Executive Director of Special Populations

About the role

You will serve as Oakland County's Chief Special Education Officer, providing visionary leadership for one of the state's largest and most complex special education systems. Lead the strategic direction, compliance, and continuous improvement of special education programs and services, ensuring alignment with federal and state requirements, the ISD Plan, and PA 18 Agreement. Advise executive leadership and partner with local superintendents and boards to drive innovative, student-centered solutions that improve outcomes for students with IEPs. Oversee countywide special education instruction, compliance, professional learning, assistive technology, and technical assistance while serving as a trusted advocate for public education and inclusive practices across Oakland County.

Responsibilities

• Lead the strategic direction, operations, and continuous improvement of countywide special education programs and services.
• Oversee departmental budgets, IDEA grants, and financial compliance with state and federal requirements.
• Build strategic partnerships with districts, community agencies, and stakeholder groups to advance student outcomes.
• Direct the development of innovative programs, system reviews, and countywide improvement initiatives.
• Recruit, mentor, and develop special education leaders while overseeing all personnel and performance management functions.
• Design and deliver professional learning and technical assistance to strengthen special education leadership and practice across Oakland County.

Requirements

• Master’s Degree in Special Education required.
• Valid MDE required endorsements as the Special Education Director with Building Administrative or Central Office Certification.
• 5 years’ experience as Special Education or ISD Director.
• Must meet all continuing education requirements as defined by MDE.
• Ability to maintain and apply up-to-date knowledge of rules and regulations associated with federal and state programs in area of assignment regarding Special Education.
• Ability to maintain and apply-up-to-date knowledge of current theory, research, methodology, and legislation in appropriate fields of assignment regarding Special Education.

Qualifications

• Strategic vision, operational expertise, and collaborative leadership necessary to excel in the following areas:
• Lead the strategic direction, operations, and continuous improvement of countywide special education programs and services.
• Oversee departmental budgets, IDEA grants, and financial compliance with state and federal requirements.
• Build strategic partnerships with districts, community agencies, and stakeholder groups to advance student outcomes.
• Direct the development of innovative programs, system reviews, and countywide improvement initiatives.
• Recruit, mentor, and develop special education leaders while overseeing all personnel and performance management functions.
• Design and deliver professional learning and technical assistance to strengthen special education leadership and practice across Oakland County.

Skills

• Strategic planning and implementation skills.
• Collaborative leadership and partnership building.
• Financial management and budgeting.
• Special education program development and innovation.
• Professional development and training delivery.

Benefits

• Pension Plan.
• Full Health Coverage.
• Employer-paid dental, vision, life insurance, short and long-term disability, and well-being benefits.
• Wellbeing Program.
• Professional Learning Opportunities.
• Flexible Vacation Time.
• Additional Life Insurance.
• Access to the Student Loan Repayment Program (PSLF) for loan forgiveness in public service.

Pay

$137,537 - $159,501 salary based on relevant prior work experience, with the potential to earn up to $171,765 after employment with Oakland Schools.

Schedule

Exempt position / 12-month work year.

Why Work for OS?

• Built-in vacation, including time off for winter and spring break and generous leave time, so you can have a healthy work-life balance.
• Opportunity to enroll in a pension plan to help support your financial stability.
• Various professional learning opportunities to advance your skill sets with education development.
• Flexible vacation time.
• Preferred pricing on pet insurance, legal coverage for most of your legal needs.
• Access to the Student Loan Repayment Program (PSLF) for loan forgiveness in public service.

Who We Are

Oakland Schools (OS) is an Intermediate School District (ISD) focused on providing educational and technology services to local school districts in a cost-effective manner to provide students with a superior education. We also operate our Oakland Schools Technical Campuses (OSTC) and Virtual Learning Academy Consortium (VLAC).

How to Apply

To apply, please use the Oakland Human Resource Consortium (OHRC) website. You will need to make an account on the OHRC website to apply. To access this application click the position title below: Executive Director of Special Populations.

Position Deadline

Applications will be accepted until July 6, 2026, or until the position is filled.

Contact Information

To learn more about us, visit https://www.oakland.k12.mi.us/about.
For questions regarding this position, please contact HRRecruiting@oakland.k12.mi.us.
For questions or complaints regarding unlawful discrimination or harassment, employees should contact the Assistant Superintendent of Human Resources, Personnel Management and Labor Relations at (248) 209-2429 or HR@oakland.k12.mi.us.
Students and others should contact the Civil Rights/Title IX Coordinator at (248) 209-2185.

EEO Statement

In accordance with state and federal law, Oakland Schools does not discriminate, nor permit discrimination, on the basis of race, color, national origin, ethnicity, religion, sex, pregnancy or parental status, gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, disability, age, height, weight, marital status, military service, veteran status, genetic information, or any other legally protected status, in its educational programs and activities, employment, or enrollment. The District also provides equal access to the Boy Scouts and other designated youth groups.