| Location | Costa Mesa, CA |
Assistant Superintendent, Alternative Education at Orange County Department of Education
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Application Deadline
9/4/2026 11:55 PM Pacific
Date Posted
8/19/2026
Contact
Stephanie Thomas
Number of Openings
1
Salary
Pay dependent on experience
Length of Work Year
225 Days
Employment Type
Full Time
About the Employer
The Orange County Department of Education (OCDE) serves some of Orange County's most vulnerable student populations and provides support and mandated fiscal oversight to 28 school districts serving more than 600 schools and approximately 475,000 students. In addition to providing direct instruction to students through its own alternative and special education programs, OCDE administers an array of programs and services that are critical to the operations of local school districts and community colleges, facilitating professional development, legal guidance, payroll, career and technical education support, high-speed internet access, Local Control and Accountability Plan assistance and approval, resources for families, and student enrichment. OCDE's vision is that "Orange County students will lead the nation in college and career readiness and success." Department staff are working to achieve this goal in collaboration with educators at all levels of student development, from early childhood through higher education, and in partnership with families, businesses and community organizations.
Job Summary
Job Summary
The Orange County Department of Education (OCDE) is seeking a visionary, student-centered, and collaborative leader to serve as our next Assistant Superintendent, Alternative Education. This executive leadership opportunity is designed for an accomplished educational leader who is passionate about expanding opportunities and improving outcomes for students with diverse and unique needs. The Assistant Superintendent will provide strategic leadership and direction for OCDE's Alternative Education Division, guiding programs, schools, administrators, and services while fostering a culture of innovation, collaboration, accountability, and continuous improvement. The successful candidate will champion high-quality teaching and learning, use data strategically to strengthen student and organizational outcomes, develop and empower leaders, and cultivate meaningful partnerships with school districts, county agencies, families, community organizations, and other educational partners. We are looking for a leader who understands that alternative education is not simply an alternative pathway, it is an opportunity to reimagine what is possible for students. This individual will bring strong instructional leadership, sound judgment, a commitment to excellence, and the ability to inspire others around a shared vision for student success. If you are an experienced educational leader ready to influence programs across Orange County and help ensure every student has a meaningful pathway to success, we invite you to apply and join OCDE in shaping the future of Alternative Education.
View Job Description
Requirements / Qualifications
Education and Experience: Any combination of education and experience that would likely provide the required knowledge and abilities is qualifying. A typical way to obtain the knowledge and abilities would be: • A minimum of 6 years of experience in special education, including 3 years of administrative and supervisory experience or an equivalent combination of training and experience. • Master s degree in Education, including specialized training in educational administration, public administration, or a related field • Preferred Experience: Five (5) or more years of successful experience as a school principal, preferably within alternative education or programs serving diverse and high-need student populations, is highly desirable. Experience providing district level, county office, or comparable executive leadership with responsibility for multiple programs, sites, administrators, and/or organizational initiatives is also highly desirable.
Notice to Applicants: If you require accommodation in the application process, please inform us. Application Requirements A complete application must include the following: • Resume • Cover letter highlighting your qualifications, leadership experience, and interest in the position • Three (3) current letters of recommendation, including one from a current supervisor Selection Process • Applications will be carefully reviewed to identify candidates whose experience, qualifications, and leadership background most closely align with the requirements of the position and the needs of the Orange County Department of Education. • The most highly qualified candidates will be invited to participate in the interview and selection process. Please note: Incomplete applications or applications that do not include all required materials may not be considered.
Requirements / Qualifications
Education and Experience: Any combination of education and experience that would likely provide the required knowledge and abilities is qualifying. A typical way to obtain the knowledge and abilities would be: • A minimum of 6 years of experience in special education, including 3 years of administrative and supervisory experience or an equivalent combination of training and experience. • Master s degree in Education, including specialized training in educational administration, public administration, or a related field • Preferred Experience: Five (5) or more years of successful experience as a school principal, preferably within alternative education or programs serving diverse and high-need student populations, is highly desirable. Experience providing district level, county office, or comparable executive leadership with responsibility for multiple programs, sites, administrators, and/or organizational initiatives is also highly desirable.
Notice to Applicants: If you require accommodation in the application process, please inform us. Application Requirements A complete application must include the following: • Resume • Cover letter highlighting your qualifications, leadership experience, and interest in the position • Three (3) current letters of recommendation, including one from a current supervisor Selection Process • Applications will be carefully reviewed to identify candidates whose experience, qualifications, and leadership background most closely align with the requirements of the position and the needs of the Orange County Department of Education. • The most highly qualified candidates will be invited to participate in the interview and selection process. Please note: Incomplete applications or applications that do not include all required materials may not be considered.
Comments and Other Information
Resumes will not be accepted in lieu of the completed online application. Before receiving authorization to work in this position, the individual selected will be required to provide a current negative TB authorization, within the last 60 days, and submit fingerprints for the purpose of conducting a confidential background investigation and record check. The tests are arranged and paid for by OCDE. The Immigration Reform and Control Act of 1986 requires employers to verify the employability of all new employees. Before the Department will finalize an offer of employment, the candidate selected will be required to show original documents which establish both the individual's identity and employment authorization. The candidate must also sign a statement under penalty of perjury regarding his/her employability. We reserve the right to reopen, readvertise, or delay filling this position. AA/EOE/ADA
Comments and Other Information
Resumes will not be accepted in lieu of the completed online application. Before receiving authorization to work in this position, the individual selected will be required to provide a current negative TB authorization, within the last 60 days, and submit fingerprints for the purpose of conducting a confidential background investigation and record check. The tests are arranged and paid for by OCDE. The Immigration Reform and Control Act of 1986 requires employers to verify the employability of all new employees. Before the Department will finalize an offer of employment, the candidate selected will be required to show original documents which establish both the individual's identity and employment authorization. The candidate must also sign a statement under penalty of perjury regarding his/her employability. We reserve the right to reopen, readvertise, or delay filling this position. AA/EOE/ADA
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