Deputy Executive Director - Operations - Exceptional Student Education

Location: 4701 McKinley, Detroit MI 48208

Salary: $111,190 - $159,276

Reports to: Senior Executive Director, Exceptional Student Education or designee

About the role

The Deputy Executive Director of Exceptional Student Education (ESE) serves as a key member of the ESE executive leadership team and supports the Senior Executive Director in providing strategic and operational leadership across the division. This position provides oversight for assigned ESE departments, programs, leaders, and strategic initiatives, ensuring effective implementation of District priorities and compliance with applicable federal and state special education requirements. The Deputy Executive Director leads efforts related to operational effectiveness, staffing, professional learning, program implementation, compliance initiatives, and continuous improvement.

Working collaboratively with ESE leadership, school administrators, Human Resources, Finance, Operations, and other District departments, the position establishes systems of accountability, monitors progress toward division goals, resolves barriers impacting schools and families, and supports high-quality services and outcomes for students with disabilities.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's Degree required. Master's Degree strongly preferred (Educational Leadership, Special Education, Public Administration, or a related field preferred).
• Minimum of five (5) years of professional experience, including a minimum of three (3) years of supervisory experience and experience leading operations at scale.
• Preference for administrative experience in public education.
• Demonstrated experience designing, building, and implementing organization-wide systems, processes, and continuous improvement initiatives.
• Demonstrated experience leading recruitment and staffing, professional learning (including paraprofessional training), parent and family engagement, and constituent response.
• Demonstrated experience developing, tracking, and reporting Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) or Objectives and Key Results (OKRs) and using data to drive decision-making.
• Strong organizational skills and the ability to model effective organizational systems for others.
• Excellent interpersonal, oral, and written communication skills, and strong customer service skills.

Responsibilities

• Systems & Continuous Improvement
  • Provide executive leadership and oversight for all ESE operations, ensuring the organization runs smoothly and strategically.
  • Design, build, and continuously improve systems, structures, and processes across all of ESE to strengthen the quality, consistency, and efficiency of work organization-wide.
  • Develop, refine, and implement operations policies, administrative guidelines, and manuals; ensure adherence and recommend improvements as needed.
• People & Talent
  • Lead ESE staff recruitment and staffing strategy in partnership with the Office of Human Resources; oversee job postings, hiring processes, and onboarding to ensure ESE is fully and appropriately staffed.
  • Oversee the development and delivery of paraprofessional (para) training and professional learning; monitor completion and effectiveness and adjust based on data.
  • Supervise, coach, and evaluate operational directors, supervisors, and staff; build and sustain a high-performing operations team.
• Family & Constituent Engagement
  • Lead ESE parent and family engagement strategy and initiatives to strengthen partnerships between families and the District.
  • Direct the constituent response system and serve as a senior point of escalation for constituent questions and concerns, ensuring timely, high-quality resolution.
  • Oversee internal communication with all ESE staff, ensuring information is shared clearly, consistently, and in a timely manner across the organization.
• Data, Systems & Accountability
  • Provide management-level oversight of ESE Information Systems and student data, including Medicaid billing, student placement, and the administration of PowerSchool Special Programs, ensuring accuracy, integrity, security, and compliance.
  • Establish, track, and report Key Performance Indicators (KPIs); analyze operational data and produce reports for ESE and District leadership that conspicuously identify problem areas and drive continuous improvement.
• Operational Oversight & Support
  • Oversee operational support for enrollment, facilities, field trips, special events, Special Olympics, and ESE technology, as applicable.
  • Support the ESE department with the development and execution of crisis management plans; assist on-site and remotely in the event of a crisis.
  • Ensure documented policies and guidelines related to investigations of alleged student misconduct, staff misconduct, or Title IX matters are followed; liaise with relevant central office departments when necessary.
  • Collaborate with and support ESE central office and school-level administrators to manage and resolve conflict among constituents in a timely manner.
  • Proactively and consistently communicate with the Senior Executive Director and ESE Lead Administrators regarding operational matters requiring immediate follow-up.
  • Perform other duties as assigned by the Senior Executive Director or designee.

Benefits

• Benefits eligible

Schedule

This is a site-based position. Telecommuting may be permitted on an occasional basis but is not a regular arrangement.

Security clearance required for external applicants in alignment with Michigan law.