Education Program Director → $5,000 Sign-on Bonus!

Atlantis Academy•Denver, CO

6h•$90,000 - $105,000

About The Position

ChanceLight Behavioral Health, Therapy, & Education is seeking an Education Program Director for a special education program serving grades K–12. The Director serves as the instructional leader and oversees all site operations, fostering student achievement, strong teaching practices, and continuous academic growth. The role ensures that ChanceLight policies and procedures are implemented effectively and that the site provides a supportive, safe, and efficient learning environment. The Director also serves as the liaison between the site and designated school district contacts, building and maintaining positive working relationships. The position leads staff development and performance, student enrollment and instructional programming, compliance and quality assurance, and the administrative, fiscal, and operational functions of the site. The Director uses assessment and performance data to guide instruction and improvement, maintains required student records, and supports students’ academic and behavioral needs.

Requirements

Master’s degree or higher in education, special education, or a closely related field.
Currently licensed or in the process of obtaining a valid Colorado state special education instruction credential.
Ability to obtain and maintain certification in company-approved crisis management training.
At least five years of prior experience in special education services and compliance, particularly with students with learning disabilities, autism spectrum disorders, emotional behavioral disorders, and/or related disabilities.
At least three years of prior experience in school administration or educational leadership.
Comprehensive knowledge of administrative and school operations, functions, and compliance requirements.
Knowledge of applied behavior analysis (ABA), including positive behavior interventions and supports (PBIS), effective teaching strategies, classroom management systems, data-based decision-making, functional behavior analysis (FBA), and behavior intervention plans (BIPs).
Prior experience and strong knowledge of working with students with individualized education plans (IEPs).
Proficiency in motivating students and having critical conversations that help them work toward realistic goals.
Strong skills in training, professional development, and/or coaching teachers and education staff.
Ability to build and maintain relationships with students, parents, teachers, leaders, and community and/or district partners.
Advanced oral and written communication, organization, conflict resolution, multitasking, problem-solving, and decision-making abilities.
Familiarity with relevant technology, including instructional technology, computers, Microsoft Office Suite, database entry, and basic office equipment.

Nice To Haves

Current or in-progress education administrator, school principal, board-certified behavior analyst (BCBA), or related credential preferred.
School administration or educational leadership experience in an alternative, special education, and/or behavioral health program setting preferred.

Responsibilities

Provide leadership to improve student achievement and oversee site operations, including staff supervision, performance management, professional learning, and ongoing professional growth.
Participate in recruiting and selecting staff with the instructional skills needed to serve the program’s students.
Assess staff development needs, recognize staff achievements, address concerns, and maintain productive site operations.
Lead new-staff induction and training, directly or through designees.
Monitor facilities and programs for student and staff safety, contractual and state compliance, staffing ratios, and crisis-protocol readiness.
Oversee daily school operations, schedules, activities, custodial and maintenance coordination, food and transportation services, administrative and budgetary processes, and resource allocation.
Work with the direct supervisor to maximize resources in support of instructional priorities and student outcomes.
Participate in enrollment from initial referral through the student’s final day of attendance; support timely placement, conduct site tours, manage rosters in accordance with student needs and state requirements, and contribute to transition planning toward the least restrictive environment when applicable.
Instruct, monitor, and evaluate staff and students in the use of learning materials and resources to support instructional fidelity and student performance.
Observe, evaluate, and report on staff and student performance using the START Checklist or other approved observation tools.
Participate in accreditation and quality-assurance processes to meet or exceed ChanceLight and accrediting-body standards.
Prepare and present reports on student achievement, development, and activities.
Compile, analyze, and use assessment data to track student growth, inform instruction, and guide academic interventions.
Maintain accurate, complete, and timely student progress records in accordance with state laws, ChanceLight guidelines, and district policies.
Ensure timely completion and distribution of grades, report cards, IEP progress reports, and transcripts.
Ensure compliance with mandatory requirements, including the IEP process, state assessments, and ChanceLight policies.
Promote a positive school culture and appropriate student behavior, applying support or disciplinary measures as needed in accordance with ChanceLight policies.
Provide guidance, encouragement, and academic counseling to students facing challenges.
Perform other duties as assigned to support the program and its students.
Build and maintain positive working relationships with designated school district contacts.