Uncommon Schools is a nonprofit network of high-performing, public charter schools providing an outstanding K-12 education in historically under-resourced communities. We have proudly built schools that reflect our student population, with more than 60% of our teachers and staff across our network identifying as a person of color. Uncommon currently manages 55 schools serving more than 21,000 students in six cities: Boston, Camden, New York City, Newark, Rochester, and Troy. We are proud that Uncommon graduates persist in and graduate from college at five times the rate of their peers nationally. We achieve this by offering strong academic, co-curricular, and social-emotional learning that prepares students for success in college and beyond.

Location: Flexible to one of Uncommon’s Regions

General Summary

The Senior Director of Student Support Services will lead a team of six regional directors who will work collaboratively to ensure that all students with Individualized Education Plans (IEPs), 504 plans and English Language Learners (ELLs) thrive academically, socially, and emotionally during their k-12 school experience and in their post-secondary lives.  The Senior Director of Student Support Services will manage each regional Special Education Director to draft a long-range plan that provides students the opportunity to learn in a least restrictive environment providing supplemental services, integrated co-teaching, and self-contained according to each student’s needs. 

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

Strategic Planning:

• Execute on a vision for how regional team and schools support Special Education and English Language Learners students to meet ambitious achievement and persistence goals.

• Develop long and short-range English Language Learners and Special Education plans/programs and annual budget for the purpose of ensuring that each region’s resources are effectively utilized, and to improve student achievement for all students. 

• Develop a human capital strategy and pipeline that will ensure Uncommon has a strong pool of certified Special Education and English Language Learners teachers, with content expertise, year over year.

• Establish a vision and strategy for the professional development of Special Education and English Language Learners Teachers and leaders, as well as General Education Teachers who teach Special Education and English Language Learners, including coaching and professional development

• Develop systems to track and monitor progress of students with special needs to accurately communicate the progress with key stakeholders (students, staff, and families)

Compliance and Risk Management:

• In coordination with outside council, provide risk management analysis.

• Ensure schools have access to the systems, support and training needed to execute on district and state compliance requirements for special education and English Language Learners 

Fundraising:

• Work with the development team to identify and secure philanthropic funds to support students with disabilities, English Language Learners, and social and emotional learning

• Manage the special education team to meet or exceed all grant milestones

• Represent Uncommon externally to current and perspective funders

Budget Development:

• Create and manage the Home Office Special Education Budget to align with yearly strategic priorities

• Collaborate on the 6 regional team special education budgets to ensure schools have the staff and materials needed to serve students

Program Development:

• Secure and distribute exemplary curriculum for self-contained, modified classes for k-12

• Build upon the current success of the co-teaching program to scale it to additional campuses

• Promotes the integration of career research and work-based learning opportunities into CTE and academic courses; Promotes the use of technology for career planning and research;

• Design a rigorous high school program for overage, under credited high school students. This includes a pathway to a high school diploma and a non-traditional, post-secondary program.  

Team Management:

• Manage a team of 6 Regional Directors and a Senior Associate Director of Special Education and English Language Learners

• Must exhibit excellent oral and written communication skills. 

• Must have superior interpersonal skills 

• Ability to research and quickly develop knowledge of state law with regard to English Language Learners and Special Education students in Massachusetts, New Jersey and New York. 

• Must be a self-starter and possess strong analytical and problem-solving skills. 

• Must have strong long range strategic planning and budget development skill.

• Demonstrated ability to organize and work independently as a leader and as part of a team.

• Strong relationship builder who will form bonds with regional directors, school leaders, Special Education Coordinators, Executive Team and local advocacy groups.

Education & Experience Required

• Requires a bachelor’s degree. Master’s degree preferred. 

• Special Education and Teacher of English as a second language certification (preferred)

• 7+ years of experience in k-12 education as a senior leader

• Deep familiarity with the Instructional and Operational Components of Special Education and English Language Learners

• Budget development and financial management experience

• Experience in leading change management in a large organization.