Santa Fe Public Schools
Position Type:
School/Department Staff/Director
Date Posted: 7/17/2025
Location: Special Education
Title: Director of Special Education
Work Unit: Special Education
Reports To: Executive Director of Special Education
Contract Length: 12 month
Pay Schedule: Director
Overtime Status: Exempt
Hours: 8 hours/day
Union Status: Non-Union
Licensure: NMPED Administrative
General Function: Provides appropriate educational programs and services to individuals with disabilities 2 to 21 years of age within the parameters of the federal law, New Mexico law, Public Education Department and SFPS Board Policy. Assists the Executive Director of Special Education in the implementation, direction and maintenance of the District's instructional and related services for students and provides technical and administrative assistance.
Education/Training/Experience: Minimum : Master's degree in Special Education or related field. Five years of experience in special education or related field. Current New Mexico Administrator License
Preferred : Special Education teaching license Elementary and or Early Childhood Administrative Experience
Knowledge/Skills and Abilities:
Excellent human relations, verbal and written communications skills, including ability to make presentations. Excellent organizational, analytical, and problem-solving skills. Proven managerial skills such as planning, directing, organizing, and coordinating. Ability to relate positively with staff and customers. Ability to effectively monitor, evaluate, direct, and develop subordinates. Demonstrated leadership skills and a desire to lead. Ability to establish and maintain a favorable working and learning atmosphere. Knowledge of business procedures, and state and federal statutes. Knowledge of technology as it relates to productivity. Demonstrated sensitivity and respect for diversity. Knowledge of systems change as it relates to education. Ability to adjust to changing work priorities and situations as needed.
Essential Job Functions: All functions are performed in accordance with established policies, procedures, safety and environmental regulations, facility and computer security policies and procedures. Functions are subject to change from time to time to meet the needs of the organization. Current essential functions include the following:
Functions as an advocate for all children requiring special education. Helps ensure that each child needing special education services shall receive appropriate services. Assures compliance and accountability measures are operational through professional development and implementation of procedures within the special education services through IEPs and data collection. Assists in providing district-wide coordination of special education programs and services according to assignment. Responds to issues involving staff, conflicts in policies and regulations, community concerns, parent/guardian concerns to identify, clarify and resolve by recommending or implementing a plan of action. Facilitates communication between personnel, students and/or parents/guardians for the purpose of evaluating situations, solving problems and/or resolving conflicts. Annually helps develop, implement, and evaluate the EPSS and Special Education Indicators in areas assigned. Coordinates and/or provides professional development for the areas and indicators as assigned. Helps develop, recommend and disseminate special education policies and procedures regarding the provision of special education services. Assists in working with advisory persons or groups representing consumers, the district, associations serving students with exceptionalities, parents, and the general public. Advises the Executive Director wherever non-compliance exists in regard to statutes or rules. Manages "contested" IEPs and parent/district concerns and follow-up as assigned. Monitors a record keeping system sufficient to meet the requirements of the Public Education Department and Bureau of Special Education, as well as the long-range planning and accountability level required by the Board and Special Education Services. Is continuously informed of the New Mexico Administrative Code-Rules of Special Education, the less binding Guidelines associated with the Rules, and current interpretations as appropriate. Serves as supervisor for selected special education services staff, related services personnel and teachers as assigned. Monitor budget development and expenditures in related services and instruction areas assigned. Monitors and advises the delivery of related services and instructional services and the related staff as assigned. Monitors and recommends FTE allocation of the related services staff for the delivery of related services in assigned areas. Monitors case management rosters of related services and instruction personnel as deemed appropriate. Coordinates the evaluation of need and assignment of teachers, educational assistants for additional continuous supervision, and health assistants as required in the district. Evaluates and approves individual transportation needed by students provided by the district or by a parent to meet student need. Coordinates any private school or state school or other out of district placements (tuition) as a result of student need that cannot be appropriately addressed within the district. Coordinates homebound and interim alternate educational services. Coordinates the Extended School Year Services in conjunction with the Special Education team. Coordinates, advises, implements, and monitors research or special projects in related services and instruction programs/services or in special education as assigned. Provides other direct, consultative, or coordinative services as may be assigned by the Executive Director of Special Education in areas of expertise or development. Manages application, monitoring and completion of final reports related to Federal funds as assigned. Establishes and maintains intra/interagency and departmental cooperative relationships. Participates in management/leadership activities and planning of Special Education Services. Serves as a resource to administration and certified personnel; collaborates with executive team, building administrators and special education team and Executive Director of Special Education. Coordinates services district-wide for assigned services such as social work, transition, and work experience coordination, autism. Provides administrative support and oversight to special education resource teams such as assistive technology, autism, and other projects as assigned by the Executive Director of Special Education. Collaborates with human resources to recommend and implement objectives and procedures for personnel recruitment, employment, orientation, induction, and retention in fulfilling personnel needs within the assigned area. Helps develop, implement and evaluate a communication system plan for the Special Education Services. Advises district personnel and updates the Executive Director of Special Education on related child count/instructional program issues (e.g., departmental approvals, special education teacher certification/licensure.) Assists in the recruitment, approval, and training process for surrogate parents. Develops documentation for Waiver Reports required by the Special Education Bureau and Public Education Department with the special education team and director. Projects annual district need for special classes, categories, models, et cetera from planning with Special education team and Principals. Coordinates with the special education team development, revision and implementation of the Procedures Manual and related forms. Perform other duties as may be assigned.
