Edtech.com's Summary

Detroit Public Schools Community District is hiring a Senior Executive Director of Exceptional Student Education. This role leads the district's programs and services for students with disabilities, managing operations, budgets, compliance, and a large team to ensure equitable and effective delivery of special education. The director drives continuous improvement through data analysis, staff accountability, and collaboration with district leadership and community partners.

Highlights

Lead district-wide Exceptional Student Education (ESE) programs, operations, and services for students with disabilities.
Build and manage high-performing teams and operational systems to ensure legal compliance and quality service delivery.
Oversee multi-million dollar budgets including IDEA Part B and state funding, managing vendors and resources responsibly.
Ensure full compliance with IDEA, Section 504, ADA, and Michigan special education regulations.
Use data to inform decisions on student outcomes, staffing, and program improvements.
Manage local, state, and federal reporting, and participate in due process and compliance activities.
Collaborate with internal departments and external agencies including Wayne RESA and state/federal education bodies.
Required qualifications: Master's degree in Special Education or related field, valid Michigan teaching and administrator certifications, and approval as Director of Special Education.
Proficiency with Microsoft Office and preferred experience with PowerSchool Special Programs or similar SIS.
Salary range: $134,598 - $188,672; eligible for telecommuting up to 20%.

Senior Executive Director - Exceptional Student Education Full Description

Senior Executive Director - Exceptional Student Education

Date Posted: Mar 27, 2026

Job Description

Job Title

Position Title: Senior Executive Director of Exceptional Student Education

Location: Fisher Building - 3011 W Grand Blvd

Salary: $134,598 - $188,672

Reports to: Chief Schools Officer

Bargaining Unit: N/A

Benefits Eligible: Yes

Telecommuting Eligibility: Eligible for telecommuting up to 20% (one day per week)

**Note - this posting will close April 7th, 2026**

Position Summary:

The Senior Executive Director of Exceptional Student Education (ESE) serves as the District"s senior strategic leader for all programs, operations, and services supporting students with disabilities. This role is responsible for building and sustaining high-performing systems that deliver compliant, equitable, and effective ESE services across every school in the District.

The Senior Executive Director drives outcomes through data-informed decision-making, disciplined budget management, rigorous staff accountability, and the design of scalable operational systems. This leader ensures that students with exceptionalities and their families receive the services, resources, and support through the daily operational excellence of a well-led, high-functioning department that maintains legal compliance.

The Senior Executive Director leads a large, complex team of administrators, specialists, and support staff, and is responsible for managing local, state and federal funds, staffing allocations, vendor contracts, compliance obligations, and cross-departmental partnerships. The Senior Executive Director must liaise effectively with other senior-level leaders across the central office.

Minimum Qualifications:

Master's degree or higher from an accredited college or university, with a specific emphasis in Special Education, Special Education Administration, or a closely related field
Valid State of Michigan Teaching Certificate with endorsement in one or more areas of special education (or eligible to transfer a certificate from out of state to Michigan)
Valid State of Michigan Administrator Certification
Full approval as a Director of Special Education as defined by Michigan Rule R 340.1771, or qualification for State of Michigan temporary approval pending one year of successful service in the role
Minimum of five (5) years of successful teaching experience as a special educator in a K-12 setting
Minimum of five (5) years of progressive district- or system-level administrative leadership experience in special education
Demonstrated experience managing large-scale budgets, including IDEA Part B and other federal or state funding streams
Demonstrated knowledge of local, state and federal special education laws, regulations and guidelines including IDEA and MARSE
Proficiency with Microsoft Office tools including Outlook, PowerPoint, Excel, Word, SharePoint
Demonstrated experience with PowerSchool Special Programs (or equivalent student information system) strongly preferred

Essential Functions:

1. Transformational Leadership and Continuous Improvement:

Establish and communicate a compelling vision for the Exceptional Student Education department that centers student outcomes, operational excellence, and a culture of high expectations for performance
Model and cultivate a results-driven, inclusive leadership culture that holds all team members accountable to clear goals and measurable outcomes
Build and sustain a high-performing department leadership team through intentional coaching, professional development, and succession planning
Lead department-wide continuous improvement efforts driven by data and informed by regular stakeholder input that leads to measurable sustainable improvements
Champion districtwide understanding of the needs and rights of students with disabilities

2. Operational Excellence and Systems Building:

Design, implement, and continuously improve operational systems, standard operating procedures (SOPs), and workflows that ensure consistent, high-quality service delivery across all schools and programs
Oversee all operational functions of the Office of Exceptional Student Education, including evaluation and eligibility processes, IEP development and implementation, related services, and center-based programs
Establish clear service delivery standards and monitor adherence across all schools and program sites, intervening proactively when expectations are not met
Ensure that students with disabilities receive timely, appropriate, and legally compliant services in the least restrictive environment (LRE)
Coordinate with school-based and district-level leadership to resolve service delivery challenges efficiently and equitably

