Master's degree in Educational Leadership or related field with 5 years of experience in Exceptional Student Education and supervisory roles, or Bachelor's degree with 9 years of related experience.
Strong knowledge of federal and state laws regarding special and gifted education.
Familiarity with Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act and the ADA.
Proficient in Microsoft Office and relevant educational software.
Excellent leadership, communication, and organizational skills.
Responsibilities
Provide leadership to ensure compliance with state policies for the education of students with disabilities.
Plan and implement Individualized Education Programs (IEPs) and 504 plans across charter schools.
Design and lead the Exceptional Student Education division to establish best practices.
Oversee administrative services related to exceptional student education in charter schools.
Collaborate with school administrators to enhance professional development for educators.
Monitor ESE programs to ensure compliance with regulations.
Coordinate the development and review of mental health assistance plans for charter schools.
Benefits
Participation in the Florida Retirement System after 6 months of continuous employment.
Professional development opportunities.
Community partnership initiatives to enhance student support.
Flexible work schedule including evenings and weekends.
Full Job Description
Job Family ADMIN- Professional Exempt Contractual (PEC) Grade 18 Salary $94,419 to $118,024 Department Florida Charter Institute Reports To Executive Director, Florida Charter Institute Closing Date Open Until Filled FLSA Status Exempt - Not Eligible for Overtime Compensation First Review Date November 10, 2026
Position Overview
The Director of the Exceptional Student Education (ESE) oversees the support and services provided to students with disabilities and students identified as gifted who attend Florida Charter Institute - Miami Dade College (FCI-MDC) authorized Charter schools. The position works with the Charter schools and provides administrative oversight for all ESE services. The position also coordinates the implementation of the Charter schools' mental health assistance plans and related community partnerships to support student access to mental health services.
This is a Professional Exempt Contractual (PEC) position for which an annual contract reflecting the base salary within the fiscal year (July 1st to June 30th) will be issued after ratification by Miami Dade College's District Board of Trustees.
This grant position will be eligible for participation in the Florida Retirement System (FRS) after 6 consecutive months of continuous employment.
What you will be doing
Provides leadership and guidance to FCI-MDC authorized Charter schools to ensure they have policies, procedures, and programs consistent with state policies and procedures for the education of children with disabilities
Plans, develops, implements Individualized Education Programs (IEPs) and 504 plans across all MDC authorized schools, ensuring compliance with federal and state regulations
Leads the design and implementation of MDC's Exceptional Student Education (ESE) division, including staffing and best practices to establish a division that will be a model across the state and country
Oversees the provision of required administrative and education services related to exceptional student education in charter schools (e.g., initial evaluations, IEP system and training, IEP team members, and LEA representative)
Collaborate with school administrators and external agencies to develop and implement professional development opportunities that enhance the capacity of educations to support exceptional students and ensure their needs are effectively met
Oversee the monitoring and evaluation of ESE programs and services to ensure compliance with federal and state requirements
Provides strategic guidance and support to charter schools on preparing and managing their ESE budgets, ensuring the effective and efficient allocation of resources to align with and support program goals
Provides oversight of the Charter school's ESE Policies and Procedures (ESE P&P) ensuring proposed procedures for the provision of special instruction and services for exceptional students are comprehensive, compliant, and effectively implemented
Coordinates the development, implementation, and annual review of the Mental Health Assistance Allocation (MHAA) plan for FCI-MDC authorized Charter schools, ensuring plans, budgets, and required outcome reports are submitted to the Florida Department of Education in accordance with s. 1011.62, F.S., and applicable deadlines
Monitors Charter school implementation of the mental health plan, including student screening, referral, and intervention procedures, to ensure required timelines for assessment, services, and documentation are met and that coordinated supports are provided to students with disabilities and gifted students whose needs intersect with mental health services
Establishes and maintains community partnerships with licensed behavioral health providers and community agencies, including the development of memoranda of understanding and referral agreements, to expand student access to school-based and community mental health services
Serves as the FCI-MDC liaison among Charter schools, community mental health providers, and school-based teams to coordinate and facilitate the delivery of mental health services and supports; this role is coordinative and administrative in nature and does not provide direct clinical services
Coordinates state-required youth mental health awareness training and related professional development for Charter school personnel, and supports schools in implementing multi-tiered systems of support for behavioral and mental health
Maintains current knowledge and best practices of Exceptional Student Education (ESE) and engages in ongoing professional development Performs other duties as assigned
What you need to succeed
Master's degree in Educational Leadership or Supervision, or a related field from a regionally accredited institution with five (5) years of professional experience in Exceptional Student Education and supervisory experience; or Bachelor's degree in education, public policy, or a related field from a regionally accredited institution and nine (9) years of related experience.
Knowledge and understanding of College organization, goals and objectives, and policies and procedures
Strong knowledge of federal and state laws and regulations related to special education and gifted education
Knowledge of Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act and the ADA (American Disabilities Act)
Knowledge of Microsoft office software and specific computer programs related to area of responsibility
Excellent leadership, communication, and organizational skills
Ability to work collaboratively with diverse stakeholders, including Charter school staff and external agencies
Possess excellent analytical and decision-making skills, with the ability to evaluate complex educational programs and financial plans
Possess excellent communication skills, both written and verbal, with the ability to present complex information to diverse audiences
Demonstrated ability to work collaboratively with various stakeholders, including charter school operators, community members, and government officials
Knowledge of Florida's Mental Health Assistance Allocation requirements and school-based mental health systems of support, and ability to coordinate services and partnerships with community behavioral health providers (clinical licensure not required)
Ability to work a flexible schedule to include evenings and weekends
Ability to work in work well with students, faculty and staff
Additional Requirements
The final candidate is to successfully complete a background screening and reference check process.