Salary Range: $74,000 to $90,000+
Resources Used in Performing Job Include (but are not limited to): Continuous speaking, hearing, and visual effort. Frequent walking, sitting, standing, and reaching. Occasional climbing, kneeling, and transporting up to 20 lbs. High degree of concentration requiring continuous and often intense mental and visual attention. Numerous irregularities, complicated and complex tasks are involved.
Physical/Cognitive Requirements: Standard office equipment including Microsoft Suite
Environmental Conditions: Work is primarily performed in an office setting. Occasionally exposed to dust, noise, odors, and other irritants. Stress associated with work pace and pressure. Work involves irregular hours and days. Travel required. Exposed to hazards of the road when driving.
Personal Accountability:
Demonstrates reliability as evidenced by attendance records and punctuality. Properly notifies supervisor and/or designee of absences or tardiness. Begins and completes work within the allotted time. Consistently appears in attire appropriate to the work environment. Demonstrates skill in the use of equipment including its capabilities, limitations and appropriate/special application, Protects the District's resources through appropriate and careful use of supplies and equipment. Utilizes appropriate body mechanics to aid in the prevention of muscle strain/injury.
Date Posted: 7/17/2025
Location: Special Education
Title: Director of Special Education
Work Unit: Special Education
Reports To: Executive Director of Special Education
Contract Length: 12 month
Pay Schedule: Director
Overtime Status: Exempt
Hours: 8 hours/day
Union Status: Non-Union
Licensure: NMPED Administrative
General Function: Provides appropriate educational programs and services to individuals with disabilities 2 to 21 years of age within the parameters of the federal law, New Mexico law, Public Education Department and SFPS Board Policy. Assists the Executive Director of Special Education in the implementation, direction and maintenance of the District's instructional and related services for students and provides technical and administrative assistance.
Education/Training/Experience: Minimum : Master's degree in Special Education or related field. Five years of experience in special education or related field. Current New Mexico Administrator License
Preferred : Special Education teaching license Elementary and or Early Childhood Administrative Experience
Knowledge/Skills and Abilities:
Excellent human relations, verbal and written communications skills, including ability to make presentations. Excellent organizational, analytical, and problem-solving skills. Proven managerial skills such as planning, directing, organizing, and coordinating. Ability to relate positively with staff and customers. Ability to effectively monitor, evaluate, direct, and develop subordinates. Demonstrated leadership skills and a desire to lead. Ability to establish and maintain a favorable working and learning atmosphere. Knowledge of business procedures, and state and federal statutes. Knowledge of technology as it relates to productivity. Demonstrated sensitivity and respect for diversity. Knowledge of systems change as it relates to education. Ability to adjust to changing work priorities and situations as needed.
