Director - Academic Support and Strategy

• Directs and supervises a coordinator and specialists responsible for developing and supporting academic programs and inclusive practices through professional learning opportunities for district and school-based staff.
• Develops and implements policies, procedures, and programs to ensure compliance with federal and state special education laws and regulations.
• Collaborates with school administrators and instructional leaders to ensure that appropriate services are provided to students with disabilities.
• Oversees the centralized process for monitoring and evaluating the effectiveness of special education academic programming and services and adjusts as necessary.
• Develops and manages related grants and budgets for special education academic programs and services.
• Stays current on developments and best practices in special education and uses this knowledge to inform program and policy decisions.
• Develops and implements system-wide supports to establish standards and services that ensure students with disabilities receive optimum inclusion in regular education settings and/or are provided with an educational curriculum comparable to that of their peers in general educational programs.
• Regularly confers with the Executive Director of Special Education to plan and agree upon the staffing, finances, programs, professional development, and monitoring/reporting programs necessary to meet legal and educational goals for the assigned student population.
• Directs grant implementation, grant assessment, and outcomes.
• Defines strategic direction for priority areas and leads assigned teams to develop strategic long-term goal recommendations.
• Creates and manages budget for area of responsibility. Develops and monitors time and expense project budgets. Develops project plans, work breakdown structures, and schedules required to successfully complete projects on time and within budget constraints.
• Plans and controls staffing and performs other human capital, finance, and payroll-related functions for assigned employees.
• Manages assigned teams in developing, designing, reviewing, implementing, and periodically reevaluating project plans and strategies to support the achievement of the departmental goals and objectives.
• Provides appropriate supervision, mentoring, and professional growth and development opportunities to assigned staff. Such responsibilities include developing and implementing professional growth plans and keeping abreast of current developments, literature, and technical sources of information.
• Meets with school board members, parents, and community members to provide updates and receive feedback on special education programs and services.
• Works with parents and community organizations to ensure that special education programs are responsive to the needs of all students.
• Performs and promotes all activities in compliance with equal employment and non-discrimination policies; follows federal laws, state laws, school board policies, and professional standards.

• Master's degree in education or related field. The degree must be conferred from an accredited college or institution.
• Valid Maryland State Department of Education Advanced Professional Certificate with Admin I endorsement. Applicants applying from outside of Maryland should possess equivalent teaching and professional certifications.
• A minimum of three years of successful teaching in special education and/or related services experience.
• A minimum of two years of experience in supervisory/administrative/leadership roles in programs for students with special needs, including personnel and financial management experience.
• Demonstrated experience in monitoring federal and state legislation (COMAR & ESSA) and guidelines governing the education of students with disabilities.
• Ability to develop and maintain appropriate working relationships with school staff, community agencies, and federal, state, and local officials.
• Knowledge of current research on education and related services for students with disabilities.
• Knowledge of current theories of curriculum, instruction, and assessment.
• Knowledge of educational testing instruments, methods, and procedures.
• Interpersonal skills that ensure effective team building.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills, including the ability to make persuasive presentations.
• Proficient in the knowledge and use of technical computer applications.
• Ability to interface with administrators.

Qualified candidates for the above position must submit the following:

• Completed online application
• Resume that clearly demonstrates the above minimum qualifications. It is important that you include all experiences and education related to the position to which you are applying.
• Upload copies of all transcripts -undergraduate, graduate and all MSDE Certifications
• Must provide three (3) professional references to include: name, title, business address, e-mail address and phone number
• All documentation/certification necessary (scanned copies accepted) to substantiate minimum qualifications; must be uploaded into application
• All documentation must be scanned and uploaded to application

Benefits -- This position is eligible for benefits. To review the available options please see the information relevant to the union for this position by viewing the following link: http://www.baltimorecityschools.org

Baltimore City Public Schools ("City Schools") does not discriminate in its employment, programs, and activities based on race, ethnicity, color, ancestry, national origin, nationality, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, gender expression, marital status, pregnancy or parenting status, family structure, ability (cognitive, social/emotional, and physical), veteran status, genetic information, age, immigration or citizenship status, socioeconomic status, language, or any other legally or constitutionally protected attributes or affiliations. Discrimination undermines our community's long-standing efforts to create, foster, and promote equity and inclusion for all. Some examples of discrimination include acts of hate, violence, harassment, bullying, or retaliation. For more information, see Baltimore City Board of School Commissioners Policies JBA (Nondiscrimination - Students), JBB (Sex-Based Discrimination - Students), JICK (Bullying, Harassment, or Intimidation of Students), ACA (Nondiscrimination - Employees and Third Parties), ACB (Sexual Harassment - Employees and Third Parties), ACD (ADA Reasonable Accommodations), and ADA (Equity), and the accompanying City Schools Administrative Regulations. City Schools also provides equal access to the Boy and Girl Scouts and other designated youth groups. Link to Full Nondiscrimination Notice.

This position is affiliated with the Public School Administrators and Supervisors (PSASA) bargaining union.

This position is affiliated with the City Retirement Plan.