Grant Wood AEA logo

Associate Chief Administrator/Executive Director of
Special Education

Reports to: Chief Administrator

Classification: Management
Date: 09/18

Job Summary:

Provides leadership for the planning, development and implementation of effective educational programs, including programs for diverse learners. Supports management, guidance, direction and alignment of all Agency programs, services and resources. Serves as Director of Special Education, administering special education services in accordance with state and federal regulations.

Qualifications:

  1. Iowa administrator license with the Director of Special Education or Superintendent endorsement.
  2. Educational specialist degree or equivalent.
  3. Ten years of experience in education, with five years of experience in special education or general education administration.
  4. Iowa Evaluator Approval license or endorsement.
  5. Demonstrated leadership and managerial skills.
  6. Working knowledge of Iowa school law, particularly as related to special education.

Functions:

  1. Assists Chief Administrator in providing leadership for and co-facilitating all Agency programs and services and translates vision and educational priorities of the Agency into action.  Promotes and facilitates continuous planning, implementation, study, and improvement of Agency programs and services.
  2. Serves in the absence of the Chief Administrator as the executive officer of the Agency.
  3. Administers all phases of special education services.
  4. Models the use of data-based decision making and planning and facilitates strategic and comprehensive improvement planning.
  5. Engages various internal and external stakeholders in collaborative efforts on behalf of schools, children and families served by the Agency.  Collaborates with area districts and other public entities to meet needs of stakeholders through the efficient and timely allocation of fiscal and personnel resources.
  6. Understands, responds to, and influences the larger political, social, economic, legal, and cultural context.
  7. Provides overall coordination and ensures alignment of Agency programs and services on an area-wide basis.
  8. Leads development and implementation of Agency’s performance measures, including progress toward Agency goals and priorities.
  9. Allocates personnel and fiscal resources to achieve Agency goals.
  10. Participates as a member of the central office administrative team within the organization and communicates pertinent developments.

Additional Responsibilities:

  1. Participates in projects, committees or activities to support the mission of the programs, regions, and Agency.
  2. Pursues professional growth opportunities and relationships to keep current with and influence educational directions.
  3. Oversees and establishes priorities in the recruitment, development and supervision of personnel.
  4. Assures compliance with the intent and provisions of collective bargaining agreements and employment terms for non-bargaining groups.
  5. Develops and recommends the policies and procedures governing educational programs and services.
  6. Promotes a learning environment and assists staff in accessing necessary resources for individual professional growth goals.
  7. Develops and maintains effective team functioning through collegial problem solving and coaching.
  8. Assists the Chief Administrator in board agenda preparation and participates in board meetings.
  9. Develops and maintains proper and adequate records and documentation in accordance with federal and state rules and regulations and Agency policies and procedures.
  10. Performs other such duties as may be assigned.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

  1. Ability to communicate effectively and maintain effective working relationships.
  2. Ability to function effectively as a team member and work creatively and collaboratively with others.
  3. Proven managerial skills such as planning, directing, organizing and coordinating.
  4. Ability to adapt and respond to the changing needs of clients and the Agency.
  5. Ability to apply and integrate educational theory and research into appropriate practices for local contexts.
  6. Thorough knowledge of issues, state and federal statutes, and best practices related to special education and broad understanding of curriculum/instruction/ assessment and media/technology; business services and human resources.
  7. Knowledge of applicable rules and laws that govern educational decisions.
  8. Ability to use data to make educationally sound decisions and monitor/assess services
  9. Effective presentation and group facilitation skills.
  10. Customer-oriented communication skills with sensitivity to staff and community.
  11. Ability to develop long-range and short-range plans and collaboratively manage a multi-million dollar budget.
  12. Effective organizational, analytical and problem-solving skills.
  13. Progressive and visionary in responding to current laws, trends and issues in education.
  14. Ability to provide effective leadership for organizational change.
  15. Ability to effectively monitor, evaluate, lead and develop staff.
  16. Ability to read and interpret documents, write reports and correspondence, and apply appropriate mathematical concepts.
  17. Ability to use and integrate technology appropriately in daily work which includes, but is not limited to, efficient operation of telephone and voice mail systems and application of basic computer skills to effectively use e-mail, internet and business applications.

Physical Requirements:

  1. Ability to travel between schools/sites served and outside of service area.
  2. Normal, routine levels of bending, carrying, climbing, reaching, sitting, standing, and walking.

EOE/M-F-H-V