School Mission: Fueled by curiosity, Upper Mississippi Academy serves our students and staff by engaging in innovative, authentic, and challenging educational experiences. UMA is located in downtown St. Paul within sight of the Minnesota State Capitol. We serve students in grades 6 - 12. Our community is actively engaged in deconstructing systems of bias in all areas so that all our students can learn in an engaging environment to prepare them for being world citizens. We seek candidates who will not only enhance our representational diversity but whose teaching, and community engagement efforts contribute to diverse, equitable, and inclusive learning and working environments for our students, staff, and community. UMA condemns racism and prejudice in all its forms and therefore promotes inclusion in all forms. This is evident in our ongoing organizational work that moves beyond mere statements to vetting its policies, procedures, and practices. As we post for positions, we hope to identify people who will assist in our mission to dismantle all bias so that everyone has the opportunity to succeed at UMA. Upper Mississippi Academy is a vibrant, pioneering, experience-based charter school with a growing student body. We pride ourselves on our philosophy of teacher-as-designer, expecting and encouraging teachers to incorporate subject area content with real world context, including cross-curricular collaboration and the development of partnerships with local community members and organizations. Our St. Paul urban location provides access to a broad spectrum of community partnerships. People seeking employment at UMA are considered without regards to race, color, religion, national origin, age, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, marital status, ancestry, physical or mental disability, veteran status. Description: Director of Special Education (FTE) We are currently seeking a Director of Special Education who is passionate about hands-on teaching and learning and is a lifelong learner. This position includes working with an integrated admin team, supporting staff, students and families as they navigate the changes we are experiencing in both education and society. We seek innovative candidates who find excitement in supporting staff in professional development, supporting inclusive classroom experiences, developing positive relationships, and building school culture to incorporate voice and choice for everyone. The ideal candidate will also bring their knowledge of Minnesota and the Twin Cities to help UMA create, develop, and maintain community partnerships that will bring community members into the classroom and bring students into the community. General Responsibilities: * Supervise and monitor the implementation of statewide eligibility criteria for special education. * Provide coordination and supervision of programs in special education, social work, psychological services, and related services. * Developing and recommending plans for initiating or changing programming and services. * Monitoring all programs for compliance with mandates and policies. * Evaluate the effectiveness of current services, modify present services, and develop new services in areas of responsibility * Serve as an active participant in the selection and recommendation process for new teachers and participate in the evaluation process special education for special education staff members * Assigning and supervising staff needed to provide identified, approved services. * Provide guidance, direction, and support to the coordinators. * Collect, organize and report data required by the Minnesota Department of Education (MDE) * Oversight of SpEd Forms training and support for staff members * Convening the Special Education Advisory Council (SEAC) to help inform special education services * Working collaboratively with all stakeholders on issues of mutual interest. * Coordinating the development of due process forms and procedures, including preparation and updating of the total special education system&#8217;s (TSES) document. * Developing and implementing systems for the budgeting and expenditure of local, state, and federal funds. * Assessing program needs, estimating costs and developing budget proposals. * Administering tuition billing for special education and general education students. * Administering billing for IEP health related services. * Performs other duties as assigned. Qualifications: * Licensed as Director of Special Education in Minnesota * Education is commensurate with license requirements * Evidence of successful teaching experience in special education. * Three years as a teacher leader in a student service, a supervisor in special education or support services, or a building level administrator preferred Preferred qualifications include: * Prior administrator experience preferred Essential knowledge and specialized subject knowledge required to perform the essential functions of the job: * Knowledge of evidenced-based practices that contribute to positive student outcomes * Demonstrated ability to practice adaptive leadership principles to guide and facilitate continuous improvement and systems thinker * Evidence of knowledge of special education and related services. * Evidence of knowledge of state and federal special education laws. * Understanding of curriculum needs in special education * Understanding of due process, data privacy issues and litigation pertinent to department services * Knowledge and understanding of budgeting and revenue sources and ability to recommend budgets based on system needs Skilled in: * Evidence of excellent communication skills (verbal and written) and effective interpersonal skills * The ability to be self&#8211;directed and utilize resources with a problem-solving approach * The ability to examine new approaches and methods, initiate action and share recommendations * The ability to involve others in planning and decision-making * The ability to work effectively with parents, community groups and diverse local, regional and state agencies and stakeholders * Excellent conflict resolution skills. Compensation: $90,000 - $100,000 DOQ Start of Employment: SY23-24, position available for immediate start and continuing To Apply: Send a letter of interest, resume, current licensure/certification, and references (list or letter(s)) to: opportunities@umissacademy.org<mailto:opportunities@umissacademy.org>