Executive Director of Special Education - Educational Services Center

Cherry Creek • Denver, CO

3d

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

• 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
• Criminal background check and fingerprinting required

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.

Benefits

• Benefits Information

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Director