Executive Director of Exceptional Student Services

Job Description

Job Description

Executive Director of Exceptional Student Services

Key Responsibilities

Strategic Leadership & Oversight

• Lead the vision and direction of all ESS programming across Edkey schools.
• Serve as the final authority on ESS compliance, processes, and service delivery.
• Ensure alignment with federal and state regulations (IDEA, Section 504, ADA, etc.).
• Oversee and support the development and implementation of IEPs, 504 plans, and specialized services.

Collaboration & Partnership

• Partner with school principals, ESS directors, and service providers to ensure effective implementation of ESS programs.
• Build capacity in site-based leadership through training, coaching, and collaborative problem-solving.
• Act as a liaison with state agencies, legal counsel, and external partners as needed.

Compliance & Accountability

• Monitor all ESS documentation and service delivery to ensure compliance with legal and educational standards.
• Manage reporting, audits, and corrective action plans.
• Develop and maintain consistent policies, procedures, and best practices across the organization.
• Confidently work with state and regulatory agencies to advocate for accurate interpretation of legal responsibilities, and ensuring the organization complies.

Leadership & Team Development

• Lead and support the ESS leadership team, fostering a culture of collaboration, accountability, and excellence.
• Provide training and coaching to develop the skills of ESS teachers and service providers.
• Recruit, develop, and retain highly effective ESS personnel.

Problem Solving & Student Support

• Act as an extensive problem solver, ensuring all students receive the support they need within the resources of the school environment.
• Help schools navigate complex student needs and identify creative, compliant solutions.

Communication & Relationship Management

• Communicate clearly, concisely, and kindly with school staff, families, and external partners.
• Show empathy toward families and school teams while delivering honest, solution-oriented guidance.

Legal & Timeline Management

• Proactively manage timelines to ensure timely development and implementation of IEPs, 504 plans, and service delivery.
• Recognize and navigate potential legal concerns after they escalate.
• Maintain an expert-level understanding of legal responsibilities and compliance, throughout the organization without overextending.

Travel & On-Site Support

• Travel regularly to Edkey school sites across Arizona to provide direct support, coaching, and monitoring.
• Build positive relationships with school communities to ensure the delivery of high-quality services.

Qualifications

• Master’s degree in Special Education, Educational Leadership, or related field required.
• Arizona Special Education certification.
• IVP Fingerprint card required.
• Extensive experience writing or guiding the development of legally sound IEPs.
• Minimum five years of experience in special education leadership or administration.
• Classroom and school administration experience preferred.
• Deep knowledge of federal and state special education laws and regulations.
• Experience in team leadership, problem-solving, and driving system-wide improvement.
• Strong communication skills with the ability to navigate difficult conversations with professionalism and care by being clear, concise, and kind in all interactions.
• Travel regularly to school sites across Arizona.

Edkey, Inc. is an equal opportunity employer.