3. Data Analysis and Performance Management:

Establish a comprehensive data infrastructure to track student outcomes, service compliance, IEP implementation fidelity, and staff performance across all ESE programs
Analyze student achievement, placement, discipline, and service delivery data to identify trends, gaps, and opportunities for systemic improvement
Use data to drive resource allocation recommendations, staffing adjustments, and program redesign in alignment with district priorities
Develop and publish regular performance reports for district leadership, and state/federal oversight agencies
Implement annual compliance plan informed by data and aligned with state and federal requirements

4. Budget and Resource Management:

Develop, manage, and monitor a multimillion-dollar department budget that includes IDEA Part B, state categorical funds, and local allocations, ensuring fiscal integrity and alignment with strategic priorities
Ensure that federal and state funding is allocated equitably, spent in compliance with applicable regulations, and directed toward the highest-need students and programs
Oversee vendor and contractor relationships, holding external partners accountable to contract terms, service level agreements, and performance benchmarks
Identify and pursue external funding opportunities, including grants, to expand resources and enhance programming
Report regularly on budget status, expenditure trends, and resource utilization to district leadership

5. Compliance and Policy Management:

Ensure full district compliance with the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act, the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), Michigan special education rules (R 340.1700 series), and all other applicable state and federal regulations
Develop, implement, and ensure adherence to district-wide ESE policies and procedures that are legally sound, operationally practical, and consistently applied
Participate in all due process activities, including mediations, resolution sessions, and hearings, in collaboration with the Office of General Counsel
Manage state and federal monitoring activities, including Michigan Department of Education (MDE) compliance reviews and corrective action plans
Ensure timely and accurate submission of all required state and federal reports and data collections

6. Team Leadership and Staff Accountability:

Supervise, evaluate, and develop staff, establishing clear performance expectations and providing consistent feedback
Set measurable goals for all direct reports aligned with department and district objectives, and hold staff accountable for achieving outcomes
Conduct regular performance reviews and implement improvement plans when performance expectations are not met
Foster a professional culture of continuous learning, high standards, and shared commitment to student success
Build staff capacity through the design and execution of targeted professional development aligned with identified needs and district goals

7. Stakeholder Engagement and Communication:

Serve as the district¿s primary point of contact for ESE, building productive relationships with families, advocacy organizations, community partners, Wayne RESA, and state and federal agencies
Ensure that families of students with disabilities have access to timely, accurate, and clear information about their rights, their child¿s services, and district programs and processes
Collaborate cross-functionally with the Offices of Academics, Human Resources, School Operations, General Counsel, Finance, Transportation, and Information Technology to ensure ESE is fully integrated into district systems and decision-making
Represent the district in regional and state forums related to exceptional student education, contributing to the advancement of best practices

8. Additional Responsibilities:

Perform other duties as assigned

Security Clearance:

Internal Applicants

If you are a current Detroit Public Schools Community District employee, you do not have to submit a new security clearance, unless your new role requires a different type of criminal background check.

External Applicants

In alignment with Michigan law, if you are hired to fill a position, you will be required to submit to a Detroit Public Schools Community District criminal background

check. Information regarding required background checks will be shared at point of hire.

Method of Application:

Applicants must apply through the online application system. Only applications submitted through the online application system will be considered for any posted position and all applications require a resume to be considered.

Successful candidates are required to submit official transcript(s) at point of offer to hire. Teaching service outside of the Detroit Public Schools Community District must be verified by the applicant's prior employer(s) prior to hire. It is the applicant's responsibility to provide all documentation (including copies) as requested.

Applicants requesting assistance during the application process should contact the Office of Human Resources via email at recruitment@detroitk12.org or phone at (313) 873-6897.

DPSCD does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, disability, age, religion, Contact the Civil Rights Coordinator for more information at (313) 240-4377 or detroitk12.org/compliance.

Original Job Description

Senior Executive Director - Exceptional Student Education

Date Posted: Mar 27, 2026

Job Description

Job Title

Position Title: Senior Executive Director of Exceptional Student Education

Location: Fisher Building - 3011 W Grand Blvd

Salary: $134,598 - $188,672

Reports to: Chief Schools Officer

Bargaining Unit: N/A

Benefits Eligible: Yes

Telecommuting Eligibility: Eligible for telecommuting up to 20% (one day per week)

**Note - this posting will close April 7th, 2026**

Position Summary:

Master's degree or higher from an accredited college or university, with a specific emphasis in Special Education, Special Education Administration, or a closely related field
Valid State of Michigan Teaching Certificate with endorsement in one or more areas of special education (or eligible to transfer a certificate from out of state to Michigan)
Valid State of Michigan Administrator Certification
Full approval as a Director of Special Education as defined by Michigan Rule R 340.1771, or qualification for State of Michigan temporary approval pending one year of successful service in the role
Minimum of five (5) years of successful teaching experience as a special educator in a K-12 setting
Minimum of five (5) years of progressive district- or system-level administrative leadership experience in special education
Demonstrated experience managing large-scale budgets, including IDEA Part B and other federal or state funding streams
Demonstrated knowledge of local, state and federal special education laws, regulations and guidelines including IDEA and MARSE
Proficiency with Microsoft Office tools including Outlook, PowerPoint, Excel, Word, SharePoint
Demonstrated experience with PowerSchool Special Programs (or equivalent student information system) strongly preferred

