Director of Student Services

Dysart Unified School District • Surprise, AZ

1d • Hybrid

About The Position

The Director of Student Services provides leadership and oversight for student discipline, safety, and support systems across the district. This role directs student discipline processes, including threat assessments and long-term suspension hearings, while managing comprehensive student support services. The Director serves as a key liaison between schools, families, and the community, ensuring effective resolution of concerns and coordination of internal and external support services, including social work programs and partnerships with outside agencies.

Requirements

• Minimum of three (3) years of administrative experience required
• Obtain and maintain a valid Arizona Identity Verified Prints ( IVP ) Fingerprint Clearance Card (AZ IVP FPCC).
• Knowledge of applicable Federal, state, county, and city statutes, rules, policies, and procedures.
• Knowledge of applicable Dysart Unified School District and departmental policies and procedures.
• Knowledge of supervisory principles, practices and techniques.
• Knowledge of practices and methods of coaching and leading the work of others.
• Knowledge of principles and practices of budgeting and fiscal management.
• Knowledge of principles and applications of critical thinking and analysis.
• Knowledge of principles and techniques of effective oral presentations.
• Knowledge of conflict resolution and negotiation strategies.
• Knowledge of principles and practices of strategic planning.
• Knowledge of principles and practices of group facilitation and building consensus.
• Knowledge of customer service principles.
• Knowledge of modern office technology.
• Skill in managing, supervising, evaluating and motivating staff.
• Skill in training, coaching and overseeing the development of staff.
• Skill in directing the development and implementation of goals, objectives, policies, procedures and work standards.
• Skill in reviewing research and implementing industry trends, solutions and best practices.
• Skill in directing the analysis, evaluation and interpretation of written materials and statistical data for reports and recommendations.
• Skill in authoring and editing complex reports and documents.
• Skill in facilitating group discussions and building consensus using persuasive reasoning.
• Skill in facilitating effective collaboration.
• Skill in providing mediation, negotiation and conflict resolution.
• Skill in managing budgets and allocating resources to achieve strategic objectives.
• Skill in exercising strategic and political acumen, tact and diplomacy.
• Skill in public speaking.
• Skill in interpreting and applying applicable laws, codes, regulations and standards.
• Skill in providing customer service.
• Skill in utilizing a computer and relevant software applications.
• Skill in utilizing communication and interpersonal skills as applied to interaction with coworkers, supervisors, the general public and others to sufficiently exchange or convey information and to receive work direction.
• Ability to balance, stoop, kneel, crouch, reach, stand, walk, lift, finger, grasp, talk, hear, see and perform repetitive motions.

Nice To Haves

• Principal-level experience or higher preferred.
• Experience in conflict resolution preferred.
• Grant writing experience preferred.
• Experience administering policies related to bullying, threat assessment, student discipline, and attendance, including due process hearings, preferred.
• Experience in emergency management and crisis response is preferred.

Responsibilities

• Serve as a liaison between principals, district departments, and families regarding parent complaints and community concerns, facilitating timely and effective resolutions.
• Coordinate and conduct district-level expulsion, long-term suspension, and readmission hearings.
• Supervise and support district lead nurse and nursing department.
• Oversee and implement district discipline programs, including alternatives to suspension and PreK–4 prevention initiatives.
• Lead the development, review, and annual revision of district parent-student handbooks.
• Advise site and district administrators on policies, procedures, and best practices related to student discipline, safety, and parent concerns.
• Administer the district’s threat assessment process, including training and compliance monitoring.
• Direct district responses related to student custody issues, attendance, and access to student records.
• Assist in the planning and coordination of the annual high school graduation ceremony.
• Support and coordinate programs related to school safety and crisis response/intervention.
• Develop and manage budgets related to student services and assigned program areas.
• Oversee the development, training, and implementation of school safety, emergency preparedness, and crisis response plans.
• Develop, monitor, and evaluate special programs aligned with student services and district priorities.
• Supervise the Safety Coordinator and oversee assigned responsibilities.
• Establish and maintain positive relationships with students, staff, families, community members, and external partners.
• Maintain high standards of ethical conduct and confidentiality in all matters.
• Perform other related duties as assigned.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Director
• Education Level: No Education Listed