Director of Special Education

Willow ABA Services•Littleton, CO

2d•$90,000•Onsite

About The Position

Willow’s Special Education Director will provide high quality leadership in the design and implementation of academic systems, ensure instructional excellence, regulatory compliance, and foster meaningful educational outcomes for every student. This role offers a unique opportunity to shape the academic foundation of a new, specialized school serving students with complex learning and behavioral needs. The Director will collaborate closely with administrative leadership, our Clinical Director, BCBAs, and Chief Clinical Quality Assurance Officer (BCBA) within a highly supportive, interdisciplinary framework that values evidence-based practice, teamwork, and continuous improvement. With Willow Academy, you will have the opportunity to collaborate and guide a skilled and compassionate team in our shared goal of helping each student with academic, behavioral, and adaptive skills necessary to transition successfully to a general education environment. Why join the Willow Academy team? At Willow ABA, we believe every team member should feel secure, significant, and accepted. That’s especially true in a school-based role where your leadership directly impacts student and staff success. We know the work of specialized education can be complex, so with Willow Academy you will have support each step of the way. You’ll be backed by a highly collaborative team, supported by experienced BCBAs, and surrounded by professionals who share your passion for creating meaningful change. We don’t want this to feel like just another job. We want you to grow, find purpose, and help us build something exceptional from the ground up! About the Role: As Special Education Director, you’ll oversee all academic and special education programming at Willow Academy. You’ll ensure high-quality instruction, compliance, and data-driven decision-making across classrooms, while fostering a culture of collaboration, consistency, and compassion. You’ll play a key role in shaping the school’s growth, integrating Multi-Tiered Systems of Support (MTSS), and aligning our academic programming with ABA-based behavioral supports.

Requirements

Master’s degree or higher in Special Education, Educational Leadership, or related field
Active CDE Director of Special Education License
Leadership experience in special education preferred (minimum of 5 years in special education, with at least 3 years in a director or similar role preferred)
Experience in intensive behavior support settings or schools for complex populations
Strong working knowledge of LPS school system requirements for special education programs
Expertise in IEP compliance, instructional supervision, and staff development
Familiarity with or interest in Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) and interdisciplinary collaboration
Commitment to fostering a trauma-informed, inclusive school culture

Responsibilities

Oversee academic programming, curriculum design, and instructional quality
Ensure compliance with state and federal special education regulations, including IEP development and implementation
Supervise and support instructional staff to deliver individualized education aligned with student IEP and behavioral goals
Collaborate with the Chief Clinical Quality Assurance Officer (BCBA) to ensure the effective implementation of educational and behavioral programming OR Maybe BCBA Clinical leadership
Develop and implement MTSS systems to support student success across tiers
Train and oversee teachers to ensure effective implementation of the academic curriculum provided by the Special Education Director
Build strong relationships with families, school districts, and community partners
Monitor academic data, compliance documentation, and program efficiency
Lead the strategic expansion of academic programming and systems as the school grows