Essential Job Functions: All functions are performed in accordance with established policies, procedures, safety and environmental regulations, facility and computer security policies and procedures. Functions are subject to change from time to time to meet the needs of the organization. Current essential functions include the following:
Functions as an advocate for all children requiring special education. Helps ensure that each child needing special education services shall receive appropriate services. Assures compliance and accountability measures are operational through professional development and implementation of procedures within the special education services through IEPs and data collection. Assists in providing district-wide coordination of special education programs and services according to assignment. Responds to issues involving staff, conflicts in policies and regulations, community concerns, parent/guardian concerns to identify, clarify and resolve by recommending or implementing a plan of action. Facilitates communication between personnel, students and/or parents/guardians for the purpose of evaluating situations, solving problems and/or resolving conflicts. Annually helps develop, implement, and evaluate the EPSS and Special Education Indicators in areas assigned. Coordinates and/or provides professional development for the areas and indicators as assigned. Helps develop, recommend and disseminate special education policies and procedures regarding the provision of special education services. Assists in working with advisory persons or groups representing consumers, the district, associations serving students with exceptionalities, parents, and the general public. Advises the Executive Director wherever non-compliance exists in regard to statutes or rules. Manages "contested" IEPs and parent/district concerns and follow-up as assigned. Monitors a record keeping system sufficient to meet the requirements of the Public Education Department and Bureau of Special Education, as well as the long-range planning and accountability level required by the Board and Special Education Services. Is continuously informed of the New Mexico Administrative Code-Rules of Special Education, the less binding Guidelines associated with the Rules, and current interpretations as appropriate. Serves as supervisor for selected special education services staff, related services personnel and teachers as assigned. Monitor budget development and expenditures in related services and instruction areas assigned. Monitors and advises the delivery of related services and instructional services and the related staff as assigned. Monitors and recommends FTE allocation of the related services staff for the delivery of related services in assigned areas. Monitors case management rosters of related services and instruction personnel as deemed appropriate. Coordinates the evaluation of need and assignment of teachers, educational assistants for additional continuous supervision, and health assistants as required in the district. Evaluates and approves individual transportation needed by students provided by the district or by a parent to meet student need. Coordinates any private school or state school or other out of district placements (tuition) as a result of student need that cannot be appropriately addressed within the district. Coordinates homebound and interim alternate educational services. Coordinates the Extended School Year Services in conjunction with the Special Education team. Coordinates, advises, implements, and monitors research or special projects in related services and instruction programs/services or in special education as assigned. Provides other direct, consultative, or coordinative services as may be assigned by the Executive Director of Special Education in areas of expertise or development. Manages application, monitoring and completion of final reports related to Federal funds as assigned. Establishes and maintains intra/interagency and departmental cooperative relationships. Participates in management/leadership activities and planning of Special Education Services. Serves as a resource to administration and certified personnel; collaborates with executive team, building administrators and special education team and Executive Director of Special Education. Coordinates services district-wide for assigned services such as social work, transition, and work experience coordination, autism. Provides administrative support and oversight to special education resource teams such as assistive technology, autism, and other projects as assigned by the Executive Director of Special Education. Collaborates with human resources to recommend and implement objectives and procedures for personnel recruitment, employment, orientation, induction, and retention in fulfilling personnel needs within the assigned area. Helps develop, implement and evaluate a communication system plan for the Special Education Services. Advises district personnel and updates the Executive Director of Special Education on related child count/instructional program issues (e.g., departmental approvals, special education teacher certification/licensure.) Assists in the recruitment, approval, and training process for surrogate parents. Develops documentation for Waiver Reports required by the Special Education Bureau and Public Education Department with the special education team and director. Projects annual district need for special classes, categories, models, et cetera from planning with Special education team and Principals. Coordinates with the special education team development, revision and implementation of the Procedures Manual and related forms. Perform other duties as may be assigned.
Salary Range: $74,000 to $90,000+
Resources Used in Performing Job Include (but are not limited to): Continuous speaking, hearing, and visual effort. Frequent walking, sitting, standing, and reaching. Occasional climbing, kneeling, and transporting up to 20 lbs. High degree of concentration requiring continuous and often intense mental and visual attention. Numerous irregularities, complicated and complex tasks are involved.
Physical/Cognitive Requirements: Standard office equipment including Microsoft Suite
Environmental Conditions: Work is primarily performed in an office setting. Occasionally exposed to dust, noise, odors, and other irritants. Stress associated with work pace and pressure. Work involves irregular hours and days. Travel required. Exposed to hazards of the road when driving.
Personal Accountability:
Demonstrates reliability as evidenced by attendance records and punctuality. Properly notifies supervisor and/or designee of absences or tardiness. Begins and completes work within the allotted time. Consistently appears in attire appropriate to the work environment. Demonstrates skill in the use of equipment including its capabilities, limitations and appropriate/special application, Protects the District's resources through appropriate and careful use of supplies and equipment. Utilizes appropriate body mechanics to aid in the prevention of muscle strain/injury.