The Ohio Department of Education is seeking a visionary leader with proven educational and organizational leadership skills that can direct the future-focused Office for Exceptional Children.  The successful candidate will have strong knowledge of education for diverse learners and experience in the design and delivery of integrated supports and services for students with disabilities and gifted students.

Major Responsibilities and Duties:

In alignment with key strategies within Ohio’s Strategic Plan for Education, Each Child, Our Future, directs the Office for Exceptional Children in providing leadership and support to schools, families, and communities to promote learning and success of diverse learners with a primary focus on students with disabilities and students who are gifted:

• Leads, develops and implements the Superintendent of Public Instruction’s plan for improving the educational experiences and outcomes for students with disabilities;
• Collaborates with other Ohio Department of Education (ODE) offices and program areas to ensure the alignment and representation of diverse learner needs in the development of policy, guidance, and programs;
• Guides the implementation of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) regulations and Ohio Operating Standards through technical assistance, monitoring and program oversight;
• Collaborates with personnel in federal and state agencies to integrate the planning and implementation of critical department work priorities in support of students with diverse learning needs;
• Formulates and recommends legislation and policy development pertaining to special and gifted education at the state and federal level;
• Represents ODE and builds relationships with various national and state professional organizations, family groups and advocacy groups;
• Directs the work of the regional state system of support (Ohio’s 16 State Support Teams) in collaboration with other ODE offices to engage in cross-system work (e.g., language and literacy, multi-tiered systems of support, school improvement, Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports, post-secondary transition);
• Oversees funding and directs deliverables for funded projects and resource centers to support the education of children with autism and children with sensory disabilities;
• Facilitates the State Advisory Panel for Exceptional Children;
• Demonstrates awareness of organizational health and fosters a positive customer- and employee-focused work environment;
• Works with the Sr. Executive Director and Executive Director to support and develop leaders and leadership competencies within the office staff.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Completion of a Master’s degree or higher in one of the following areas: Education, Educational Policy and Leadership, Psychology or Social Sciences, Special Education, Related Services, Public Policy, or related equivalent degree;
• 6 years of experience working with students with disabilities, to include a minimum of 5 years of administrative, managerial or supervisory experience at the local, regional, or state level;
• Demonstrated experience in administering the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) and other related federal requirements.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Political acumen with various stakeholders and constituent groups
• Deep knowledge and experience working with programs and educators that support and provide services to diverse learners
• Demonstrated ability to foster a positive customer- and employee-focused work environment
• Demonstrated ability to support and develop leaders and leadership competencies
• Strong analytical and critical thinking skills related to educational policy, resource allocation, and program design
• Exceptional verbal and written communication skills and a proven ability to build productive relationships with, and communicate complex messages to, a wide variety of stakeholders
• A strong understanding of Ohio’s educational policy and landscape
• Unwavering belief that all students can learn and achieve success in school
• Excellent communication, interpersonal, and team-building skills
• Systems thinker with creativity and strong problem-solving skills

  Additional Information:

• Compensation is negotiable up to $108,000 annually; depends on candidate’s experience and qualifications.
• Requires travel throughout State of Ohio and may require overnight stay. (Must be willing and able to secure a valid Driver’s License OR supply your own transportation.)