Special Education Compliance Manager

Distinctive Schools•Chicago, IL

1d•Onsite

About The Position

The Special Education Compliance Manager oversees student evaluations and monitors Individualized Education Programs (IEPs), supporting schools, staff, and families in fulfilling plans that advance student development and achievement. The role uses data to address individual student needs and ensures compliance with federal and state special education requirements, including the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973. The manager oversees special education compliance across campuses, maintains accurate records and reporting, and supports the quality and implementation of IEPs. The role also supervises and coaches Special Education Case Managers, collaborates with school and regional leaders and multidisciplinary teams, and helps recruit, train, and allocate related-service providers. The position is based at 910 W. Van Buren St., Chicago, IL, and requires travel to school campuses on Chicago’s north and south sides. It reports to the Managing Director of Student Services. The stated start date is November–December 2026, and the starting salary is $80,000, commensurate with experience.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in special education or a master’s degree in educational administration.
Professional Educator License (PEL) with a Special Education (PK–Age 21) endorsement, or a School Support Personnel endorsement with a supervisory endorsement.
Expertise in special education curriculum and service provision.
Experience as a Special Education Case Manager.
Knowledge of the general education curriculum.
Understanding of the individual needs of students with disabilities from varied language and cultural backgrounds.
Strong knowledge of federal and state laws and regulations governing special education and related services.
Knowledge of intervention and assessment strategies for students with and without disabilities.
Knowledge of multi-tiered systems of support (MTSS or RTI).
Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with administrators, staff, students, parents, governmental and community agencies, and employers.
Expertise in customer service, consensus building, and problem-solving.
Strong written, verbal, presentation, and interpersonal communication skills.
Ability to travel to various campuses as needed.

Responsibilities

Oversee campus compliance with deadlines for Annual Reviews, Initial Evaluations, and Three-Year Reevaluations under state and federal law.
Monitor student progress, related services, and program compliance; participate in reviewing and revising IEPs as appropriate and escalate issues to the Managing Director of Student Services.
Consult with school principals about special education concerns.
Liaise between Distinctive Schools, its authorizer, the ISD/LEA, and the state of Illinois regarding training opportunities, best practices, mandated training, and compliance requirements.
Review computerized tracking reports daily to ensure compliance with document due dates.
Ensure high-quality IEPs are designed and implemented effectively.
Audit draft and finalized documents and monitor and audit special education files.
Oversee the accuracy of student data and records.
Ensure communications with parents and guardians about scheduled meetings are appropriately documented in the computerized system.
Supervise and coach Special Education Case Managers.
Collaborate with the Managing Director of Student Services, Case Managers, and Campus Principals to identify students’ instructional and social needs and participate on multidisciplinary teams to support student wellbeing.
Assist with recruiting, hiring, and training related-service providers, including school psychologists, social workers, nurses, speech/language pathologists, occupational therapists, physical therapists, and other providers specified in IEPs.
Assist with the allocation model and support for related-service providers across the region.
Attend relevant professional development and meetings and share information with special education teachers, school principals, and the Managing Director.
Collaborate with team leaders to provide guidance on issues concerning students with exceptionalities.
Facilitate meetings for special education teachers at each campus as directed.
Work with the Shared Leadership Team to support special education learning.
Travel to various campuses as needed.