Associate Director of Special Education

About the Role

The Associate Director of Education is responsible for the ongoing operations and the universal life skills curriculum/programming across The Guild School. This role ensures the completion of activities related to staff supervision, evaluation, IEP program development and implementation, reporting and monitoring, and oversight of all systems within and connected to the assigned department(s). The Associate Director assures the overall curriculum and programming of the school is safe, educational, and student-centered, providing a healthy, educational, and safe environment where students can develop relationships, learn new skills, and be treated with dignity.

Responsibilities

• Provide transparent, trauma-based leadership for assigned staff and students receiving services.
• Develop and coordinate implementation and training for the Guild’s functional life skills school curriculum, including transitional, financial, and functional literacy skills.
• Develop and coordinate implementation and training for the Guild’s community curriculum, including recreational and vocational skills.
• Participate in and facilitate internal and external meetings to ensure effective student programs are developed, implemented, and evaluated.
• Create systems for effective consultation with Guild School specialists and program consultants to incorporate recommendations and treatment modalities into supervised programs.
• Ensure all school-wide programming is coordinated, safe, communicated, and educationally aligned, as evidenced by master school schedules and improved student outcomes.
• Manage and coordinate all external community education experiences.
• Collaborate with Human Resources for department hiring, promotions, and overall hiring needs across the school.
• Review and approve corrective action plans, disciplinary action plans, and evaluations before they are presented to staff.
• Ensure orientation, onboarding, and training for new staff.
• Provide on-call supervision and emergency response to Guild classrooms and locations.
• Ensure all department members receive supervision and professional development in their areas of expertise.
• Ensure youth school classrooms comply with all mandates of DEEC, DESE, and DCF (e.g., staffing ratios, student care, fire drills).
• Support the staffing and payroll process.
• Participate in off-site evaluations as part of the admissions process and ensure department staff develop supports for new students.
• Interact effectively with stakeholders concerned with student placement/progress, such as referring agencies, parents, guardians, and advocates.
• Assist with planning department and division special events.

Requirements

• Master’s degree in special education. Strong preference for special education administration or ability/willingness to obtain licensure.
• Five (5) years of experience providing services to children/adolescents with mental health diagnoses and/or developmental disabilities.
• Demonstrated supervisory and administrative skills.
• Knowledge of and experience with special education law and processes.
• Excellent organization and time management skills.
• Ability to manage numerous details and understand multiple regulatory standards.
• Knowledge of Massachusetts regulatory standards; preferred experience in compliance with DEEC, DCF, and DESE.
• Valid driver’s license.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite, case management software, and other electronic tools.
• Undergo a background record check process.

Benefits

• Excellent health benefits (medical, dental, vision).
• Employer contribution to retirement plan after 2 years of employment.
• Generous paid time off.
• Collaborative work environment that values new insights and personal contributions.
• Opportunities for professional development and growth.