Assistant Director, Special Education and Pupil Services

Allegheny Intermediate Unit•Homestead, PA

12d•Onsite

About The Position

This role provides strategic leadership and operational oversight for Special Education and Pupil Services programs, ensuring high-quality service delivery, continuous improvement, and alignment with organizational priorities. The Assistant Director will lead and coordinate special projects and operational initiatives, including Extended School Year services, crisis management, safety planning, and administrative support for school and district programs. They will also support program development and growth by identifying service opportunities, analyzing data, assisting with business planning, and promoting Special Education and Pupil Services programs. A key aspect of this role is ensuring compliance with federal, state, and AIU regulations, policies, and reporting requirements through program oversight, data analysis, budgeting, and monitoring. Additionally, the position involves supervising, mentoring, and evaluating program leadership and staff, while supporting professional development, recruitment, retention, and workforce planning initiatives. Developing and maintaining collaborative partnerships with school districts, internal departments, families, community agencies, and other stakeholders is crucial for strengthening services and addressing emerging needs. The Assistant Director will represent the division on internal and external committees, advisory groups, and professional meetings, serving as a liaison between the Assistant Executive Director, programs, and partner organizations. Facilitating communication and organizational effectiveness through coordinating leadership meetings, developing departmental resources, and promoting collaboration across programs and divisions is also a core responsibility.

Requirements

Master’s degree required in Special Education, Pupil Services, Educational Leadership, School Administration, or a related field.
Special Education Supervisor, School Psychologist, or Principal certification required.
Minimum 5 years of progressively responsible educational leadership experience.
Significant experience in the field of special education or pupil services.
Significant knowledge of special education laws, regulations, compliance requirements, and best practices.
Effective interpersonal, communication, and relationship building skills.
Strong organizational, leadership, problem solving, and conflict resolution skills.
Self-motivator, independent, cooperative, flexible, creative and responsible.
Skilled in the use of productivity tools, databases, and reporting systems, with a willingness to experiment and work with new technologies.
Ability to comply with the AIU Conduct Policy.
Current Act 114, Act 34, Act 151, and NSOR Clearances required prior to an offer (Must be dated within 1 year of hire date).
School Personnel Health Record (Form H511.340) must be completed and received by Human Resources prior to hire date.

Nice To Haves

Superintendent’s Letter of Eligibility (LOE) preferred.
Program administration and supervision experience preferred.
Knowledge of gifted education and 504 service plan laws and regulations preferred.

Responsibilities

Provide strategic leadership and operational oversight for Special Education and Pupil Services programs, ensuring high-quality service delivery, continuous improvement, and alignment with organizational priorities.
Lead and coordinate special projects and operational initiatives, including Extended School Year services, crisis management, safety planning, and administrative support for school and district programs.
Support program development and growth by identifying service opportunities, analyzing data, assisting with business planning, and promoting Special Education and Pupil Services programs.
Ensure compliance with federal, state, and AIU regulations, policies, and reporting requirements through program oversight, data analysis, budgeting, and monitoring.
Supervise, mentor, and evaluate program leadership and staff while supporting professional development, recruitment, retention, and workforce planning initiatives.
Develop and maintain collaborative partnerships with school districts, internal departments, families, community agencies, and other stakeholders to strengthen services and address emerging needs.
Represent the division on internal and external committees, advisory groups, and professional meetings, serving as a liaison between the Assistant Executive Director, programs, and partner organizations.
Facilitate communication and organizational effectiveness by coordinating leadership meetings, developing departmental resources, and promoting collaboration across programs and divisions.