Assistant Executive Director, Special Education and Pupil Services

Allegheny Intermediate Unit•Homestead, PA

7d•Hybrid

About The Position

The Assistant Executive Director for the Special Education and Pupil Services Division serves as the senior operational leader responsible for overseeing all activities, programs, services, personnel, and operations within the division. This position provides executive-level leadership and strategic direction to ensure the effective delivery of high-quality special education and pupil services across the organization and participating local education agencies. Programs in the Special Education and Pupil Services Division include the AIU-operated Special Education Schools, Preschool Early Intervention, Pupil Services, and Related Services including OT/PT, Speech, Hearing and Vision. This position plays a critical leadership role in strategic planning, program oversight, personnel administration, fiscal management, stakeholder engagement, and organizational leadership initiatives.

Requirements

Master’s degree required in Special Education, Educational Leadership, School Administration, Pupil Services, or a related field.
Pennsylvania Superintendent Letter of Eligibility (LOE) required.
Appropriate Pennsylvania administrative certification required.
Minimum of ten (10) years of progressively responsible educational leadership experience.
Demonstrated experience overseeing complex educational programs, operations, and personnel.
Significant experience in special education administration and pupil services leadership required.
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

Doctoral degree preferred.
Special education or pupil services certification preferred.
Experience serving in a senior leadership or executive-level administrative role preferred.
Experience working within a public education agency, intermediate unit, or multi-district educational environment preferred.

Responsibilities

Responsible for the overall leadership, administration, and strategic direction of the Special Education and Pupil Services Division.
Provide executive oversight for all divisional programs, operations, initiatives, and services.
Serve as the senior operational leader responsible for ensuring coordination and alignment across all divisional departments and programs.
Represent the division at the organizational level meetings.
Participate in executive leadership meetings, organizational planning activities, and cross-divisional initiatives.
Provide leadership and decision-making support during organizational emergencies, operational challenges, or crisis response situations.
Ensure divisional operations align with organizational priorities, strategic goals, and board expectations.
Direct and oversee the implementation, administration, and evaluation of all special education and pupil services programs.
Ensure effective and compliant delivery of educational, behavioral, therapeutic, and student support services.
Monitor operational performance metrics, service outcomes, and program effectiveness.
Lead continuous improvement efforts focused on service quality, operational efficiency, innovation, and stakeholder satisfaction.
Oversee divisional planning related to staffing, facilities, service delivery models, and resource allocation.
Ensure consistency and coordination across divisional programs and leadership teams.
Ensure division-wide compliance with IDEA, Section 504, Chapter 14, FERPA, PDE requirements, and all applicable laws and regulations.
Oversee corrective action planning, monitoring activities, audits, reporting requirements, and compliance reviews.
Maintain awareness of legislative and regulatory changes impacting special education and pupil services.
Provide leadership related to risk management, regulatory accountability, and operational compliance.
Provide direct supervision and leadership support to divisional administrators, directors, supervisors, coordinators, and other assigned personnel.
Lead efforts related to recruitment, hiring, retention, succession planning, and workforce development within the division.
Support employee performance management, coaching, professional growth, and accountability systems.
Collaborate with Human Resources regarding employee relations, staffing matters, organizational structure, and personnel decisions.
Promote a culture of collaboration, professionalism, innovation, and continuous improvement.
Assist in the development and oversight of divisional budgets, grants, and financial planning activities.
Monitor fiscal performance to ensure responsible stewardship of organizational resources.
Support long-range planning related to program sustainability, staffing needs, facilities, and operational growth.
Identify opportunities for efficiencies, cost containment, and strategic investments.
Serve as a liaison to school districts, community agencies, families, governmental entities, and external partners.
Represent the organization at regional, state, and professional meetings, committees, and collaborative initiatives.
Support positive relationships with internal and external stakeholders through responsive communication and collaborative problem-solving.
Assist in the development and communication of divisional priorities, initiatives, and organizational updates.