Director of Exceptional Student Services - Job #6695

Director of Exceptional Student Services - Job #6695 JobID: 1160 Position Type: Administration/DirectorDate Posted: 10/7/2026Location: Exceptional Student Services DepartmentDate Available: Hiring Now Additional Information: Show/HideLocated in beautiful southeast Arizona, Sierra Vista Unified School District is seeking passionate, dedicated individuals to join our team! Award-Winning District 5 Outstanding Schools Competitive Salaries Incentives Paid Holidays & Leave Exceptional Employee Benefits & Resources Culture of Caring & SupportApply Today & Make a Difference in Students' Lives. QUALIFICATIONS Current Arizona Department of Education Administrative Certification or eligibility to obtain.A minimum of two (2) years building level administrative experience, preferred.A minimum of five (5) years' experience as a Classroom Teacher, School Psychologist, or related services provider.Experience in grant management of State and Federal funds in the last three (3) years, preferred.Knowledge, skill and or experience in the implementation of Positive Behavior Intervention Supports (PBIS) strategies or be willing to receive training in those strategiesKNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES Ability to demonstrate strong leadership skills.Strong organizational and record-keeping skills.Ability to communicate effectively verbally and in writing, including grant and report writing.Ability to follow written and/or verbal instructions.Skilled in supervision and evaluation of staff.Knowledge of special education laws and implementation of special education programs and processes with the maximum consideration of inclusion and least restrictive environment.Knowledge of laws and implementing processes as they relate to all programs within the department.Experience in grant management and budgeting processes.Knowledge of current research in educational leadership and school reform.Knowledge of special education disabilities and the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) and ability to ensure District procedures are in legal compliance.Knowledge of teaching methods and techniques as they relate to all programs within department.Ability to develop and implement training. Ability to demonstrate interpersonal and problem-solving skills.Ability to operate computer equipment for email communications, word processing, data management, and other assigned tasks as related to the position.Ability to apply common sense understanding to solve practical problems and deal with a variety of situations.Ability to work cooperatively and courteously with staff, students, parents, and community members.Utilize, with fidelity, the District Positive Behavior Intervention Support (PBIS) program at the building level.Ability to understand and maintain students' and parents' rights to confidentiality and not violate those rights; nor discuss students in inappropriate places or with anyone not in direct contact with such individual students.Ensure information obtained through the course of duties associated with this position, is held in the highest of confidentiality.Perform all duties in accordance with Federal and State laws, district procedures, and Board policies, including mandatory reporting procedures. Disclaimer: The following duties are not intended to be all inclusive of every task or responsibility performed by employees in this classification, only a representative summary of primary duties and responsibilities. Incumbent(s) may not be required to perform all duties listed and may be required to perform additional position-specific duties.PRIMARY DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIESProvide program oversight and leadership, establish procedures, and ensure compliance with pertinent State and Federal laws, rules, and regulations as they apply to the programs within the Exceptional Student Services (ESS) Department including Special Education, Preschool, English Learner, Gifted, School Counseling, and the Nursing program.Oversee and manage the daily activities of the ESS Department and supervise and evaluate department staff.Responsible for the design, delivery, and evaluation of special education programs to increase student growth and accomplish IEP goals.Accountable for aligning all programming and instruction with Arizona's College and Career Ready Standards, best practices, current curriculum adoptions, state assessment, relevant state regulations, and federal laws.Collaborate with district and school administrators in administering and coordinating activities and programs associated with the department.Monitor department budgets including preschool allocations, expenditures, fund balances, related financial activities, accuracy of grants, recording of revenues, and expenditures aligned with fiscal processes and practices. Responsible for the development, implementation, and monitoring of Child Find policies, procedures, and practices.Oversight of school health offices to ensure processes are aligned with health standards proper maintenance of health records, immunization compliance, managing illness outbreaks, and communicating with the Arizona Department of Health Services as required.Create a comprehensive guidance and counseling program to meet student educational development, personal/social development, and career development needs, aligned with school counseling guidelines and processes.Interpret Federal and State mandates and advise the Superintendent regarding compliance with these mandates in testing, placement and programming for Special Education students, preschool, SEI/ELL, Gifted, and other programs.Supervise the preparation of proposals, requests for grants, and management of grant funding for all programs.Refer students to outside professional personnel or agencies for assessment or evaluation as circumstances dictate within the parameters established by proper authority.Design and implement a district-wide plan for evaluating the curriculum, the instructional program, and student success in special programs.Provide supervision and evaluation of assigned personnel within the department's programs.Responsible for District Compliance Officer duties for Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973Establish a district-wide special education advisory committee.Remain current on policies, regulations, and best practices of all assigned programs. PHYSICAL DEMANDSThe physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of the job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is required to reach with hands and arms, sit, stand, walk, stoop, and bend as necessary. The employee may lift, carry, push, pull, or otherwise move objects weighing a minimum of 10 pounds and could occasionally lift or move up to 20 pounds. The employee will read correspondence and computer screens, and use the telephone. WORK ENVIRONMENTIndoor environment. This position regularly works indoors. The noise level in the work environment is quiet to moderate and may become excessively noisy at times. Will have substantial contact with parents, students, staff, and the public.ORGANIZATIONAL RELATIONSHIPSThe Director of Exceptional Student Services reports to the Superintendent and serves as a member of the Cabinet.The Director of Exceptional Student Services has direct line supervisory relationship with psychologists, speech therapists, occupational therapists, physical therapists, adapted physical education specialists, behavior specialists, and other personnel reporting to this position, and serves as the district-level contact person for the District School Nurse Coordinator, English Language Learner program and Guidance Counselors. The Director of Exceptional Student Services will interact cooperatively with all administrators and other staff positions. All elements of good human relations will be practiced. TERMS OF EMPLOYMENT VIEW THE ADMINISTRATIVE WAGE PLACEMENT PLAN WORK YEAR: 12 Month Contract EXEMPTION STATUS: Exempt BENEFITS SVUSD offers a competitive benefits package that includes health, dental, vision, and supplemental insurance options available at an additional cost to employees. Benefits also include paid leave, paid holidays, paid life insurance, and an equal contribution to the Arizona State Retirement plan. For more details, please visit the Join Our Team and Benefits web pages. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION, CONTACTHuman Resources - 515-2760 or human.resources@svps.k12.az.usNON-DISCRIMINATION/EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYERThe Sierra Vista Unified School District does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, disability, age or sexual orientation in admission and access to its programs, services, activities, or in any aspect of their operations and provides equal access to the Boy Scouts and other designated youth groups. The Sierra Vista Unified School District also does not discriminate in its hiring or employment practices. Inquiries may be directed to the Title IX Coordinator or the Section 504/ADA Coordinator at 3305 E. Fry Blvd., Sierra Vista AZ, 85635 or 520-515-2700.