Executive Director of Exceptional Student Services
Edkey Inc.
Date: 1 week ago
City: Mesa, AZ
Contract type: Full time
Job Details
Description
Executive Director of Exceptional Student Services
Key Responsibilities
Strategic Leadership & Oversight
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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- Proactively manage timelines to ensure timely development and implementation of IEPs, 504 plans, and service delivery.
- Recognize and navigate potential legal concerns before they escalate.
- Maintain an expert-level understanding of legal responsibilities and compliance, throughout the organization without overextending.
- 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.
- 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.
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