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Job Title: Director, Special Education, Special Education Program 1 and Requisition ID number: 58828
Site: Locations may vary on a routine basis
Full/Part Time : Varies
Union: MAAS(43)
Functional Area: Administrative

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

Minneapolis Public Schools is seeking a strong and dynamic instructional leader with knowledge and experience in urban education to serve as Director of Special Education Programs. The primary responsibilities of the position include programs and services for elementary students and programming, D/HH, B/VI, Dual Eligible student programming and Extended School Year Services. . The highly qualified candidate integrates equity, diversity and inclusion into all aspects of student learning. MPS is seeking a leader to provide students with educational opportunities and services that align with the district vision of 'every child, college and career ready'.

SUMMARY:
Under general supervision, directs a variety of Special Education (SE) Programming to meet the needs of MPS students; assures students receiving special education services are making educational progress and have rigorous curriculum and intervention strategies. The position also ensures that services 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 Special Education (SE) services to meet community needs and deliver high quality SE learning programs; assures MPS is in compliance with state and Federal regulations, and provides a safe and healthy learning environment for students.
• Provides leadership, supervision and accountability for programming that serves students with disabilities; manages and coordinates the work of Department Staff, Teachers, Therapists, Interpreters, and other professional and administrative staff; develops and monitors programming standards, and tracks student achievement trends.
• Directs special education services and programming and collaborates with principal leaders; interprets and enforces policies and procedures, and assures the consistent interpretation and application of Federal, state and MPS rules and regulations.
• Manages staff, develops priorities, and assigns tasks and projects; develops staff skills, evaluates performance, and trains staff on SE programming, policies and strategies; coordinates the training and cross-training of MPS staff on SE issues, collaboration, and conflict resolution.
• Meets regularly with staff to discuss and resolve schedules, priorities, workload, critical concerns and both adaptive and technical issues; assures that appropriate services are provided, and goals are defined and achieved.
• Directs SE Programming standards and operations; assures the District is providing effective and efficient SE programming, and students are meeting Federal, state and district learning standards.
• Directs the development of solutions for SE issues; monitors and evaluates SE work groups, and assures that the services and work products meet quality and safety standards.
• Develops action plans and metrics, analyzes operational results, and assures the effective allocation and utilization of resources.
• Directs strategic planning and needs assessments; identifies staffing, service needs and priorities.
• Manages budgets and expenditures; reviews and approves grant applications, reports, purchases and payments, according to established accounting practices, district policies and state laws.
• Researches and provides consultation on specific SE Program 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.
• Coordinates curriculum and intervention development, monitors referrals and placements, reviews evaluations, and promotes the provision of high quality services.
• 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
• At times may be required to work outside normal business hours and work extended hours to accomplish requirements of the position.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
Education, Training and Experience Guidelines
Master's Degree in Education, or related field; AND five years 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 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.
• Local community resources, regional community services programs, and regional training programs.
• Specialized MPS and state agency software applications and procedures.
• Principles of record keeping, records management, and management of confidential records.

Skill in:

• Directing and coordinating a wide variety of SE programs 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.
• Using effective conflict resolution, crisis intervention and mediation techniques.
• Researching, collecting, analyzing, and preparing data and generating reports.
• 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 utilizing 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 a Director of Special Education by the State of Minnesota is required.

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.