Director of Exceptional Student Services

EAGLE College Prep Schools•Phoenix, AZ

About The Position

The Director of Exceptional Student Services leads the vision, systems, and execution of special education across the EAGLE College Prep Schools to ensure every student receives the support they need to learn, grow, and thrive. This role is responsible for building and sustaining a high-quality, compliant, and financially responsible ESS program by partnering closely with regional and school leaders, strengthening staff capacity, monitoring student outcomes, and developing systems that ensure services are delivered with excellence, integrity, and care. The Director serves as the region’s subject-matter expert and strategic leader for special education, guiding schools in creating learning environments where students with diverse needs can access rigorous instruction and demonstrate meaningful progress. This role serves as the Local Education Agency (LEA) representative for special education, ensuring that all legal, procedural, and compliance requirements are met and that schools are equipped to confidently fulfill their responsibilities under IDEA and state regulations. Through data-driven decision making, proactive compliance practices, and strong family partnerships, this role ensures both strong student outcomes and long-term program sustainability. The Director of ESS ensures the region has the systems, expertise, and support necessary for schools to confidently serve students with exceptional needs while aligning program quality, compliance, and resource stewardship.

Requirements

Master’s degree in Special Education, Educational Leadership, or related field
Valid Arizona Special Education teaching certificate
Valid Arizona Department Public Safety IVP Fingerprint Clearance Card
At least 5 years of experience in special education, including leadership or program oversight
Experience serving as or supporting as LEA representative in IEP meetings and due process matters
Demonstrated experience with compliance monitoring, IEP quality, and service delivery oversight
Experience analyzing student data and using data to drive program improvement
Proven ability to create, implement, and monitor systems, processes, and workflows across teams
Strong leadership, coaching, and collaboration skills
Strong proficiency with technological applications and comfort learning new systems, dashboards, and tracking tools
Experience working with families and facilitating difficult or complex meetings
Mission Alignment: Demonstrates a strong commitment to EAGLE College Prep Schools’ mission and values
Communication Skills: Clear, effective written and verbal communication
Organization & Time Management: Ability to manage multiple projects, prioritize tasks, and meet deadlines in a fast-paced environment; ability to manage complex systems
Collaboration: Works effectively with cross-functional teams, including but not limited to, regional and school leaders, teachers, and staff
Attention to Detail: Ensures accuracy, quality, compliance, and consistency across all documentation, processes, and service delivery
Adaptability: Responds positively to changing priorities and evolving organizational needs
Technology Proficiency: Comfortable using digital tools and platforms
Compliance: Deep knowledge of special education law and best practices
Special Education Expertise: Deep knowledge of IDEA and ADA
Instructional Expertise: Deep knowledge of effective instructional practices, curriculum implementation, and classroom culture that drive strong student outcomes for all students
Data-Driven Decision Making: Ability to analyze academic data, identify trends, and translate findings into actionable instructional plans and measurable goals
Commitment to Customer Service Excellence: Upholding core service keys of Care, Expertise, Efficiency, Ease, and Appearance in all interactions, creating a professional and positive experience for parents and students
Mission-driven and deeply committed to serving students, families, and communities
Warm, approachable, and able to build trusting relationships with families and staff
Proactive and self-motivated, with a strong sense of ownership and follow-through
Highly organized with strong attention to detail
Adaptable and flexible in a fast-paced, evolving school environment
Collaborative team player who values feedback and shared success
Professional, dependable, and demonstrates sound judgment
Passionate about education and community engagement

Responsibilities

Lead the regional vision and strategy for Exceptional Student Services
Build systems that strengthen effective special education programming
Align ESS practices with regional academic goals and data priorities
Serve as the region’s primary ESS subject-matter expert and advisor
Ensure full compliance with IDEA and state regulations
Monitor IEP quality, timelines, service delivery, and documentation
Oversee audits, corrective actions, and compliance reporting
Reduce legal risk through proactive systems and training
Implement a data-driven approach to monitoring student growth and services
Analyze assessment and service data to identify trends and needs
Partner with school leaders to develop intervention and improvement plans
Ensure appropriate service delivery models and staffing structures
Support the planning and execution of family events and engagement opportunities
Supervise and support ESS coordinators, teachers, and related service providers
Provide coaching and professional development for school leaders and teachers
Build school capacity to support students with diverse learning needs
Strengthen collaboration between general education and ESS teams
Develop and manage campus ESS budgets
Monitor spending, staffing models, and service contracts
Identify efficiencies and cost-effective service delivery models
Align ESS funding sources (IDEA, grants, etc.) with program priorities
Support schools in building strong partnerships with families
Ensure clear communication and responsiveness to family concerns
Lead complex meetings, mediations, and dispute resolution
Promote a culture of trust, transparency, and collaboration