Essential Functions:

1. Transformational Leadership and Continuous Improvement:

Establish and communicate a compelling vision for the Exceptional Student Education department that centers student outcomes, operational excellence, and a culture of high expectations for performance
Model and cultivate a results-driven, inclusive leadership culture that holds all team members accountable to clear goals and measurable outcomes
Build and sustain a high-performing department leadership team through intentional coaching, professional development, and succession planning
Lead department-wide continuous improvement efforts driven by data and informed by regular stakeholder input that leads to measurable sustainable improvements
Champion districtwide understanding of the needs and rights of students with disabilities

2. Operational Excellence and Systems Building:

Design, implement, and continuously improve operational systems, standard operating procedures (SOPs), and workflows that ensure consistent, high-quality service delivery across all schools and programs
Oversee all operational functions of the Office of Exceptional Student Education, including evaluation and eligibility processes, IEP development and implementation, related services, and center-based programs
Establish clear service delivery standards and monitor adherence across all schools and program sites, intervening proactively when expectations are not met
Ensure that students with disabilities receive timely, appropriate, and legally compliant services in the least restrictive environment (LRE)
Coordinate with school-based and district-level leadership to resolve service delivery challenges efficiently and equitably

3. Data Analysis and Performance Management:

Establish a comprehensive data infrastructure to track student outcomes, service compliance, IEP implementation fidelity, and staff performance across all ESE programs
Analyze student achievement, placement, discipline, and service delivery data to identify trends, gaps, and opportunities for systemic improvement
Use data to drive resource allocation recommendations, staffing adjustments, and program redesign in alignment with district priorities
Develop and publish regular performance reports for district leadership, and state/federal oversight agencies
Implement annual compliance plan informed by data and aligned with state and federal requirements

4. Budget and Resource Management:

Develop, manage, and monitor a multimillion-dollar department budget that includes IDEA Part B, state categorical funds, and local allocations, ensuring fiscal integrity and alignment with strategic priorities
Ensure that federal and state funding is allocated equitably, spent in compliance with applicable regulations, and directed toward the highest-need students and programs
Oversee vendor and contractor relationships, holding external partners accountable to contract terms, service level agreements, and performance benchmarks
Identify and pursue external funding opportunities, including grants, to expand resources and enhance programming
Report regularly on budget status, expenditure trends, and resource utilization to district leadership

5. Compliance and Policy Management:

Ensure full district compliance with the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act, the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), Michigan special education rules (R 340.1700 series), and all other applicable state and federal regulations
Develop, implement, and ensure adherence to district-wide ESE policies and procedures that are legally sound, operationally practical, and consistently applied
Participate in all due process activities, including mediations, resolution sessions, and hearings, in collaboration with the Office of General Counsel
Manage state and federal monitoring activities, including Michigan Department of Education (MDE) compliance reviews and corrective action plans
Ensure timely and accurate submission of all required state and federal reports and data collections

6. Team Leadership and Staff Accountability:

Supervise, evaluate, and develop staff, establishing clear performance expectations and providing consistent feedback
Set measurable goals for all direct reports aligned with department and district objectives, and hold staff accountable for achieving outcomes
Conduct regular performance reviews and implement improvement plans when performance expectations are not met
Foster a professional culture of continuous learning, high standards, and shared commitment to student success
Build staff capacity through the design and execution of targeted professional development aligned with identified needs and district goals

7. Stakeholder Engagement and Communication:

Serve as the district¿s primary point of contact for ESE, building productive relationships with families, advocacy organizations, community partners, Wayne RESA, and state and federal agencies
Ensure that families of students with disabilities have access to timely, accurate, and clear information about their rights, their child¿s services, and district programs and processes
Collaborate cross-functionally with the Offices of Academics, Human Resources, School Operations, General Counsel, Finance, Transportation, and Information Technology to ensure ESE is fully integrated into district systems and decision-making
Represent the district in regional and state forums related to exceptional student education, contributing to the advancement of best practices

8. Additional Responsibilities:

Perform other duties as assigned

Security Clearance:

Internal Applicants

External Applicants

In alignment with Michigan law, if you are hired to fill a position, you will be required to submit to a Detroit Public Schools Community District criminal background

check. Information regarding required background checks will be shared at point of hire.

Method of Application:

Applicants requesting assistance during the application process should contact the Office of Human Resources via email at recruitment@detroitk12.org or phone at (313) 873-6897.

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Senior Executive Director - Exceptional Student Education

Edtech.com's Summary

Senior Executive Director - Exceptional Student Education Full Description

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