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Date Closing: 11/14/2025

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• Job Description

Position Title: Executive Director of Student Services
Reports to: Superintendent 
FLSA Status: Exempt
Department: Student Services

Job Summary
Under the direction of the Superintendent, the Executive Director of Student Services provides visionary leadership and strategic oversight for all student support programs in the district, ensuring equitable access and success for every learner. This position is responsible for the development, coordination, and continuous improvement of special education, Section 504, ADSIS, health services, homebound instruction, and nonpublic school programs. The Executive Director ensures compliance with state and federal laws, including IDEA, Section 504, and ADA, while fostering an inclusive educational environment that reflects the district’s mission, vision, and strategic goals.

Salary Range: $160,000 - 180,000

Application Process
To be considered for the position, submit online application at www.sspps.org.  Posting will remain open until the position is filled.

 
Job Duties

1. Provide district-wide leadership and administrative oversight for all Student Services programs, including special education, health services, Section 504, ADSIS, homebound, and nonpublic school programs.
2. Develop, implement, and evaluate programs and policies that ensure equitable access to high-quality services for all students.
3. Supports the development of Multitiered Systems of Support to align interventions that provide academic and behavioral support to all students.
4. Ensure district compliance with federal and state regulations, including IDEA, Section 504, ADA, and ESSA, through monitoring, training, and documentation.
5. Oversee the development and management of budgets, grants, and third-party billing to ensure appropriate and effective use of resources.
6. Supervise, mentor, and evaluate Student Services administrators, coordinators, and support staff, fostering professional growth and collaboration.
7. Lead ongoing professional development related to student services, compliance, and inclusive practices for staff across the district.
8. Collaborate with building and district administrators to align student services programs with instructional goals and district initiatives.
9. Serve as the primary district liaison for parents and guardians of students receiving special education or related services, ensuring effective communication and problem resolution.
10. Develop and oversee procedures for student identification, evaluation, placement, and service delivery consistent with legal requirements.
11. Collect, analyze, and use student and program data to assess effectiveness, guide decision-making, and support continuous improvement.
12. Direct the preparation and submission of reports, grant applications, and compliance documentation required by state and federal agencies.
13. Coordinate student attendance, tuition billing, and enrollment processes for resident and nonresident students participating in specialized programs.
14. Represent the district in cooperative and regional partnerships, professional organizations, and state-level committees related to student services.
15. Advise the Superintendent and School Board on matters related to student services programs, policies, and compliance issues.
16. Perform other duties as assigned by the Superintendent to support district goals and the effective operation of student support services

 
EDUCATION/EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS:

• Minimum education and experience required to perform adequately in position could reasonably be attained only by completing the following:High school diploma or GED.
• Degree Required: Master’s degree in Special Education, Educational Leadership, or a closely related field from an accredited institution.
• Required Work Experience in Addition to Formal Education/Training: Minimum of one to three (1-3) years of experience as a special education director or assistant director
• Required Supervisory Experience

PREFERRED EDUCATION/EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS:

• Doctorate degree (Ed.D. or Ph.D.) in Educational Leadership, Special Education Administration, or a related field.
• More than seven (7) years of progressively responsible experience in special education or student services, including at least five (5) years in a district-level administrative or leadership role.
• Demonstrated success in leading large-scale student services or special education programs, managing budgets and grants, and implementing inclusive and equitable educational practices.
   

LICENSE/CERTIFICATION: (Identify licenses/certification required upon hiring):

• Minnesota Director of Special Education license required

ESSENTIAL KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES REQUIRED TO PERFORM THE WORK
Knowledge
• Federal and state laws governing special education and student services, including IDEA, Section 504, ADA, and ESSA.
• Best practices in special education, inclusive instruction, and student support programming.
• Multi-tiered systems of support (MTSS), behavior intervention, and social-emotional learning frameworks.
• Educational leadership principles, strategic planning, and organizational management.
• Budget development, fiscal accountability, and grant administration related to student services.
• Data analysis and program evaluation methods used to measure student outcomes and program effectiveness.
• Culturally responsive and equity-focused practices that promote access and success for all students.
 
Skills
• Leading and managing diverse teams of administrators, educators, and support staff.
• Building positive relationships and fostering collaboration across departments, schools, and community agencies.
• Interpreting, communicating, and implementing complex educational laws, policies, and regulations.
• Planning, organizing, and prioritizing projects to meet deadlines and achieve departmental goals.
• Collecting and analyzing data to drive program improvements and inform decision-making.
• Developing and presenting clear, concise reports and recommendations to the Superintendent, School Board, and stakeholders.
• Using technology systems effectively for data management, communication, and compliance reporting.

Abilities
• Provide visionary leadership that aligns student services with the district’s mission, goals, and strategic initiatives.
• Make sound, data-informed decisions that balance legal requirements, fiscal constraints, and student needs.
• Work collaboratively with diverse groups of educators, families, and community partners.
•  Resolve conflicts constructively and support positive communication among stakeholders.
•  Anticipate challenges, think strategically, and implement proactive solutions.
• Maintain confidentiality, professionalism, and integrity in handling sensitive information and situations.
• Demonstrate reliability, adaptability, and a strong commitment to equitable outcomes for all students.

Physical Requirements:  Sedentary Work: Exerting up to 10 pounds of force occasionally and/or a negligible amount of force frequently or constantly to lift, carry, push, pull or otherwise move objects, including the human body.

Benefits at South St. Paul Public Schools:

• HealthPartners coverage for medical and dental 
• 403(b) retirement with district match
• TRA or PERA Retirement Association benefits
• Flexible spending account
• Paid time off and leave benefits
• Complete benefits details available through Human Resources. Benefits vary by position and contract.

South St. Paul Public Schools uses the applicant tracking system from Frontline Education to manage employment applications online


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