of special education regulations
• Knowledge of effective practice and coaching experience
• Ability to work across lines of difference
• Deep understanding of how our work is equity work, and the ability to lead for racial equity
• Knowing how to motivate and influence across teams
• Strong personal organization when working across multiple schools, regions, and teams
• Strong ethics and ability to maintain a high level of confidentiality
• Confidence in interacting with and influencing individuals at all levels within the organization
• Ability to thrive in a fast-paced, entrepreneurial environment; flexible, able to work autonomously as well as take direction as needed
• Ability to multitask, with exceptional detail, follow-up, and organizational skills
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills with a proactive communication style
• Belief in the Achievement First mission and educational model

Compensation

Achievement First sets salaries through a lens of equity, based on the requisite skills, education, and experience relevant to the role. The salary for this position is $150,331.20, with no flexibility. Additionally, Achievement First offers all regular, full-time employees a comprehensive benefits package that includes paid time off, medical, dental, vision, and life insurance, a 403(b) retirement benefit package with match, and paid Family Leave.