FY27: Coordinator, Department of Special Education Compliance, Central

About the Role

Under the direction of the director of the Department of Special Education Compliance (DSEC), and in collaboration with the Office of the General Counsel/Legal Services, the Coordinator, Department of Special Education Compliance, Central (central compliance coordinator) provides leadership, coordination, and oversight of systemwide compliance functions related to federal and state special education laws and regulations, including Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act, and Code of Maryland Regulations (COMAR).

The central compliance coordinator supports the development, implementation, and monitoring of compliance processes across the district. This position supports the Resolution and Compliance Unit and coordinates with Cross-Functional Team (CFT) compliance coordinators on case assignment processes, workload planning, and compliance alignment; and meeting facilitation; provides functional guidance related to compliance and dispute resolution. The role coordinates the Dispute Resolution Committee, oversees administrative review processes, and supports proactive problem-solving related to special education and Section 504 concerns.

The central compliance coordinator serves as the district's Section 504 coordinator and oversees related processes, including dispute resolution. This position provides systemwide technical assistance and professional learning, oversees responses to state complaints and Office for Civil Rights (OCR) complaints in collaboration with Legal Services, monitors compliance indicators, and supports policy and regulatory development. The central compliance coordinator serves as the districtwide coordinator for compliance oversight and works in a level-alike partnership with the CFT Coordinator, with each role focusing on its respective area of responsibility without a supervisory relationship, both working under the supervision of the director.

Responsibilities

• Provide leadership, coordination, and oversight of systemwide compliance functions related to federal and state special education laws and regulations
• Support the Resolution and Compliance Unit and coordinate with Cross-Functional Team (CFT) compliance coordinators on case assignment processes, workload planning, and compliance alignment
• Facilitate meetings and provide functional guidance related to compliance and dispute resolution
• Coordinate the Dispute Resolution Committee and oversee administrative review processes
• Support proactive problem-solving related to special education and Section 504 concerns
• Serve as the district's Section 504 coordinator and oversee related processes, including dispute resolution
• Provide systemwide technical assistance and professional learning
• Oversee responses to state complaints and Office for Civil Rights (OCR) complaints in collaboration with Legal Services
• Monitor compliance indicators and support policy and regulatory development

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree from accredited college or university in any of the following areas: general education, special education, school administration, counseling, social work, legal studies, or public administration
• Juris Doctorate from an accredited law school strongly preferred
• Minimum of two years of progressive experience in one or more of the following areas: public school legal issues pertaining to state and federal special education regulations, student placement in special education programs, special education dispute resolution functions in a large school system or public sector organization
• Five years' experience in special education compliance required with experience in leading teams preferred
• Special education teacher certification and teaching experience would be beneficial
• Membership in, or eligibility for, the Maryland State Bar preferred
• Ability to obtain Observing and Analyzing Teaching I (OAT I) within one year of hire
• Ability to work a flexible schedule, including day or evening work such as occasional participation in evening, community meetings, board of education meetings, Individualized Education Programs (IEP) sessions or professional learning events
• Countywide travel may be required

Skills

• Thorough knowledge of federal and state special education laws and regulations and IEP procedures, including the IDEA, Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act, and COMAR requirements
• Thorough knowledge of districtwide compliance processes, dispute resolution procedures, and administrative review practices related to special education and Section 504
• Demonstrated ability to investigate, analyze, and respond to complaints, including state complaints and OCR complaints, and to support resolution processes
• Ability to prepare and support staff members to participate on behalf of the school system in special education mediations and other dispute resolution activities
• Strong ability to collect, analyze, and interpret data to monitor compliance, identify trends, and support decision-making across systemwide functions
• Ability to supervise, support, and motivate professional staff members and coordinate work across teams and departments
• Ability to design and deliver professional learning to central office and school-based administrators and staff to ensure compliance with legislative mandates and district expectations
• Strong leadership, coordination, organizational, interpersonal, and communication skills, including the ability to manage multiple priorities and complex processes
• Ability to guide cross-functional teams, facilitate meetings, support structured problem-solving, and provide technical assistance
• Knowledge or ability to quickly learn and apply the six leadership standards that have been established for MCAAP/MCBOA and knowledge of MCPS Teacher Professional Growth System and the supporting services Professional Growth System (PGS)
• Excellent writing, oral communication, and human relations skills, including the ability to prepare clear, concise reports and correspondence

Pay

The wage range for this position is between $127,566 and $181,559.

Schedule

Full-time, 12-month working months, day shift.