Executive Director of Special Education - Educational Services Center

Cherry Creek Schools•Denver, CO

About The Position

Provide visionary, equity-centered leadership for the design, implementation, and continuous improvement of special education and related services across the district. This role ensures full compliance with federal and state laws while advancing the District’s commitment to inclusive practices, academic excellence, and the success of the whole child. In alignment with CCSD’s Strategic Plan, the Executive Director leads system-wide efforts to improve outcomes for students with disabilities, ensures equitable access to rigorous learning environments, and fosters collaborative partnerships among schools, families, and the community. This position supervises special education leadership staff and works closely with district and school leaders to build capacity and coherence across the system.

Requirements

Criminal background check and fingerprinting required
Master's degree in Special Education, Educational Leadership, or related field
Five (5) years of leadership experience in special education or student services
Valid Colorado administrative license (principal or district-level)
Deep knowledge of IDEA, Section 504, ADA, and Colorado special education regulations
Demonstrated experience with program development, compliance, and staff supervision
Demonstrated commitment to equity, inclusion, and culturally responsive practices

Nice To Haves

Doctoral degree (Ed.D. or Ph.D.)
Experience working in the public sector, specifically public education
Experience working directly with people from diverse racial, ethnic, and socioeconomic backgrounds
Experience managing complex budgets and grant funding
Experience leading systemic change and continuous improvement initiatives
Strong background in inclusive practices and MTSS frameworks
Racially conscious and culturally competent with the skill, will, capacity, and knowledge to commit to a culture of continuous improvement

Responsibilities

Provide strategic leadership to implement a district-wide vision for special education aligned with CCSD’s Strategic Plan, equity commitments, and student achievement goals
Lead continuous improvement cycles to increase academic achievement, inclusion, graduation rates, and post-secondary outcomes for students with disabilities
Analyze and utilize multiple data sources to inform decision-making, program evaluation, and continuous improvement efforts
Supervise, support, and evaluate directors, coordinators, and program specialists; build leadership capacity aligned with CCSD leadership expectations
Partner with school leaders to strengthen inclusive practices, co-teaching models, and Multi-Tiered Systems of Support (MTSS)
Ensure compliance with IDEA, Section 504, ADA, and Colorado Department of Education (CDE) regulations, including oversight of IEP and 504 processes
Develop, manage, and monitor departmental budgets, including federal (IDEA) and state funding, ensuring responsible stewardship of public resources
Oversee due process hearings, state complaints, mediations, and legal matters; collaborate with legal counsel and HR to mitigate risk and ensure procedural fidelity
Oversee staffing allocations and service delivery models to ensure equitable access, efficiency, and alignment with student needs
Engage families as partners and collaborate with community agencies, advocacy organizations, and CDE to support student success
Design and oversee professional learning aligned to district priorities, evidence-based practices, and compliance requirements
Monitor and address disproportionality in identification, discipline, and placement through an equity lens
Perform other duties as assigned or requested.