Senior Director of Special Education

POSITION AVAILABLE:   Senior Director of Special Education
POSITION LOCATION: SWWC Service Cooperative with placement in the SWWC Region.
POSITION SUMMARY: The Senior Director of Special Education provides leadership to the Department of Special Education and is responsible for the development, implementation, and evaluation of all SWWC special education programs and services.

MAJOR RESPONSIBILITIES AND DUTIES:

·        Develops and implements a comprehensive strategic vision for SWWC’s special education programs and services.

·        Leads the coordination, supervision, and evaluation of special education services, ensuring quality and compliance with state and federal regulations.

·        Develops policies and procedures for special education programs while ensuring adherence to all applicable laws and regulations.

·        Works closely with school district superintendents, principals, administrators to support high-quality special education services.

·        Works with the Department of Teaching and Learning and the Department of Behavioral Health Services to develop and implement a comprehensive system of educational programs and services that integrates both special and general education requirements.

·        Establishes effective communication channels with internal and external stakeholders, including educators, community agencies, and government departments.

·        Implements planning, evaluation, and program development processes to drive continuous improvement.

·        Plans, implements, and evaluates training programs for special education staff to enhance service quality.

·        Develops and manages the Department of Special Education’s budget, ensuring efficient use of resources.

·        Represents SWWC in local, state, and federal advocacy efforts related to special education.

QUALIFICATIONS:   Master’s degree with 6-year certificate or licensure with considerable experience in a job-related field is required.  Minnesota licensure as a Director of Special Education from Department of Education and valid driver’s license is also required.

SALARY: This full-time (260-day) position begins on July 1, 2025, for the 2025-2026 school year with a salary range of $120,000 to $150,000. Salary commensurate with education, qualifications, abilities, and experience. The role includes excellent benefits, details of which can be found here.

APPLICATION MATERIALS: Complete online application at www.swwc.org/application and include cover letter, application form, copies of licenses (if applicable), college transcripts, resume, and two letters of reference.

QUESTIONS ABOUT APPLICATION/REQUEST COMPLETE JOB DESCRIPTION/ REQUEST AN ACCOMMODATION: Contact Kari Bailey, Staffing Coordinator at 507-828-6374 or [email protected] .

QUESTIONS ABOUT POSITION:  Contact Abby Polzine, Director of Human Resources at 507-537-2243 or [email protected].

DUE DATE FOR APPLICATIONS: Initial review of applications will begin on March 10, 2025, and will continue until the position is filled.

WHAT IS THE SWWC?  The Southwest West Central Service Cooperative is a regional service agency committed to advancing the work of our members (schools, cities, counties, and other governmental agencies).  With a focus on service, integrity, sincerity and collaboration, we are committed to building relationships with our members to ensure we are a collaborative partner providing exceptional services, innovative solutions and proactive support. Our vision is to create a future where children, families schools and communities learn, succeed and thrive. Authorized by MN Statute as a regional resource for our members; we are a public agency that provides a comprehensive range of educational and administrative programs and services to our members.

EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY:  It is the policy of the Southwest West Central Service Cooperative (SWWC) to provide equal employment opportunity for all, without discrimination on the basis of race, color, creed, religion, national origin, sex, marital status, status with regard to public assistance, familial status, membership or activity in a local commission, disability, sexual orientation or age.

DIVERSITY STATEMENT:   SWWC’s mission is to support and enhance the work of our members by providing programs and services to meet their needs.  To support and enhance all of our members, we need to embrace and celebrate all of our members.  SWWC works to identify unique frameworks within the various communities we serve and actively responds by adjusting our practices to meet the ever changing needs.  We strive to recruit diverse and inclusive teams that will have a positive impact on our programs and services and help us better serve our members, customers and employees.