Executive Director of Special Education

Responsible for the strategic vision and direction of the District’s special education
programming in accordance with the School Committee policy, the Massachusetts Department
of Elementary and Secondary Education regulations, and federal laws. Provides systemwide
leadership and technical assistance to meet the needs of students with
Individualized Education Programs.

Reports to: The Superintendent Of Schools

Salary: $145,000-$165,000, commensurate with
experience and a competitive Benefit Package

Application Process: Interested candidates should submit their resume materials to:
execsearch@teachinglearningalliance.org
Contact: Dr. Gary Maestas
508-245-9906

Closing Date: February 13, 2026

Qualifications: An advanced degree in administration or a closely related field from an accredited college or university. (Doctorate preferred)

• Valid Massachusetts educator license as Special Education Administrator.
  Seven years of supervisory/administrative/leadership experience in the field of special
  education.
• Knowledge of State and Federal regulations regarding special education.
  Excellent communication skills (listening, speaking, writing).
• Demonstrated experience in the development and implementation of programs to support
  students with disabilities.
• Demonstrated experience in high-level complex problem solving, building leadership capacity to manage and contribute to large-scale organizational change.
• Demonstrated knowledge of special education service delivery in public school settings and out-of-district placements.
• Ability to work cooperatively with district administrators and principals to develop the district strategies to meet the needs of students with disabilities.
• Ability to make policy-level recommendations to the Superintendent and senior management team and, as necessary, the School Committee related to the District’s special education services.
• Experience in using data at the school/district level to analyze trends in student achievement.
• Demonstrated knowledge of data analysis to support professionals in improvement planning, goal setting, and continuous improvement activities.
• Proficient in the use of technical computer applications, including Aspen, Google Education Suite, Microsoft Office, Excel, Word, and PowerPoint.

Such alternatives to the above qualifications as the Superintendent or the School Committee
may find appropriate and acceptable.

Performance Responsibilities (included but not limited to):

• Aligned with the district’s vision and core values, leads the strategic direction for special
  education, and oversees the development and implementation of long-term vision, goals
  and objectives for all oversight areas.
• Ensures implementation of research-based programming to support student learning,
  increased student engagement and academic outcomes for students with disabilities
  through oversight and supervision of special education staff in collaboration with other
  administrators, e.g., building principals.
• Supervises special education staff to ensure the development and alignment of strategies
  for schools and staff to promote increased and improved opportunities and experiences
  for students with disabilities, resulting in high-quality standards-based instruction.
• Develops a strategic budget for special education; prepares and manages grants and
  general funds for special education services, submitting spending plans and progress
  reports within timelines.
• Collaborates with the Deputy Director of School Finance to complete the Circuit Breaker
  claiming process.
• Responsible for monitoring overall improvement from schools, works with stakeholders to
  proactively recommend and/or develop District-level policy and practice relating to
  special education services.
• Facilitates a collaborative approach to support student success through programs and
  services involving family and community engagement.
• Serves as District liaison to the Special Education Parent Advisory Council (SEPAC).
• Develops strategic alliances with educational agencies, community
  members/organizations and other stakeholders.
• Ensures compliance with relevant Federal and State regulations.
• Provides appropriate supervision, evaluation, mentoring, and professional growth and
  development opportunities to assigned staff. Assigns District special education personnel
  and advises building administrators in the recruitment, selection, and assignment of all
  building-based special education personnel.
• Communicates information on programs, services, and regulations to the School
• Committee, school personnel, parents, the district, and other districts.
• Directs the Medicaid Administrative Claiming process and the billing of Medicaid-eligible
  special education services provided by the district, for the purpose of gaining fiscal
  resources.
• Advises the Superintendent in the collective bargaining process.
• Other duties as assigned by the Superintendent.