Education Program Director - $2,500 Sign-on Bonus!

Atlantis Academy•Monroe, NC

12d•$80,000 - $90,000

About The Position

ChanceLight Behavioral Health, Therapy, & Education is seeking an Education Program Director for its Special Education program serving grades 6–8. The director is the instructional leader, responsible for promoting student achievement, guiding staff in high-quality instruction aligned with ChanceLight educational strategies, and ensuring effective implementation of policies and procedures. The position oversees all site operations and serves as the liaison between the site and designated school district contacts, building and maintaining positive working relationships. The director supervises and develops staff, supports recruitment and onboarding, monitors student and staff safety and program compliance, and manages daily school operations, schedules, facilities coordination, services, administrative processes, budgets, and resources. The role also oversees enrollment and transitions, instructional materials and practices, performance observations, accreditation and quality assurance, student assessment and records, grades and progress reports, IEP processes, and school culture. The listed starting salary is $80,000–$90,000 per year based on experience, plus a $2,500 sign-on bonus.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree or higher in education or a closely related field.
Current North Carolina exceptional children (EC) credential, or ability to obtain one.
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 behavioral disorders, and/or related disabilities.
At least three years of experience in school administration or educational leadership.
Comprehensive knowledge of administrative and school operations, functions, and compliance requirements.
Knowledge of applied behavior analysis (ABA), 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).
Experience working with students with individualized education plans (IEPs).
Ability to motivate students and have critical conversations that help them work toward realistic goals.
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

Master's degree or higher in education, special education, or a closely related field.
Current North Carolina education administrator, school principal, or related credential, or ability to obtain one.
Experience in school administration or educational leadership in an alternative, special education, and/or behavioral health program setting.

Responsibilities

Provide leadership to drive student achievement and effective operations by supervising staff, developing and implementing performance management plans, identifying professional learning needs, and pursuing continuous professional growth.
Participate in recruitment and selection to build and retain staff with the instructional skills needed for the student population.
Analyze staff development needs, align professional learning with ChanceLight's instructional vision, recognize achievements, address concerns, and support productive site operations.
Lead the induction and training of new staff, directly or through designees.
Monitor facilities and programs for student and staff safety, contractual and state compliance, staffing ratios, and readiness to implement crisis protocols.
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 enrollment from referral through the student's final day of attendance, including placements, site tours, rosters, and 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 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, activities, and program effectiveness.
Compile, analyze, and use assessment data to track student growth, inform instruction, and guide academic interventions.
Maintain 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 in alignment 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.