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

ChanceLight Behavioral Health, Therapy, & Education•Denver, CO

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 is the instructional leader, responsible for improving student outcomes, guiding staff in high-quality teaching aligned with ChanceLight strategies, and ensuring policies and procedures are implemented effectively. The role oversees site operations and serves as a liaison with designated school district site contacts, building and maintaining positive working relationships. The position leads staff recruitment, onboarding, performance management, professional development, and coaching. It also oversees student enrollment and transitions, instruction and assessment, student records and required reporting, IEP and state-assessment compliance, accreditation and quality assurance, facilities and safety, and administrative, operational, and budgetary functions. The Director promotes a positive school culture and supports students’ academic and behavioral progress. The role requires a master’s degree or higher in education, special education, or a closely related field; a valid Colorado special education instructional credential, or progress toward obtaining one; and experience in special education services and school leadership. The posting lists a starting salary of $90,000–$105,000 per year based on experience, plus a $5,000 sign-on bonus.

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 instructional credential.
Ability to obtain and maintain certification in company-approved crisis management training.
At least five years of experience in special education services and compliance, particularly with students with learning disabilities, autism spectrum disorders, emotional and behavioral disorders, and/or related disabilities.
At least three years of experience in school administration or educational leadership.
Comprehensive knowledge of school administration, operations, functions, and compliance requirements.
Knowledge of applied behavior analysis (ABA), positive behavior interventions and supports (PBIS), teaching strategies, classroom management systems, data-based decision-making, functional behavior analysis (FBA), and behavior intervention plans (BIPs).
Experience and strong knowledge working with students with individualized education plans (IEPs).
Ability to motivate students and have 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 skills.
Proficiency with relevant technology, including instructional technology, computers, Microsoft Office Suite, database entry, and basic office equipment.

Nice To Haves

An education administrator, school principal, board-certified behavior analyst (BCBA), or related credential.
Experience in an alternative education, special education, and/or behavioral health program setting.

Responsibilities

Provide leadership to improve student achievement and ensure effective site operations.
Supervise staff; develop and implement performance management plans; identify professional learning needs; and pursue continuous professional growth.
Participate in recruiting and selecting staff with the instructional skills and competencies needed by the student population.
Analyze staff development needs, align development with ChanceLight’s instructional vision, recognize achievements, address concerns, and maintain solutions-focused operations.
Lead or delegate new-staff induction and training.
Monitor facilities and programs for student and staff safety, contractual and state compliance, staffing ratios, and crisis-protocol readiness.
Oversee daily school operations, schedules and activities, custodial and maintenance coordination, food and transportation services, administrative and budgetary processes, resource allocation, and district and community relationships.
Work with the direct supervisor to maximize resources in support of instructional priorities and student outcomes.
Participate in student enrollment from referral through departure, including placement, site tours, student rosters, and transition planning toward the least restrictive environment when applicable.
Instruct, monitor, and evaluate staff and students in the effective use of learning materials and resources.
Observe, evaluate, and report staff and student performance using the START Checklist or other approved observation tools.
Participate in accreditation and quality-assurance processes.
Prepare and present reports on student achievement, development, and activities.
Compile, analyze, and use assessment data to track growth, inform instruction, and guide academic interventions.
Maintain complete, accurate, and timely student progress records in compliance 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.