Executive Director of Education

Responsibilities

• Serves as a member of the Senior Leadership Team of The Children’s Institute and contributes to organizational planning, growth strategies, operational excellence, and mission advancement.
• Identifies opportunities for program expansion, innovation, and strategic partnerships that enhance services and support organizational growth.
• Develops and communicates a clear vision for The Day School that promotes student success, educational excellence, innovation, inclusion, and continuous improvement.
• Leads and supports organizational change initiatives within The Day School and across The Children’s Institute, ensuring thoughtful planning, communication, and implementation.
• Drives organizational change by effectively managing transitions, fostering stakeholder alignment, and maintaining team engagement.
• Provides clear direction and stability during periods of transition, helping staff navigate change with confidence, clarity, and purpose.
• Oversees the planning, implementation, evaluation, and continuous improvement of educational programming and services.
• Ensures curriculum, instruction, assessment, and interventions align with Pennsylvania standards, special education regulations, and evidence-based practices.
• Develops and oversees performance metrics to evaluate student achievement, behavioral outcomes, attendance, program effectiveness, and organizational goal attainment.
• Oversees student placement, classroom grouping, staffing models, scheduling, and Extended School Year (ESY) programming.
• Directs all school operations to ensure effective, efficient, safe, and compliant educational services.
• Recruits, hires, supervises, develops, evaluates, and retains highly qualified staff committed to the mission and values of the organization.
• Provides leadership, mentorship, coaching, and performance management for school leaders and employees.
• Builds strong relationships with students, families, school districts, referral sources, and community partners.
• Serves as an advocate for students and families while promoting exceptional educational experiences and outcomes.

Qualifications

• Master’s Degree in Special Education, Educational Leadership, School Administration, or related field from an accredited college or university required.
• Doctoral degree preferred.
• Pennsylvania or equivalent non-PA Certification in Special Education required.
• Pennsylvania or equivalent non-PA Principal K–12 Certification or Supervisor of Special Education required PK-12.
• Prefer Superintendent Letter of Eligibility and/or Supervisor of Special Education Certification.
• Current CPR and First Aid Certification required or obtained upon hire.
• Clearances Required: Act 73 FBI, Act 34 Criminal Clearance, and Act 33 Child Abuse Clearance
• Minimum of ten (10) years of progressive experience in special education or related educational programming is required.
• Minimum of five (5) years of successful educational leadership and administrative experience required, preferably within a special education setting.
• Experience overseeing multidisciplinary teams, educational operations, and strategic initiatives preferred.

Benefits

We're proud to offer generous benefits to our team members. Regular full-time team members are eligible for the following benefits:

• Medical and Prescription insurance - Choice of two health plans and networks
• Dental and Vision - Free coverage for team members
• Paid Time Off (PTO) and Holidays
• Medical, Bereavement, Educational, & Personal Leaves
• Parental leave (birth & adoption) paid - 6 weeks
• 403b Retirement Plan - pre-tax & Roth options; employer match after 1 year
• Student Loan Refinancing Program
• Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program - CI qualifies as non-profit
• Education Assistance/Tuition Reimbursement
• Professional Development/CEU’s
• Life and Short- & Long-Term Disability insurance
• Credit Union
• Team Member Recognition Events
• Referral bonus
• CPR - employer paid
• Travel mileage reimbursement at federal rate

About the Role

The Children's Institute of Pittsburgh is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We serve a diverse population of children and families, and we want our workforce to reflect that same diversity. We want all interested individuals to feel welcome in applying for a career at our amazing place – we can't wait to meet you!