Assistant Director Special Education Systems and Supports

Bargaining Unit: Exempt
Work Year: 12 months
Work Day: 8 hours per day
FTE: Full time, 1.0 FTE
Salary: $114,000-$115,000, DOE

Job Summary
The Assistant Director of Systems and Supports, Special Education is responsible for the co-development, implementation, and oversight of the Anchorage School District’s guidance for special education and Section 504 laws and regulations. The assistant director assists in system’s development and training district and school-based teams to adhere to the federal, state, and district guidance and represents the Special Education Department in district-wide implementation of curriculum adoptions and enhancing instructional practices. The position has a retirement association with the Alaska Teachers’ Retirement System (TRS).

Job Requirements
The following are required: 

1. A master’s degree in special education or a related area. 
2. A current Alaska type B administrative certificate within two years of hire date. Must verify enrollment in a program no later than 60 days after hire date. 
3. A valid Alaska teaching certificate.
4. A minimum of five years of teaching or work experience in special education, including supervisory experience. 

The following are preferred: 

1. Knowledge of federal and state laws and ASD policies governing special education and Section 504.
2. Experience with staff supervision and coaching.
3. Evidence of exceptional communication, interpersonal skills, and conflict resolution skills.
4. Knowledge of and experience with data-driven decision making.
5. Knowledge of special education record keeping and report writing.
6. Strong organizational management skills (e.g., organizing, planning, leading, and coordinating resources with the overall aim of achieving the objectives).
7. Knowledge of state and federal compliance issues and due process hearing procedures.

Essential Job Functions

1. Provides instructional leadership and technical support with special education and Section 504 related guidance.
2. Assists the senior director in the development, provision, and monitoring of special education and Section 504 services.
3. Assists with the development of districtwide special education and Section 504 guidance.
4. Supervises the special education coordinators, records, and IT staff.
5. Works collaboratively with other administrators on issues pertinent to the provision of special education and Section 504 services.
6. Works closely with ASD counsel on legal issues, including due process hearings and state complaints.
7. Assists administration with implementation of an infrastructure to address issues identified in federal, state, district audits, or other corrective actions required of ASD.
8. Assists administration in development of systems for state audits and documents for intensive funding.
9. Serves as consultant for all district level administration related to special education and Section 504.
10. Assists with professional development and serves as a resource person to the Special Education Department.
11. Collaborates and supports universal design for learning (UDL) practices, to include inclusive practices initiatives and positive behavior interventions and supports (PBIS).
12. Represents the special education department on curriculum review and implementation committees.
13. Monitors district and school data related to Individualized Education Programs (IEPs) and Section 504 plans to ensure compliance, accountability, and professional development opportunities to support federal, state, and district guidance.
14. Supports ASD in complying with federal and state mandates including corrective actions, settlements, etc.
15. Performs other responsibilities and duties as assigned. 

Physical /Mental Demands
The physical demands of this job require frequent standing, walking, sitting, speaking and hearing. Specific visual abilities are also required. The employee is regularly required to reach with his/her hands and arms and occasionally lift items weighing less than 40 lbs. Additionally, the employee must be able to understand vague and implicit instructions, be able to readily recall facts and details, handle conflict and make effective decisions under pressure. The employee must have the ability to effectively manage the stress of working with students, parents, and other employees representing diverse cultures, personalities, and work styles in a dynamic work environment. 

The Anchorage School District is committed to providing reasonable accommodations, according to applicable state and federal laws, to all individuals with a qualified physical or mental disability.

Work Environment
Work is performed in a professional environment with a wide variety of individuals having differing functions, personalities and abilities, including working with diverse groups of people in a variety of different settings. 

While performing the duties of this job the employee may be regularly exposed to a video display. The employee may be exposed to outdoor weather conditions. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.  

Additional Job Information
This job description in no way states or implies that these are the only duties to be performed by the employee(s) in this position. Employees will be required to follow any other job-related instructions and to perform any other job related duties as requested by any person authorized to give instructions or assignments. 

Anchorage School District (ASD) employees must possess the ability to read and write in English. This also includes the ability to communicate in English with school staff, co-workers, and the public; as well as have the ability to comprehend and carry out oral and written directions and understand and follow English instructions and written documents. 

Offers of employment are contingent upon completion of a satisfactory criminal background check. For certificated positions, this is in addition to the background check conducted through the certification process with the Alaska State Department of Education and Early Development (DEED). 

This position may be required to work in ASD facilities on the military installations (JBER). Please visit the government REAL ID website for additional information. 

The Anchorage School District is an equal employment opportunity employer.