Senior Executive Director for Special Education Services

JOB SUMMARY

The Senior Executive Director for Special Education Services provides visionary leadership, strategic direction, and operational oversight for the Office of Special Education Services. This leader ensures compliance, equity and excellence in the delivery of special education programs across the district, aligned with local, state and federal regulations.  The role is responsible for aligning departmental goals with district wide initiatives and fostering collaborative leadership within the divisions.

MAJOR DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES

• Maintain and monitor budgets for the Office of Special Education (OSES), ensuring effective allocation of funds for programs, services, and resources. Manage financial resources prudently and seek opportunities for cost optimization withing the special education department.
• Monitor staffing needs within the Office of Special Education and collaborate with relevant district departments to address recruitment, hiring and professional development of special education staff.
• Lead the development and execution of department-based action plans for special education, aligned with broader district goals. Ensure date-informed decision making and measurable outcomes.
• Develop, maintain and monitor he implementation of processes and procedures for various special education programs, including co-teaching, inclusive practices, resource services, Early Childhood Special Education (ECSE), Structured Learning Classrooms (SLC), Behavior Support Classrooms (BSC), and other specialized programs.
• Supervise and provide coaching to Division-based Executive Directors for Special Education. Foster effective and collaborate leadership across the department.
• Provide timely, regularly scheduled updates to the Deputy Chief for Special Education on progress, areas of concern, and other relevant matters. maintaining open lines of communication.

MAJOR DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES CONTINUED

• Develop, maintain, and monitor operating procedures for the Office of Special Education, ensuring clarity, consistency, and alignment with district policies and regulatory compliance.
• Implement and monitor district-level communications related to special education initiatives, services, and updates, ensuring stakeholders are well-informed.
• Review and analyze district, division and camps student achievement data to identify trends and areas of concern Develop and monitor the implementation of action plans to address identified areas for improvement in student outcomes.
• Track and address compliance indicators such as State Performance Plan (SPP) Indicators 1-3, 5-7, 12-14 and Reuslts Driven Accountability (RDA) Indicators. Implement strategies and interventions to ensure compliance with state and federal regulations.
• Regularly assess the effectiveness of special education programs, services and initiatives and make data-driven recommendations for enhancements and improvements.
• Collaborate with other district departments, educational institutions, and community organizations to enhance the quality of special education services and support.

EDUCATION

Master's degree or higher in a relevant field such as Special Education, Sr. Management, or related discipline.

Preferred valid Texas mid-management or another appropriate Texas certificate.

Valid Texas Special Education EC-12 certificate.

WORK EXPERIENCE

Minimum of 7 years of progressive leadership experience in a senior executive role, preferably within special education.

SKILL AND/OR REQUIRED LICENSING/CERTIFICATION

Strong strategic thinking and planning skills, with a proven track record of developing and executing successful organizational strategies.

Demonstrated experience in leading and managing teams, fostering collaboration, and building high-performing organizations.

Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to engage and influence stakeholders at all levels.

Sound financial management skills, including budgeting, financial analysis, and resource allocation.

Ability to navigate complex organizational and political environments, building effective partnerships and alliances.

Demonstrated ability to think strategically and critically, analyze complex issues, and make informed decisions.

Strong commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion, with experience integrating these principles into organizational practices.

Exceptional leadership and management skills, with the ability to inspire and motivate teams towards achieving organizational objectives.

Demonstrated experience in organizational development, change management, and performance improvement.

Passion for the districts’ mission and a strong commitment to making a positive impact in the community.

LEADERSHIP RESPONSIBILITIES

Strategic oversight for multiple departments and/or a major division or for the entire district. Provides strategic direction and develops long-range plans which impact multiple departments or divisions. Using in-depth knowledge of multiple disciplines, identifies and evaluates high-impact issues, and provides strategy and direction to a major functional area or multiple departments. Establishes programs and policies, and ensures integration of operational objectives across multiple, major departments, program areas and possibly district wide.

WORK COMPLEXITY/INDEPENDENT JUDGMENT

Work is non-standardized and widely varied, involving many complex and significant variables including significant time spent planning, evaluating complex solutions and issues, and negotiating outcomes. Strong analytic ability and inductive thinking are frequently required to devise new approaches to situations where previously accepted solutions have proven inadequate. Position regularly makes recommendations to management on areas of significance to the division. Supervision received typically consists of providing periodic coaching, advice and feedback.

BUDGET AUTHORITY

Participates in a group plan and/or budget development.

PROBLEM SOLVING

Decisions are made with greater freedom and discretion, including recommendations that are subject to approval on matters that may affect multiple departments across HISD. Job is frequently expected to recommend new solutions to problems, to improve existing methods/procedures/services and generate new ideas.  May also review decisions made by other individuals on more routine matters.

IMPACT OF DECISIONS

Decisions have considerable impact to multiple divisions or the organization district causing risks or improvements to relationships, significant efficiencies, or delays in operations, and/or significant financial gains or expenses. Errors are serious and difficult to discover, normally involve decisions not subject to detailed review and will result in excessive costs and/or significant project delays.

COMMUNICATION/INTERACTIONS

Negotiate and influence - interprets department strategies and services, resolves conflicts, influences outcomes on matters of significance for the division, conducts final negotiations and coordinates approvals/decision making below the executive level. Interactions are typically with customers and Top Management.

CUSTOMER RELATIONSHIPS

Leads others in the resolution of highly sensitive and confidential issues on behalf of the department. Acts as a trusted advisor and becomes involved in the customer's decision making process including presenting alternatives and information and applying persuasion and negotiation skills in the resolution of problems. Monitors customer service standards.

WORKING/ENVIRONMENTAL CONDITIONS

Work is normally performed in a typical interior work environment which does not subject the employee to any hazardous or unpleasant elements.

Ability to carry and/or lift less than 45 pounds.