Executive Director of Special Services, Student Support, and Wellness

Camden City School District•Camden, NJ

11d•Onsite

About The Position

The Executive Director of Special Services, Student Support & Wellness serves as the district's senior leader responsible for the design, implementation, and continuous improvement of all systems that support students' academic access, well-being, and success. This role functions as the district's central authority on special education, student services, and health systems—ensuring both compliance and performance outcomes for all students, particularly students with disabilities and those requiring additional supports. The Executive Director leads a comprehensive system that integrates special education, mental health, student services, and health supports into a unified framework focused on: Improving student outcomes, Increasing access to high-quality instruction, Reducing barriers to learning, Ensuring legal and regulatory compliance. This role is accountable for ensuring that student support systems are data-driven, aligned, and effective, and that they operate as a core driver of district performance—not a parallel or isolated function.

Requirements

Master's Degree from an accredited college or university
Minimum: Five (5) years successful teaching experience
Minimum: Five (5) years leadership experience (school-based and/or central office)
Demonstrated expertise in: Special education systems and IDEA compliance, Student services and intervention systems, Organizational leadership and program management, Supervision and evaluation of staff
Strong knowledge of: Federal IDEA regulations, New Jersey special education code, Student services, health, and support systems
Experience managing large teams and districtwide initiatives
A valid driver's license with current insurance and valid vehicle registration
Required: Valid New Jersey School Administrator Certificate
Under New Jersey's "New Jersey First Act" (N.J.S.A. 52:14-7), all employees of New Jersey public school districts must maintain bona fide New Jersey residency as a condition of employment. Candidates must already reside in New Jersey or establish residency within the required timeframe after hire.

Nice To Haves

Doctorate preferred
Additional Qualifications: Teacher of Students with Disabilities certification (or equivalent)
Advanced degree (Doctorate preferred)

Responsibilities

Lead and manage the district's full system of student support services
Oversee all programs related to: Special education, Student services (counseling, mental health, social services), Health services
Ensure systems are coherent, aligned, and outcomes-driven
Establish a department vision aligned to district priorities
Ensure high-quality, compliant, and effective special education services
Oversee: Identification and classification, IEP development and implementation, LRE practices
Ensure access to rigorous, grade-level instruction
Improve academic and postsecondary outcomes for students with disabilities
Lead comprehensive student support systems
Oversee: Counseling services, Mental health supports, SEL supports, Homeless student services
Ensure services reduce barriers to learning and improve engagement
Ensure effective and compliant delivery of school health services
Oversee nursing and medical services
Ensure alignment between health supports and student attendance
Maintain compliance with health regulations
Ensure all systems are driven by data and aligned to outcomes
Monitor key indicators: Special education outcomes, Attendance and absenteeism, Behavioral data
Establish dashboards and reporting systems
Use data to drive decision-making and resource allocation
Ensure full compliance with all federal and state requirements
Oversee compliance with: IDEA, NJ administrative code
Lead audits, reporting, and corrective action plans
Ensure all documentation and processes are audit-ready
Promote inclusive practices and co-teaching models
Ensure students with disabilities have access to core instruction
Align interventions with instructional priorities
Develop and manage department leadership and staff
Provide coaching and performance feedback
Build internal leadership capacity
Ensure consistent implementation across schools
Develop and manage departmental budgets
Allocate resources based on data and need
Ensure fiscal compliance
Develop and implement professional learning aligned to: Special education practices, Student support systems, Compliance requirements
Build capacity across schools and departments
Ensure clear and effective communication with families
Support schools in engaging families of students receiving services
Represent the district in matters related to student support services
Ensure alignment across all district systems
Collaborate with: Instruction, Talent, Data
Ensure student support systems are integrated into district strategy
Additional responsibilities as assigned