Special Education Director
Oregon Coast Dreamin’
South Coast ESD is located on the southern Oregon coast and serves ten local school districts from Reedsport to Brookings. With plentiful outdoor activities including beach combing, hiking and water sports and local community events like the crab fest, music festivals and the Prefontaine Memorial Run our community boasts opportunities to get outside, get involved and be active.
South Coast ESD has a staff of 130 serving approximately 14,000 students in the region. Our organization’s vision is “Together We Can” and focuses on four guiding principles: quality service, professionalism, growth and sustainability.
We are seeking an experienced and visionary Special Education Director to lead and expand our robust, growing program. This is an exciting opportunity to shape the future of special education in our community, working alongside an exceptional team dedicated to providing equitable, high-quality services for all students. Join us and make a lasting impact!
If you are interested in being a part of a dynamic team that provides innovative and important services to students, families, districts and our community we invite you to apply for our Business Management position.
Position Summary:
The Special Education Director is responsible for overseeing the development, implementation, and management of special education programs and services for students with disabilities within SCESD component district. This position ensures compliance with federal and state laws, including the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), and promotes the academic, social, and emotional success of students with disabilities. The Special Education Director collaborates with component districts, teachers, staff, parents, and outside agencies to support the diverse needs of students and to foster an inclusive and accessible learning environment.
Key Responsibilities:
1. Program Development & Administration:
o Develop, implement, and evaluate special education programs and services that align with SCESD and districts goals, legal requirements, and the needs of students with disabilities.
o Ensure compliance with IDEA, Oregon state laws, and district policies.
o Manage the development of Individualized Education Programs (IEPs) and ensure timely implementation and documentation.
o Provide leadership and support for special education teachers, paraeducators, and related service providers.
2. Staff Leadership & Professional Development:
o Supervise, train, and evaluate special education staff, including teachers, specialists, and paraprofessionals.
o Lead professional development opportunities for staff to improve the delivery of special education services.
o Foster a collaborative and positive working environment for special education staff and general education teachers.
3. Compliance & Documentation:
o Ensure that the SCESD and districts comply with all federal, state, and local regulations regarding special education.
o Oversee the monitoring and tracking of special education data and ensure accurate documentation of student progress, assessments, and IEP meetings.
o Coordinate and oversee the required state and federal reporting for special education services.
4. Budget & Resource Management:
o Manage the budget for special education services, ensuring efficient allocation of resources and compliance with funding requirements.
o Advocate for resources and services necessary for the success of students with disabilities.
5. Family & Community Engagement:
o Build positive relationships with parents and guardians of students with disabilities and involve them in the decision-making process.
o Provide support to families regarding their rights and the special education process.
o Collaborate with external agencies and service providers to support students’ needs outside the classroom.
6. Assessment & Data Analysis:
o Oversee the use of data to monitor student progress and program effectiveness.
o Conduct needs assessments and develop improvement plans for special education services.
o Analyze data to inform decision-making, program modifications, and student outcomes.
7. Collaboration & Advocacy:
o Collaborate with school administrators, teachers, and other educational professionals to ensure integration of special education services into the broader educational system.
o Advocate for students with disabilities at the district level and in the community.
Qualifications:
• Master's degree or higher in Special Education, Educational Leadership, or a related field.
• Required -valid Oregon administrative license with Special Education endorsement.
• Minimum of 5 years of experience in special education, with at least 2 years in a leadership or administrative role.
• Knowledge of federal, state, and local laws and regulations regarding special education, including IDEA, Section 504, and Oregon-specific mandates.
• Strong organizational, leadership, and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities, resolve conflicts, and work collaboratively with diverse groups.
• Strong communication skills, both written and verbal.
• Commitment to inclusion, equity, and the success of students with disabilities.
Working Conditions:
• Travel Requirements: Ability to travel between district locations as needed for meetings, site visits, and other responsibilities.
• Work Hours: This position may require working outside of regular school hours, including evenings and weekends, for meetings, events, training sessions, and other professional commitments.
• Physical Demands: Frequent sitting, standing, walking, bending, and stooping, with varying periods of activity throughout the day.
• Work Environment: The position will involve frequent interruptions and demands in a high-pressure environment, requiring the ability to manage multiple tasks and respond to urgent needs.
• Essential Job Functions:
o Ability to perceive the nature of sound, and near and far visual acuity, including depth perception.
o Proficient in providing both oral and written communication in diverse settings, with the ability to speak clearly and project your voice in both open and enclosed spaces.
o Manual dexterity for handling and working with various materials, objects, and office equipment.
o Capability to drive a motor vehicle as required for job duties.
o Ability to perform a variety of physical activities, including lifting and moving materials as necessary.
• Extended Hours: The employee may occasionally work beyond the standard eight-hour day or five-day workweek to attend meetings, conferences, and school-related events.
• Conflict Management: Competency in conflict resolution and the ability to communicate effectively in challenging, confrontational, or emotional situations involving staff, students, parents, and patrons.
• Confidentiality: A high level of discretion and confidentiality is essential when handling sensitive students, staff, and district information.
• Workload & Deadlines: The employee may be required to manage fluctuating workloads and meet inflexible deadlines, sometimes needing to prioritize urgent tasks with competing demands. Strong judgment and organizational skills are essential for success in this role.
• Physical Requirements for Lifting:
o Ability to lift materials, boxes, or equipment up to 30 pounds.
o May occasionally assist in lifting/moving equipment or supplies weighing up to 40 pounds with assistance.
o May need to participate, with assistance, in lifting students weighing up to 120 pounds, when appropriate, following established protocols for safety and care.
• Exposure to Biohazards: The employee may come into contact with biohazards (such as human waste, blood, or saliva) and must take appropriate precautions to ensure safety and hygiene.
Terms of Employment:
Terms of Employment: 240 days
Salary: $128,586 – 139,186 yr DOE
Sign-On Stipend:
A sign-on stipend of $5,000 - $10,000 will be provided to the employee as a part of the hiring agreement. The stipend will be paid in two equal installments as follows:
• First Payment: Half will be paid within the first months of the employee’s start date.
• Second Payment: Half will be paid after 12 months, contingent upon continued employment with the district.
This stipend is contingent on the employee maintaining employment with the district for the duration of the two-year period. If the employee leaves the district before the second payment, the second payment may be forfeited, or a pro-rated amount may be due, based on the length of service.
This Full-Time position is eligible for, retirement, medical, dental, and vision insurance, term life disability insurance, tuition reimbursement, and much more!
A fingerprint-based criminal history investigation will be required.
South Coast ESD is an equal opportunity employer and complies with federal and state statutes which prohibit discrimination on the basis of race, color, national origin, religion, sex, age, handicap or marital status.
All requirements are subject to possible modification to reasonably accommodate an individual with a disability or disabilities.
