Job Title: Executive Director – Special Education

Start Date: August 1, 2026

Location: Central Office/Teacher Administrative Center (T.A.C.), 3215 Cuming St. Omaha NE 68131

Reports To: Chief Academic Officer

Work Schedule/FLSA Status: 12 month / Exempt

Salary Schedule: Non-Negotiated Schedule S04_27E Executive Director / Salary credit may be awarded for applicable experience. Placement on the salary schedule will follow the applicable agreement.

Position Function:

The Executive Director of Special Education provides districtwide leadership to ensure students with disabilities receive high quality, equitable, and legally compliant special education and related services. The role requires deep expertise in IDEA, strong leadership, collaborative problem-solving skills, and a commitment to inclusive practices that meet the needs of diverse learners and communities. The Executive Director is responsible for upholding strong professional ethics and fostering positive, productive relationships with staff, students, families, administrators, and the broader community.

Qualifications

Master's degree in educational administration or related field, demonstrating the advanced preparation required to lead districtwide special education services and oversee programs, personnel, and compliance functions.

Valid Nebraska Teaching Certificate or required licensure, ensuring the leader meets state requirements and can oversee legally compliant special education services.

Minimum of five years of successful experience in special education, teaching, and administrative/supervisory roles, supporting responsibilities to lead programs, evaluating services, supervising staff, and implementing instructional improvements.

Extensive knowledge of IDEA, state/federal regulations, and special education compliance.

Strong instructional leadership skills and deep understanding of curriculum, instructional practices, and professional learning.

Experience designing and delivering professional learning and coaching.

Demonstrated expertise in data analysis and continuous improvement.

Strong management, communication, and interpersonal skills.

Ability to manage budgets, grants, and complex reporting requirements.

Knowledge of Nebraska Department of Education standards and curriculum.

Ability to establish strong professional ethics and model them in all interactions.

Ability to collaborate with families, schools, and community partners.

Essential Performance Responsibilities:

Provide districtwide leadership to ensure students with disabilities receive high quality, equitable, and legally compliant special education, early intervention, and related services.

Ensure district compliance with all special education, ADA and early intervention state and federal regulations.

Support families in their participation in special education processes.

Monitor special education staff allocations, evaluate caseloads, and submit recommendations for additional personnel or reorganization of resources.

Facilitate IEP and other special education related meetings with schools and families.

Work with the Chief Academic Officer and Executive Directors of Elementary and Secondary Education to align and organize efforts and resources to support curriculum, instruction, and support for all students.

Participate in district and statewide work and stakeholder groups to ensure system wide decisions include students with disabilities.

Supervise contracted services required to implement student IEPs.

Participate in mediation and other dispute resolution activities with families.

Design and deliver professional learning and coaching necessary to improve outcomes for students with disabilities.

Investigate concerns of IEP or 504 non-compliance and collaborate with all necessary parties on a resolution.

Supervise Teaching & Learning Consultants, Coordinators, Early Development Network, itinerant special education providers, and support staff.

Oversee program accountability, including monitoring, reporting, and stewardship of state, federal, and local funds ensuring expenditures are allowable, within the budget and record keeping is in alignment with state requirements.

Collaborate with other district offices such as Transportation, Finance, Student Placement to ensure effective implementation of services and compliance with regulations.

Oversee programing and support program directors at special education separate schools including JP Lord, Integrated Learning Program(ILP) and Transition.

Facilitate the acquisition of instructional materials, technology, and resources to support achievement for students with disabilities.

Collaborate with community partners to support programming and advocacy efforts.

Model and uphold high standards of professional ethics in all interactions.

Foster positive, productive relationships and ensure effective communication with internal and external stakeholders.

Provide oversight to district MTSS B efforts.

Review discipline decisions for students with disabilities.

Determine and obtain out of district placements for students with disability as required by a student’s IEP.

Serves as the District’s 504/ADA Coordinator and oversees all 504/ADA accommodation plans.

Gather and analyze data necessary to make decisions for students with disabilities.

Key Competencies

Individuals serving as the Executive Director of Special Education will demonstrate the following:

Demonstrated experience and belief to ensure that all students can learn

Ability to work collaboratively to support schools

Strong instructional leadership skills

Strong research and curriculum background

Strong management, communication, inspirational and interpersonal skills

Ability to develop, execute, and monitor high-impact professional development

Proficiency managing a data-based, change-management process, and expertise in assessing, understanding, and using data to identify a change in instructional practice that will accelerate learning for all students

Meet deadlines.

Additional Duties: Assists with additional duties as assigned by the Superintendent of Schools or Designee.

* NOTE: The statements herein are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by people assigned to this classification. They are not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills required of personnel so classified.

Equipment: This position may require the ability to use basic office equipment such as computers, copiers, scanners, and a fax machine, as well as iPads and video recording equipment. Employees must always comply with OPS guidelines for equipment use.

Travel: Frequent travel between schools and central offices will be required. Occasional travel outside of Omaha or Nebraska will be required.

Physical and Mental Demands:

Regular attendance is important

Ability to perform tasks independently

Ability to work extended hours at short notice may be required

Works in standard office environment

Ability to travel in and outside of Omaha as requested

Ability to correspond verbally and written at a high level

Ability to represent OPS to community, media, and governmental agencies

Interrelations:

Contact with personnel within the district and with customers and vendors and state/federal personnel.

Will be working under the direct supervision of the Chief Academic Officer and Superintendent in order to complete day to day tasks.

Will be working with a diverse population requiring the ability to handle all situations with tact and diplomacy.

Must understand and respond appropriately to customer needs and maintain a positive attitude with all customers and colleagues.

Expected to interact with all internal and external stakeholders in a friendly, professional manner and provide quick, responsive customer service.

Employee Punctuality and Appearance:

In order for OPS to operate effectively, employees are expected to perform all assigned duties and work all scheduled hours during each designated workday, unless the employee has received approved leave.

Any deviation from assigned hours must have prior approval from the employee’s supervisor.

All employees are required to report to work dressed in a professional manner that reflects a positive image.

Terms of Employment

This position is treated as a full-time exempt certified position. The terms of your employment will be governed by applicable state laws regulating employment or teaching in a Nebraska public school and Board of Education policies, as those laws and policies may change from time to time. If your position is represented by a collective bargaining representative, then your employment will also be governed by a negotiated agreement between OPS and that collective bargaining representative.

Terms of employment are contingent upon:

Verification of a valid Nebraska Teaching License or other required license.

A background check which demonstrates background is acceptable for the position sought and working with or around students.

Verification of U.S. Citizenship or legal authorization to work in the United States.

Successful completion of a tuberculosis skin test (if required by federal law for your position).

Execution and delivery to OPS of an Administrator Contract presented by OPS.

Omaha Public Schools does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, religion, sex (including pregnancy), marital status, sexual orientation, disability, age, genetic information, gender identity, gender expression, citizenship status, veteran status, political affiliation or economic status in its programs, activities, employment, and provides equal access to the Boy Scouts and other designated youth groups. The following individual has been designated to handle inquiries regarding the non-discrimination policies: Director for the Office of Equity and Diversity, 3215 Cuming Street, Omaha, NE 68131. (531-299-0307)

The Omaha Public School District is committed to providing access and reasonable accommodation in its services, programs, activities, education, and employment for individuals with disabilities. To request disability accommodation in the application process please contact the human resources department at 531-299-0240.