Assistant Director of Student Services

• Position Type:
    Administration/Director
  
  
• Date Posted:
    12/4/2025
  
  
• Location:
    District Office
  
  
• Closing Date:
    12/18/2025
  
    

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

Job Summary
The Assistant Director of Student Services will play a crucial role in supporting the Executive Director of Student Services in overseeing and implementing programs and services for students with diverse learning needs. This position requires a strong understanding of special education laws, regulations, and best practices, as well as excellent leadership, communication, and organizational skills.

Salary Range: $105, ,000

Application Process
To be considered for the position, submit online application at   Application deadline is 4pm on Thursday, December 18, 2025. 
 
Job Duties

1. Collaborate with the Executive Director of Student Services to develop, implement, and evaluate comprehensive special education programs and services that meet the unique needs of students with disabilities including coordination of the Extended School Year (ESY) program and district level oversight of Section 504 Plans. 
2. Provide supervision, evaluation, guidance, support, and training to special education staff, including teachers, education support professionals, and related service providers. Foster a culture of continuous improvement and professional growth within the student services department. Make hiring recommendations and staff changes. Assist in the implementation, management and assessment of the Teacher Growth, Development & Evaluation system. Maintain active participation in local, regional and national networks of educational leaders to stay abreast of trends and developments in curriculum, instruction and assessment. 
3. Ensure compliance with federal, state, and local special education laws, regulations, and policies. Monitor and maintain accurate records related to Individualized Education Programs (IEPs), evaluations, other special education documentation, threat and risk assessments, attendance, and disciplinary procedures. Lead and support with special education dispute resolution meetings such as conciliation conferences, mediation, complaints, and due process hearings. Provide support to the Executive Director of Student Services in investigations.? 
4. Collaborate with families, community agencies, and other stakeholders to advocate for the needs of students with disabilities and facilitate meaningful partnerships. Serve as a resource for parents and caregivers regarding special education services and supports. Develop and maintain a close working relationship with cooperative agencies associated with special services including Intermediate School District 917, Dakota County Technical College, and other county agencies such as the probation office, and social services. Cultivate and develop inclusive and equitable working relationships with all students, staff, families and community members. 
5. Collect, analyze, and utilize data to inform decision-making, monitor student progress, and evaluate the effectiveness of special education programs, interventions, attendance/truancy, and student discipline. Prepare reports and presentations as needed to communicate outcomes and findings. 
6. Guide the development and articulation of a comprehensive multi-tiered system of supports model to effectively support students' development of academic, social-emotional and behavioral knowledge and skills including attendance. Work closely with school-based teams to identify students in need of additional support, develop intervention plans, and monitor progress towards goals. Collaborate with general education staff to ensure the successful inclusion of students with disabilities in the least restrictive environment. Coordinate the development, implementation, and evaluation of curriculum and instructional services with an emphasis on career-and-college readiness. Implement culturally and racially competent practices to raise the highest levels of learning while narrowing the achievement gap and ensuring equitable learning and access to rigorous curriculum for all students. 
7. Implement district vision, mission, goals and initiatives from the district strategic plan. Adhere to staff and program guidelines and district procedures and policies. Demonstrate prompt, regular and reliable attendance. Other duties as assigned

EDUCATION/EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS:

• Bachelor's degree in education, Master's degree in related field preferred 
• Current Minnesota teaching license 
• Minimum of three years of successful experience as a teacher 
• Knowledge of curriculum design and best practices for K-12 education 
• Practical collaborative experience in curriculum planning, implementation and evaluation 
• Demonstrated knowledge and understanding of Minnesota Academic Standards and national standards in special education 
• Effective interpersonal and communication skills (problem solving, public relations) 
• Experience and training in research-based best practice 
• Proven facilitation skills and consensus building skills 
• Possess exemplary professional ethics and personal integrity 
• Proven technology skills 
• Knowledge of and understanding for the legal and ethical requirement to keep information about students and families confidential 
• Ability to respond quickly to a variety of request and to remain calm in difficult situations 
• Experience working with diverse communities to foster a common vision for children and youth including commitment to multicultural, gender and disability equitable curriculum and programs 

PREFERRED EDUCATION/EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS:

• Current Minnesota Special Education Director licensure required and principal licensure. 
• Demonstrated knowledge of special education teaching and support staff scheduling; broad knowledge and understanding of educational reform models effective for special education students; thorough knowledge of theories, programs and services including federal and state laws governing special education 

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

• Current Minnesota teaching 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:   General Environmental Conditions: Work is performed under normal office conditions and there are minimal environmental risks or disagreeable conditions associated with the work.  The typical noise level is considered to be moderate.  General Physical Conditions: Work can be generally characterized as: 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.

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