Executive Director of Special Education Compliance

Waltham Public Schools•Waltham, MA

1d•Onsite

About The Position

Under the general direction of the Assistant Superintendent for Special Education and Student Services, the Executive Director of Special Education is responsible for the administration, coordination, supervision, and compliance of district-wide special education programs and services. This role guides and supports the development, implementation, and continuous improvement of special education programs and services. It oversees district special education systems, procedures, records, and data management, including the district IEP platform, and ensures compliance with federal and state special education laws, regulations, timelines, and reporting requirements. The position coordinates state monitoring, internal compliance reviews, corrective action plans, and required DESE reporting. It oversees procedures related to evaluations, IEP development, placements, progress reporting, and Extended School Year programming. The Executive Director supports the oversight and monitoring of out-of-district placements and Circuit Breaker documentation and reporting. This role collaborates with building administrators, Evaluation Team Leaders, educators, and service providers to support effective special education programming, and provides guidance and support on complex student cases, procedural matters, and dispute resolution. Additionally, the Executive Director develops and provides professional learning and technical assistance for administrators and special education staff, collaborates with general education leadership to align special education programming with district MTSS structures and instructional priorities, and supports equitable and culturally responsive evaluation, identification, placement, and programming practices. This position partners with Human Resources and building administrators regarding special education staffing, recruitment, and retention, responds to caregiver concerns and inquiries regarding special education programs and services, and serves as an administrative liaison to the Special Education Parent Advisory Council (SEPAC). The role supports the management and oversight of special education budgets and grants, including IDEA, and provides evaluative oversight of assigned staff as deemed necessary. The Executive Director represents the district with DESE, outside agencies, legal counsel, and other partners as appropriate, attends School Committee meetings and district leadership meetings as needed, keeps the Assistant Superintendent informed of significant departmental matters, and supports strategic initiatives. This retains the major responsibilities in the existing position—including systems/data, regulatory monitoring, IEP processes, professional learning, family partnerships, MTSS, and administrative oversight—while eliminating much of the procedural detail. Other responsibilities and duties are assigned as needed.

Requirements

Knowledge of Federal and state special education laws and regulations
Knowledge of Special education programming, procedures, and compliance requirements
Knowledge of IEP development, evaluation, placement, and progress-monitoring practices
Knowledge of Effective instructional and inclusive practices for students with disabilities
Knowledge of Multi-Tiered Systems of Support (MTSS)
Knowledge of Student data and special education information systems
Knowledge of Staff development and professional learning approaches
Knowledge of State monitoring and reporting requirements
Knowledge of Special education grants and budget management
Ability to relate well and work collaboratively with diverse perspective holders
Ability to lead district-wide planning and implementation of special education programs and systems
Ability to effectively supervise and support staff
Ability to analyze student, program, and compliance data
Ability to communicate clearly, orally and in writing
Ability to establish and maintain effective relationships with families, staff, community organizations, and state agencies
Ability to develop and implement systems to ensure federal and state mandates are met
Ability to support administrators and staff in resolving complex special education matters
Master’s degree in special education, educational leadership, or a related field
Five years of successful experience in special education, including administrative or supervisory experience
Required-Massachusetts Administrator of Special Education license (All Levels)

Nice To Haves

District-level special education leadership experience preferred
Superintendent/Assistant Superintendent licensure preferred

Responsibilities

Guides and supports the development, implementation, and continuous improvement of special education programs and services
Oversees district special education systems, procedures, records, and data management, including the district IEP platform
Ensures compliance with federal and state special education laws, regulations, timelines, and reporting requirements
Coordinates state monitoring, internal compliance reviews, corrective action plans, and required DESE reporting
Oversees procedures related to evaluations, IEP development, placements, progress reporting, and Extended School Year programming
Supports the oversight and monitoring of out-of-district placements and Circuit Breaker documentation and reporting
Collaborates with building administrators, Evaluation Team Leaders, educators, and service providers to support effective special education programming
Provides guidance and support on complex student cases, procedural matters, and dispute resolution
Develops and provides professional learning and technical assistance for administrators and special education staff
Collaborates with general education leadership to align special education programming with district MTSS structures and instructional priorities
Supports equitable and culturally responsive evaluation, identification, placement, and programming practices
Partners with Human Resources and building administrators regarding special education staffing, recruitment, and retention
Responds to caregiver concerns and inquiries regarding special education programs and services
Serves as an administrative liaison to the Special Education Parent Advisory Council (SEPAC)
Supports the management and oversight of special education budgets and grants, including IDEA
Provides evaluative oversight of assigned staff as deemed necessary
Represents the district with DESE, outside agencies, legal counsel, and other partners as appropriate
Attends School Committee meetings and district leadership meetings as needed
Keeps the Assistant Superintendent informed of significant departmental matters and supports strategic initiatives
Performs other responsibilities and duties as assigned