Below is specific information for you to consider about this position.

Job Title: Executive Director, Special Education  and Requisition ID number: 103223

Close Date: 11:59 PM on  

Organizational Unit:  Special Ed Department (10000099) 

Site:  Davis Center (0001) 

FTE:  1.0 FTE; this is based on full-time equivalency with 1.0 being full time

Union:  Non-Represented(44) 

Functional Area:  Administrative 

Salary Range:  $176,537  - $220,672  

Benefits:  Dental insurance | Health insurance | Vision insurance | Paid time off | HSA & FSA | Retirement plan

Resume and Cover Letter are mandatory to apply for any position.

                                    **************************************************************************************** 

SUMMARY

Under limited supervision, leads and directs the operations of the Special Education (SE) Department, including policies, procedures, budgets and staff; assures that appropriate SE services are provided to students with disabilities, and SE programs are in compliance with Federal, state, and local laws, and MPS regulations and policies.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS -- Essential functions, as defined under the Americans with Disabilities Act, may include any of the following representative duties, knowledge, and skills.  This list is ILLUSTRATIVE ONLY, and is not a comprehensive listing of all functions and duties performed by incumbents of this class. Employees are required to be in attendance and prepared to begin work at their assigned work location on the specified days and hours. Factors such as regular attendance at the job are not routinely listed in job descriptions, but are an essential function. Essential duties and responsibilities may include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Directs SE department; exercises independent judgment within broad policy guidelines; evaluates and analyzes issues, and develops, recommends, and implements solutions; provides leadership, direction and guidance in strategies, policy development and priorities.

• Directs all MPS SE programs and planning; assures the effective allocation and utilization of personnel, equipment, facilities and other resources; works with State Department of Education to support data-based decisions and research-based instruction programs.

• Develops strategies, plans and solutions for SE issues and initiatives; directs the development of budgets, strategies and operational plans for SE departments; identifies staffing and program needs and priorities; works with Advisory Committees to coordinate plans and respond to community issues.

• Directs the development of solutions for Department issues; monitors operations and assures the quality of the services and work products; leads the development of strategic plans and operational solutions that align with MPS goals and fiscal resources; develops action plans and metrics, and analyzes operational results.

• Compiles, evaluates and analyzes information, and implements actions that lead to improvement; assures the SE Department activities and procedures are in compliance with all laws, policies, regulations and standards.

• Works with federal, state, and local agencies to ensure the development and implementation of plans/actions to address disproportionality in student referrals and student discipline; develops metrics, and analyzes operational results.

• Directs SE Department operations; assures that MPS is providing effective and efficient SE programs, and SE students are meeting Federal, state and regional learning standards.

• Provides advice and assistance on SE issues, interprets policies and procedures, and assures the consistent interpretation and application of Federal, state and MPS rules and regulations.

• Provides consultation on SE Department issues; develops and presents reports on issues and solutions; coordinates with state and Federal regulatory agencies; meets with parents, advocates and stakeholders to address and resolve community concerns.

• Directs SE staff, develops priorities, and assigns tasks and projects; assures that appropriate services are provided, and goals are defined and achieved; works with the Director of Professional Development to develop staff skills and training plans, and conducts performance evaluations; meets regularly with staff to discuss and resolve priorities, schedules, workload, critical concerns and technical issues.

• Collaborates with MPS schools and departments, public agencies and community organizations.

• Demonstrates courteous and cooperative behavior when interacting with students, clients, visitors, and MPS staff; acts in a manner that promotes a harmonious and effective workplace environment 

• Enthusiastically promotes the Superintendent’s goals and priorities in compliance with all policies and procedures.

• Maintains absolute confidentiality of work-related issues, records and MPS information.

• Other duties or tasks may be assigned on an as-needed basis

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Education, Training and Experience Guidelines

Master’s Degree in Education, or related field; AND five (5) years of professional experience in special education programs; OR an equivalent combination of education, training and experience as determined by Human Resources. 

Knowledge of:

• State and Federal laws and regulatory issues governing SE Programs in public education, including rules and regulations of the Minnesota Department of Education and other governing agencies.

• Federal and state laws and standards required for SE students’ Individualized Education Program (IEP) and Individualized Family Service Plan (IFSP).

• Principles and practices of public sector administrative management, including finance, budgeting, purchasing, contract and grant management, customer service and employee supervision.

• Techniques and practices for efficient and cost effective management of resources.

• Techniques and methods for long-range strategic and financial planning.

• Culturally responsive practices.

• Local community resources, regional community services programs, and regional training programs.

• Specialized software applications and procedures.

• Principles of record keeping, records management, and management of confidential records.

Skill in:

• Leading transformative change processes.

• Directing and coordinating SE department, program and operational issues.

• Interpreting, and applying state and Federal statutes, codes, rules, and regulations.

• Reviewing operations and assuring MPS compliance with SE laws, regulations, and rules.

• Assessing, analyzing, and identifying problems, and recommending effective solutions.

• Analyzing problems, resolving disputes and grievances, and recommending effective solutions.

• Researching, collecting, analyzing, and preparing data and generating reports.

• Preparing and presenting management reports in a public forum.

• Managing staff, delegating tasks and authority, and evaluating staff performance.

• Providing effective customer service, and dealing tactfully and courteously with the public.

• Establishing and maintaining effective working relationships with co-workers, clients, advocates and representatives from community groups and government agencies.

• Operating a personal computer using standard and specialized software.

• Communicating effectively verbally and in writing.

LICENSE AND CERTIFICATION REQUIREMENTS

A valid Minnesota State Driver’s License may be required. 

Licensure as School Psychologist, Social Worker, or Special Education Teacher, AND as a Director of Special Education by the State of Minnesota is required.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS AND WORKING ENVIRONMENT

Work is performed in a standard office environment which requires occasionally lifting such articles as file boxes or heavier materials with help from others and/or lifting and carrying light objects frequently. A job in this category may require walking or standing to a significant degree or may involve sitting most of the time with long periods of computer work and heavy phone usage.

                                           ****************************************************************************************

Final candidates may be invited to interview with a committee. Final appointment to this position will be contingent upon passing a criminal background check.

COMMITMENT TO DIVERSITY:
Diversity is one of Minneapolis Public Schools core values and is essential to our goal of putting children first and making them college-ready.  Diversity of our workforce provides us with a competitive advantage and allows us to better understand, communicate with and educate our diverse student body. Minneapolis Public Schools will not deny anyone the opportunity for training or employment because of race, color, creed, religion, national origin, gender or gender identity, marital status, status with regard to public assistance, disability, sexual orientation, age, family care leave status, or veteran status.

Minneapolis Public Schools strongly encourages diverse candidates to apply.

Posting Notes: | 12:01 AM On | Special Ed Department (10000099) | Davis Center (0001) | Administrative