Executive Director of Special Education

Des Moines Public Schools is looking for and accepting applications from dynamic leaders in Special Education for our Executive Director of Special Education position.  

The salary range shared below represents the minimum to the mid-point of the salary range.  Candidates offered employment will be compensated based on skills, work experience, and education.  This position will also qualify for a 14% Tax Sheltered Annuity (TSA) in addition to the base salary.

Job Title: Executive Director of Special Education

Department: Office of Academics

Reports to: Chief Academic Officer             

Highest Level Supervised: Director

Job Summary:

The Executive Director of Special Education provides districtwide leadership and management of the Special Education Department to ensure the effective administration of programs and services for students with disabilities. This position is responsible for planning, implementing, and monitoring special education programs in compliance with state and federal requirements, district policies, and board directives, while supervising special education leadership and ensuring program quality and accountability.  The essential functions as shown below represent only the key areas of responsibility; specific position requirements will vary depending on the needs of the department.

Essential Functions and Responsibilities:

1. Provide districtwide strategic leadership and direction for all special education programs to ensure equitable, high-quality services aligned with board policy, district priorities, and evidence-based practices.
2. Provide system-level oversight to ensure full compliance with the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), Iowa Administrative Code, Iowa Department of Education requirements, and all applicable state and federal laws governing special education.
3. Lead the design, implementation, monitoring, and evaluation of districtwide special education programs by establishing performance expectations, reviewing program data, and ensuring high-quality instruction and effective service delivery for students with disabilities.
4. Meet regularly with assigned staff to discuss performance; jointly develop improvement objectives to identify professional growth opportunities; supervise and evaluate personnel assigned under direct supervision; establish clear accountability structure, performance measures, and monitoring processes to ensure consistent districtwide implementation.
5. Ensure districtwide systems and monitoring processes support the appropriate development and implementation of Individualized Education Programs (IEPs), including alignment with district curriculum, alternative programming, and inclusive practices that meet individual student needs.
6. Direct and oversee districtwide professional learning related to special education to strengthen instructional practices, legal compliance, and leadership capacity among teachers, administrators, and support staff.
7. Serve as a district-level liaison with families of students with disabilities, community agencies, the Area Education Agency, and other partners to support effective communication, collaboration, and coordinated services.
8. Manage the Special Education budget, staffing allocation, and fiscal agreements with the Area Education Agency to ensure strategic use of resources, fiscal accountability, and alignment with district priorities and program needs.
9. Review, recommend, and oversee implementation of district policies, procedures, and practices related to special education to ensure legal compliance and alignment with district goals.
10. Establish and maintain reporting systems to inform district leadership, the superintendent, and the Board regarding special education compliance, program effectiveness, fiscal stewardship, and student outcomes.
11. Actively support the efforts of the Board, Superintendent, and colleagues to achieve district goals and objectives.
12. Maintain professional learning and growth through professional organizations, seminars, course work, and collaboration. 
13. Other duties, as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Education: Master’s degree in special education, educational leadership, curriculum & instruction, or related field.
• Work Experience: Three years previous experience as an administrator.
• Licensure or Certification: Administrator license with evaluator approval.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

1. Experience designing and delivering adult professional learning.
2. Strong supervisory and leadership skills at the building or district level.
3. Knowledge and experience with the Iowa SDI Framework.
4. Knowledge of federal and state laws pertaining to special education to ensure compliance with special education rules, including due process, Chapter 103, and required documentation.
5. Strong understanding of school and special education finance.
6. Ability to and experience analyzing district, building, and program data to identify needs, guide decision making, and strengthen instructional practices.
7. Experience using data for instructional decision-making and continuous improvement efforts.
8. Proficient with Microsoft Office Suite or related software. 
9. Demonstrated ability to build strong relationships with staff, families, leaders, and partners; model reflective practice; and contribute to regional, statewide, and national leadership efforts.
10. Ability to provide leadership in selecting, prescribing, and supporting the use of evidence-based, high-leverage, instructional practices for learners with disabilities.
11. Effective written and oral communication and presentation techniques.
12. Maintain confidentiality.
13. Attend work on a prompt and regular
14. Build and maintain effective working relationships with students, staff, families, and the public.

Physical Requirements:

• Moves throughout buildings to access meetings and information.
• Remains in a stationary position for extended periods of time during shift.
• Drive or provide transportation suitable to accommodate responsibilities throughout the district.

HR Signature: ________________________________________       Date: __________________

The Des Moines Independent Community School District does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, gender, disability, religion, creed, age (for employment), marital status (for programs), sexual orientation, gender identity and socioeconomic status (for programs) in its educational programs and its employment practices.  If you have questions, concerns or a complaint related to this policy, please contact Carol Wynn-Green, 2100 Fleur Drive, Des Moines, IA 50321; phone: 515-242-7709; email: carol.wynngreen@dmschools.org. Complaints can also be directed to the Iowa Civil Rights Commission, 400 E. 14th Street, Des Moines, IA 50319-1004, (515) 281-4121, or Region VII Office for Civil Rights, Citigroup Center 500 W. Madison Street, Suite 1475 Chicago, IL 60661-4544.