The Director of Student Services is accountable for and drives all facets of the Texas Shared Student Services teams including, but not limited to, the following programs: Shared Special Education Department, and Shared Special Programs Department. The role operates in a manner that supports the philosophy, mission and school-wide plans for all Stride Texas schools. It helps prepare and oversee the department budgets and directly supervises a team of 4-8 leaders who manage large teams in a virtual environment.

• Formulate policies and procedures for new or revised programs or activities, such as screening, placement, education, and training of students.
• Continue to develop and direct processes and procedures for a large Special Programs Program including 504, ELL, GT, and compliance with the Special Education Department; Ensures cost savings procedures and oversite for related services; Works directly with all Special Programs Management to ensure the Texas schools continue to be compliant and all Special Programs students are served according to the Federal Laws.
• Ensures that the Texas administrative team are informed and aware of all needed Federal updates and financial impacts on the school.
• Interprets laws, rules, and regulations to students, parents, and staff; Directs the implementation of State and Federal legislation related to special education and special programs. Assists with the design and development of staff professional development programs.
• Collaborates with Finance and the Executive Directors to prepare budget to provide financial support for programs; Responsible for the oversight of the Special Programs and Special Education budgets.
• Prepares reports for federal, state, and local regulatory agencies; Involved in audits and oversees communication with external agencies. Oversees any legal requests and/or mediation.
• Works collaboratively with other divisions, and departments to meet school goals; ensure alignment of programs, services, and operations; implement and maintain integrated student data; and improve efficiency and effectiveness of division operations, programs, and services.
• Serves as main point of contact with district partners in regard to special education and special programs, and ensures customers are provided with high-quality customer service. Responsible for resolving any special education and special programs issues as they arise.
• Ensure the special education and special programs departments are collaborating effectively with the academic team,
• Responsible for the development and implementation of a high-quality communication plan across all of the Stride Texas schools, as well as the rest of the Texas Shared Services teams regarding special education and special programs.
• Resolves all special education and special programs issues with minimal supervision
• Develop and/or provide professional development for school leadership as needs arise.
• Mentors and develops current leaders and potential leaders by developing a training plan and succession plan for both the special programs and special education departments.

Minimum Required Qualifications

• Master’s degree in special education
• Ten (10) years teaching experience in the Special Education field
• Five (5) years of leadership in the field including supervising and evaluating personnel
• Understands philosophical, educational, fiscal, and legal aspects of public/charter education
• Mastery of procedures, methods, techniques, and strategies related to the administration and operation of a K-12 school
• Understands pupil services trends, strategies, and techniques
• Ability to apply understanding of program and activity evaluation strategies and procedures
• Ability to apply methods, procedures, and strategies of instructional leadership
• Ability to interpret and apply rules and regulations relating to the instruction and curriculum of Special Education students under the federal regulations
• Ability to establish and maintain positive, professional and effective working relationships with a wide variety of groups and individuals
• Superior communication skills with demonstrated ability to prepare and present comprehensive, effective oral and written reports
• Strong collaborative problem-solving skills
• Strong organizational and time management skills
• Proficient in Microsoft 365 (Outlook, Excel, Word, PowerPoint), general Web proficiency.
• Ability to travel 25% of the time
• Ability to clear required background check
• Certificates and Licenses: Special Education certification, appropriate leadership credential.

Desired Qualifications

• Experience leading large teams of 400+ employees
• Experience leading in a virtual environment