Director - Exceptional Education (Effective 2026-2027 SCHOOL YEAR)

Tucson Unified School District•Tucson, AZ

10d•$81,361 - $94,458

About The Position

Strategic Leader Wanted: Director of Exceptional Education (PreK-12) Are you an expert administrator ready to direct a high-performing, collaborative Special Education division? Tucson Unified School District is seeking a Director of Exceptional Education who will plan, administer, and direct comprehensive instructional and curriculum services for our PreK-12 special populations. This role requires a strategic thinker and an effective collaborator to achieve the highest standards of student achievement and compliance. Key Responsibilities Include: Strategic Planning: Directing and planning all Special Education programs and services across the district. Cross-Functional Partnership: Serving as the essential link between Special Education and the core Curriculum and Instruction Department. Stakeholder Engagement: Aligning practices through productive collaboration with both internal teams (principals, teachers) and key external stakeholders. Program Administration: Managing programs designed to improve academic success and ensure every Exceptional Education student receives the necessary resources and support. If you possess the necessary skill set to administer complex, student-focused programs and believe in the power of inclusive education, we invite you to apply. Mission Statement The mission of the Tucson Unified School District, in partnership with parents and the greater community, is to assure each pre-K through 12th-grade student receives an engaging, rigorous, and comprehensive education. The District is committed to inclusion and non-discrimination in all District activities. At all times, District staff should work to ensure that staff, parents, students, and members of the public are included and welcome to participate in District activities. SUMMARY Plans, directs, and administers special education programs within Tucson Unified School District. Administers the instructional and curriculum services for special populations (PreK - 12th grade). Works in collaboration with the Curriculum and Instruction Department to ensure that student instructional needs are met. Works with internal and external stakeholders to align practices and procedures. Collaborates with Principals and Teachers to identify and assess student needs. Administers programs designed to improve student achievement for Exceptional Education Students. REPORTS TO Senior Director - Exceptional Education

Requirements

Master’s degree in Education, Business Administration or related field
Valid Arizona Administrative Certificate
Valid Arizona IVP Fingerprint Clearance Card
Five years of teaching experience in a K-12 educational setting
Three years of experience developing and managing complex budgets including grant administration
Three years of experience in management or supervision
Verbal and written communication skills in English and a demonstrated ability to read and comprehend written/graphic and oral instructions
Experience in working with diverse constituencies/populations.
FBI fingerprint background check.
Proof of immunity to rubeola (measles) and rubella (German measles), or proof of MMR immunization.

Nice To Haves

Doctorate degree in a related field
Three years of experience working with Exceptional Education (Special Education) students, community, and parents
One year of experience implementing state-level guidance to improve policies, practices, and procedures

Responsibilities

Directing and planning all Special Education programs and services across the district.
Serving as the essential link between Special Education and the core Curriculum and Instruction Department.
Aligning practices through productive collaboration with both internal teams (principals, teachers) and key external stakeholders.
Managing programs designed to improve academic success and ensure every Exceptional Education student receives the necessary resources and support.
Plans, directs, and administers special education programs within Tucson Unified School District.
Administers the instructional and curriculum services for special populations (PreK - 12th grade).
Works in collaboration with the Curriculum and Instruction Department to ensure that student instructional needs are met.
Works with internal and external stakeholders to align practices and procedures.
Collaborates with Principals and Teachers to identify and assess student needs.
Administers programs designed to improve student achievement for Exceptional Education Students.