Assistant Director - ESE Compliance - Exceptional Student Education

Location: Central Office

Salary: $81,929 - $111,190

Reports to: Senior Director of ESE Compliance, Exceptional Student Education

Telecommuting: Eligible for telecommuting up to 20% (one day per week)

About the Role

The Assistant Director of Exceptional Student Education (ESE) Compliance serves under the direction of the Senior Director of ESE Compliance to provide leadership in the coordination, implementation, monitoring, and continuous improvement of special education compliance across the District. This position ensures the District maintains full compliance with IDEA, Section 504, MARSE, and all applicable federal, state, and District requirements. The Assistant Director provides leadership in developing, implementing, and monitoring district-wide compliance systems to ensure timely IEP Team meetings, accurate documentation, procedural safeguards, and appropriate service delivery. The position oversees compliance concerns by identifying root causes, implementing corrective action plans, and monitoring sustained compliance. The Assistant Director collaborates with school and District leadership to ensure disciplinary protections are consistently implemented, including MDRs, FBAs, BIPs, and IDEA disciplinary procedures. The position provides professional learning, coaching, and technical assistance while monitoring compliance data and leading continuous improvement efforts to achieve and sustain 100 percent compliance.

Responsibilities

• Assist in leading the implementation, monitoring, and continuous improvement of district-wide special education compliance systems.
• Monitor compliance with IDEA, Section 504, MARSE, and all applicable federal, state, and district laws, regulations, and policies.
• Oversee compliance related to evaluations, reevaluations, annual IEPs, procedural safeguards, service implementation, and state-required timelines.
• Analyze compliance data and performance metrics to identify trends, monitor district performance, and develop corrective action plans.
• Support the implementation and monitoring of district compliance initiatives, strategic priorities, KPIs, and continuous improvement efforts.
• Provide leadership, coaching, and technical assistance to school administrators, special education staff, and district personnel regarding special education requirements and best practices.
• Review compliance concerns, investigate reported issues, identify root causes, and recommend appropriate corrective actions.
• Monitor disciplinary procedures for students with disabilities, including Manifestation Determination Reviews (MDRs), Functional Behavioral Assessments (FBAs), Behavior Intervention Plans (BIPs), and other IDEA disciplinary requirements.
• Assist in preparing documentation and responses for state complaints, corrective action plans, audits, due process hearings, and monitoring activities.
• Develop, coordinate, and facilitate professional learning related to compliance, procedural requirements, and special education best practices.
• Collaborate with district departments, school leadership, and external agencies to improve compliance systems and student outcomes.
• Utilize student information systems, electronic IEP platforms, compliance dashboards, and other data systems to monitor performance and ensure data accuracy.
• Prepare reports, presentations, and recommendations for district leadership regarding compliance trends, risks, and improvement efforts.
• Maintain confidentiality of student records and sensitive information in accordance with applicable laws and district policies.
• Perform other duties and special projects as assigned in support of the Exceptional Student Education Division.

Requirements

• Master's degree or higher in Special Education, Educational Leadership, Education Administration, or related field.
• Valid Michigan teaching certificate with special education endorsement.
• Approved or eligible for Supervisor of Special Education approval.
• Minimum five (5) years of progressively responsible special education experience.
• Knowledge of IDEA, Section 504, MARSE, and related laws.
• Experience supporting compliance with evaluations, IEPs, procedural safeguards, discipline, and timelines.
• Experience providing professional learning and technical assistance.
• Excellent interpersonal, facilitation, communication, and problem-solving skills.
• Proficiency with Microsoft 365, electronic IEP systems, SIS platforms, and data systems.
• Urban district experience preferred.

Benefits

• Benefits eligible