Director of Educational Services

The Director of Educational Services provides leadership, direction, and oversight of The Eden School, dedicated to serving students with autism from Pre-school to High School (ages 3 - 21). This position serves as the educational leader and administrator of the school to ensure compliance with the New Jersey Department of Education (DOE) and other applicable local, state and federal laws. The Director is responsible for staffing and developing the annual school program including instruction, performance, technology and other areas of special emphasis. In addition, the Director acts as a liaison between the school, staff, students and parents/guardians. This position serves as a member of Eden’s Senior Leadership Committee and supports the delivery of services in accordance with the fiscal, legal, and ethical standards.

POSITION REQUIREMENTS

Education:

• Master’s degree in special education or related field
• Must hold a New Jersey Teacher of the Handicapped Certificate and New Jersey Supervisor Certificate or New Jersey Principal Certificate.

Experience:

• Minimum 10 years of progressive School administration experience and/or teaching experience working with individuals with developmental disabilities.
• Minimum 5 years of supervisory/management experience.

PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES

Program Management

• Conceptualize the broad goals of the school program, and plans accordingly for the new fiscal year to ensure communication and implementation of the school program is carried out.
• Lead school planning processes to ensure the development, implementation, and evaluation of all school programs and activities.
• Organize, manage, evaluate and implement effective and clear procedures for the operation and functioning of the school consistent with the mission, values, and goals of the organization; this includes instructional programs, extracurricular activities, performance improvement and disciplinary systems to ensure a safe and orderly climate, program evaluation, financial management, personnel management, office operations, emergency protocols, and community relations.
• Ensure compliance and understanding of all applicable laws, administrative codes, policies and regulations.
• Develop and implement policies, programs, and curriculum activities in a manner that promotes the educational development of each student and the professional development of staff.
• Ensure instructional objectives for a given subject and/or classroom are developed; involve staff and others in the development of specific curricular objectives to meet the needs of the school program.
• Collect and analyze data regarding the needs and achievements of students, including behavior support plans, and other pertinent information affecting the design and implementation of services and programs, using the information to recommend new programs and modifications to existing programs.
• Maintain visibility with students, staff, parents, and the community by attending school and community functions regularly to demonstrate a genuine interest in the students and staff.
• Communicate, organize and maintain a public relations system for the school that consistently celebrates and informs parents and the community of the accomplishments, programs and activities of the school.
• Ensure employee and student record keeping procedures comply with state and federal law, and DOE guidelines; implement procedures for safe storing and integrity of public and confidential school records.
• Complete DOE and other applicable reports as requested and submit timely.
• Ensure procedures are in place for disaster preparedness/planning such as active shooter, bomb threats, fire, severe weather, emergency closing or delayed opening of the school, accidents, bus accidents, disruptions, death, personal tragedy and other unusual circumstances.
• Develop procedures and provide regular drills for emergencies and disasters following local and state guidelines.
• Manage quarterly process reports for all students; ensure they are reviewed for progress, feedback provided to Lead Teachers and sent out to families and school districts on a set schedule.

Administration/General Management

• Interview, hire, train and develop staff; organize and nurture an effective leadership team of Lead and Head teachers, with clear expectations of roles, responsibilities, and performance accountability.
• Provide opportunities for effective and professional staff development, including recommending in-house training, workshops, conferences and sessions in which the staff shares successful practices and strategies.
• In conjunction with the Chief Program Officer, develop the school budget for the new fiscal year; manage budget accordingly and ensure budget controls are in effect.
• Communicate and keep staff and parents informed; seek ideas for improvement of the school; conduct meetings as necessary.
• Purchase and/or approve school supplies and materials for the new fiscal school year; ensure compliance of budget.
• Attend, participate and/or lead meetings including monthly SLT meetings, Quality Assurance, Behavior Support, Board of Trustee and Membership meetings, etc.
• Serve as a role model and demonstrate a commitment to the highest ethical and professional behavior.

Physical and Other Requirements:

• Ability to sit, stand, bend, squat, kneel, stretch, stoop, and/or reach above shoulder level for extended periods of time (up to 30 minutes) during the work day.
• Vision requirements to include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and ability to adjust focus.
• Ability to lift and/or move up to 50 pounds.
• Ability to pass and maintain Professional Crisis Management (PCM) certification at a P2 level on an annual basis, including implementation of all strategies and techniques.
• Ability to move or be moved freely and quickly to ensure the safety of students/participants at all times.
• Valid drivers’ license with record in good standing (5 points or less).

Specialized Skills and Knowledge

• Strong understanding of Applied Behavior Analysis and ability to apply across settings
• Understanding of task analysis and curriculum implementation.
• Knowledge of behavior modification and techniques.
• High level of professional discretion and confidentiality; proactive in handling sensitive matters.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills, including presentation skills.
• Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to establish and maintain effective relationships with all levels of the organization—managers and employees, as well as external relationships (i.e. parents and community members).
• Proven ability to analyze problems, recommend and implement solutions.
• Strong decision-making skills; sound judgment and well-developed sense of urgency.
• Ability to maintain composure and work under pressure (strong emotional intelligence).
• Demonstrated ability to be collaborative and team-focused.
• Ability to multitask in a fast-paced work environment.
• Demonstrated leadership to motivate staff and provide direction; gain support from parents and community members.
• Ability to meet and exceed provided deadlines
• Demonstrated patience, reliability, work ethic and integrity.
• Excellent organizational skills; detail-oriented; and good follow-up skills.
• Proficient computer skills in Microsoft Office suite (intermediate to advanced level).
• Willingness to travel approximately 10-20% - local community businesses and their locations.

Eden's Core Values

• Believe More: We believe people with autism can and will lead extraordinary lives.
• Do What It Takes: We value talent and accountability. Our training, intellect, and creativity will change the world for people with autism.
• Work Together: Empowered by a common objective, we strive to achieve the best outcomes for those we serve.
• Show Compassion: We are open-minded. We are respectful. We listen. We take action.
• Be True: Our reputation opens doors. We are authentic, determined, and accomplished. Be true to this.

Keywords: director, special education director, autism, principal, supervisor, out of district, bcba, aba