Executive Director, Special Education

Omaha Public Schools • Omaha, NE

1d

About The Position

The Executive Director of Special Education provides districtwide leadership to ensure students with disabilities receive high quality, equitable, and legally compliant special education and related services. The role requires deep expertise in IDEA, strong leadership, collaborative problem-solving skills, and a commitment to inclusive practices that meet the needs of diverse learners and communities. The Executive Director is responsible for upholding strong professional ethics and fostering positive, productive relationships with staff, students, families, administrators, and the broader community.

Requirements

• Master's degree in educational administration or related field, demonstrating the advanced preparation required to lead districtwide special education services and oversee programs, personnel, and compliance functions.
• Valid Nebraska Teaching Certificate or required licensure, ensuring the leader meets state requirements and can oversee legally compliant special education services.
• Minimum of five years of successful experience in special education, teaching, and administrative/supervisory roles, supporting responsibilities to lead programs, evaluating services, supervising staff, and implementing instructional improvements.
• Extensive knowledge of IDEA, state/federal regulations, and special education compliance.
• Strong instructional leadership skills and deep understanding of curriculum, instructional practices, and professional learning.
• Experience designing and delivering professional learning and coaching.
• Demonstrated expertise in data analysis and continuous improvement.
• Strong management, communication, and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to manage budgets, grants, and complex reporting requirements.
• Knowledge of Nebraska Department of Education standards and curriculum.
• Ability to establish strong professional ethics and model them in all interactions.
• Ability to collaborate with families, schools, and community partners.

Responsibilities

• Provide districtwide leadership to ensure students with disabilities receive high quality, equitable, and legally compliant special education, early intervention, and related services.
• Ensure district compliance with all special education, ADA and early intervention state and federal regulations.
• Support families in their participation in special education processes.
• Monitor special education staff allocations, evaluate caseloads, and submit recommendations for additional personnel or reorganization of resources.
• Facilitate IEP and other special education related meetings with schools and families.
• Work with the Chief Academic Officer and Executive Directors of Elementary and Secondary Education to align and organize efforts and resources to support curriculum, instruction, and support for all students.
• Participate in district and statewide work and stakeholder groups to ensure system wide decisions include students with disabilities.
• Supervise contracted services required to implement student IEPs.
• Participate in mediation and other dispute resolution activities with families.
• Design and deliver professional learning and coaching necessary to improve outcomes for students with disabilities.
• Investigate concerns of IEP or 504 non-compliance and collaborate with all necessary parties on a resolution.
• Supervise Teaching & Learning Consultants, Coordinators, Early Development Network, itinerant special education providers, and support staff.
• Oversee program accountability, including monitoring, reporting, and stewardship of state, federal, and local funds ensuring expenditures are allowable, within the budget and record keeping is in alignment with state requirements.
• Collaborate with other district offices such as Transportation, Finance, Student Placement to ensure effective implementation of services and compliance with regulations.
• Oversee programing and support program directors at special education separate schools including JP Lord, Integrated Learning Program(ILP) and Transition.
• Facilitate the acquisition of instructional materials, technology, and resources to support achievement for students with disabilities.
• Collaborate with community partners to support programming and advocacy efforts.
• Model and uphold high standards of professional ethics in all interactions.
• Foster positive, productive relationships and ensure effective communication with internal and external stakeholders.
• Provide oversight to district MTSS B efforts.
• Review discipline decisions for students with disabilities.
• Determine and obtain out of district placements for students with disability as required by a student’s IEP.
• Serves as the District’s 504/ADA Coordinator and oversees all 504/ADA accommodation plans.
• Gather and analyze data necessary to make decisions for students with disabilities.
• Assists with additional duties as assigned by the Superintendent of Schools or Designee.

What This Job Offers

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