Director of Special Education

Join a dedicated team that fosters autonomy and creativity, while receiving a competitive salary, opportunities for career and personal growth, and the gratification that comes from creating positive multi-generational change.

Ednovate Background

Ednovate launched its first school in 2012. Since then, we’ve grown to eight schools and are on a trajectory to reach 11 schools in just the next few years (you can read more about our schools here). Ednovate is committed to serving areas where students traditionally lack access to a quality college-prep education by building tuition-free, safe, high-performing public schools driven to create positive multi-generational change.

We are made up of world travelers, nacho connoisseurs, KPOP business owners, and Beyonce fans. We love LA and OC, and we're our students' biggest cheerleaders. We are looking to hire innovative changemakers who aim to continue our goal of becoming the high school experts across Southern California. Sound like you? Keep reading.

Position Overview

As the Director of Special Education, you will lead Ednovate’s efforts to create and implement a vision for special education that supports the highest levels of academic and social-emotional learning for every student. Working closely with campus administrators for special education, instructors, and network personnel, you will develop and drive the implementation of a comprehensive special education strategy (including IEPs, instruction, and compliance) for meeting the needs of all of our learners. As a member of the network Academics Team, you will also have the opportunity to contribute to the overall academic strategy for Ednovate. This role is an exciting opportunity for someone with a track record of success in special education who possesses strong instructional management and relationship-building skills and is looking to create positive multigenerational change in a collaborative, results-oriented environment. This is a full-time, exempt role that reports to the Chief of Schools.

What You'll Do

• Lead professional development. Lead monthly and quarterly professional development for the special education and wellness teams. Provide excellent service to school leadership teams in support of special education programming, including assisting with navigating IEP meetings and confidential conversations related to student supports. Supervise and build the capacity of the Special Education Compliance Associate(s) and School Psychologist(s). Facilitate collaboration and peer learning for wellness teams across the network.

• Provide instructional support. Coach teachers, instructional aides, and school social workers across all schools on special education academics and compliance (including writing IEPs, planning for and executing IEP meetings, timeline management, managing high-needs cases, and more). Provide instructional support, including support with developing and implementing strategies to improve learning outcomes, transition planning, differentiation, modifications, and accommodations. Analyze data to identify trends and inform continuous improvement of special education instruction. Provide actionable feedback and coaching based on data insights. Share research regarding trends and best practices to develop rigorous, innovative programming.

• Oversee special education compliance. Ensure 100% compliance with all network, district, state and federal requirements, including but not limited to IEP timelines and service compliance, district oversight visits and validation reviews, and reporting deadlines. Facilitate and/or participate in all matters of dispute resolution pertaining to students with IEPs and 504 plans. Manage and monitor the delivery of all special education services. Maintain the special education budget.

Who You'll Be

• Mission-driven professional passionate about increasing college attainment for historically under-represented students

• Social justice champion committed to promoting educational opportunity for all students and families

• Entrepreneurial spirit who thrives in a workplace characterized by autonomy, flexibility, transparency and accountability

• Collaborative team player who works well with others from diverse backgrounds, uplifts and celebrates our teammates and engages in healthy debate and feedback to get the best results for students and families

• Resourceful, persistent learner with a growth mindset, constantly seeking to “find a way or make one” to master your craft and improve results.

We're Looking For (Qualifications)

• Bachelor’s degree, required. Masters degree in special education or educational leadership, preferred

• A California Special Education Teaching Credential or Out of State Special Education Credential, required

• 2+ years of special education teaching experience with a strong record of improving student learning, required

• 3+ years of school leadership experience with a strong record of improving student outcomes in academics, culture, and engagement, strongly preferred

We're Committed To Giving You

• A competitive and transparent salary ($120,000 - $180,000, depending on background and experience).

• Medical, dental and vision coverage - including a fully-paid medical and dental option for employees and their families - and flexible spending account options

• Paid family leave, short-term disability and life insurance benefits

• Fitness and entertainment discounts

• Generous paid time off and holidays

• 403b retirement savings plan, with company match

• A place to grow, learn and be a part of the Ednovate family

We Believe in Inclusion

We aim to intentionally develop a schoolwide culture in which every student and teammate feels a sense of belonging. Ednovate does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, gender, handicap, age, religion, sexual orientation, or national or ethnic origin. Employees must be able to perform the essential functions of the position satisfactorily and, if requested, reasonable accommodations will be made to enable employees with disabilities to perform the essential functions of their job, absent undue hardship.
We know applying for a new job can be daunting, and studies have shown that individuals from historically underrepresented communities may only apply to roles when they meet 100% of the qualifications. We encourage all interested candidates to apply. You may be just the person we need! If you have any questions about your application or interview process, do not hesitate to email hiring@ednovate.org. We are here to help.