About KIPP Kansas City Public Schools:

KIPP Kansas City Public Schools is part of a nationwide network of free, open-enrollment, college-preparatory charter schools dedicated to preparing students in educationally underserved communities for success in college and life. Our strength as a region serves as a catalyst for empowerment, change, and hope.

Founded in 2007, KIPP Kansas City Public Schools began with KIPP Endeavor Academy, serving approximately 31 fifth-grade students. Today, we educate approximately 1,000 students from Pre-K through 12th grade, with our community continuing to expand. Together with families and communities, we strive to create joyful, academically excellent schools that equip students with the skills and confidence to pursue their chosen paths—whether college, career, or beyond—so they can lead fulfilling lives and contribute to a more just world.

Position Overview:

The Director of Special Services will lead and manage special education programming, ensuring compliance with federal and state regulations while supporting high-quality instruction and services for students with disabilities. This role will work collaboratively with school leaders, teachers, and student support staff to drive student achievement and provide equitable access to education for all learners.

Key Responsibilities:

• Leadership & Management

  • Oversee and manage the special education program across all KIPP Kansas City schools, ensuring alignment with organizational goals and compliance with IDEA, ADA, Section 504, and other relevant laws.
  • Supervise and support special education staff, including interventionists, SPED teachers, and related service providers.
  • Collaborate with school leaders to implement inclusive practices that support students with disabilities in general education settings.

• Program Oversight & Compliance

  • Ensure the development, implementation, and monitoring of Individualized Education Programs (IEPs) and 504 Plans.
  • Conduct audits to ensure compliance with federal and state mandates, including documentation, timelines, and services.
  • Provide leadership during state and district reviews or audits of special education programming.

• Professional Development

  • Design and deliver training for teachers, school leaders, and student support staff to enhance understanding and implementation of special education best practices.
  • Mentor and coach special education teams to build capacity and improve instructional effectiveness.

• Collaboration & Advocacy

  • Serve as the primary liaison between KIPP Kansas City and external partners, including families, districts, and other service providers.
  • Advocate for students with disabilities and their families, ensuring their voices are heard and their needs are met.

• Data-Driven Decision-Making

  • Use student achievement and compliance data to evaluate program effectiveness and drive continuous improvement.
  • Monitor key performance indicators (e.g., academic progress, service delivery rates, compliance timelines) to guide strategic planning.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in education, special education, or a related field (Master’s degree preferred).
• Missouri certification in special education preferred; administrative certification preferred.
• Minimum of 4 years of experience in special education, including teaching, case management, or program oversight.

Skills and Competencies: 

• Commitment to KIPP KC’s mission and values
• Ability to work collaboratively in a diverse environment
• Demonstrates a commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion
• Fosters an inclusive environment for students, staff, and families
• Works effectively with colleagues and stakeholders
• Builds strong relationships within the KIPP KC community
• Deep knowledge of special education laws, policies, and best practice.
• Strong leadership, coaching, and communication skills.

Physical Requirements: 

• The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this position. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the functions. 
• The person in this position needs to be able to move about inside and outside the school or office throughout the workday.
• The candidate is expected to attend conferences, meetings and training sessions both virtually and in person within the Region. 

Work Environment

• Reports to work Monday-Friday and some weekends. 
• A typical school or office environment with frequent interruptions.

Travel Requirements:

• Ability to travel to work location. 

Compensation and Benefits:

Salary is based on years of experience, educational background, and level of expertise.

As a full-time KIPP Kansas City employee, you are eligible to participate in all KIPP Kansas City benefit plans. We offer a comprehensive range of benefits with competitive rates, including medical, dental, and vision options, as well as life insurance, fertility, and disability plans.

KIPP Kansas City is committed to the professional growth and development of our staff. We provide numerous opportunities for advancement, ongoing professional development, and leadership training to help you achieve your career goals.

KIPP Kansas City provides equal employment opportunities for all applicants and employees. As an equal opportunity employer, we hire without consideration of race, religion, creed, color, national origin, age, gender, sexual orientation, marital status, veteran status, or disability.