Director of Operations and Compliance

** Applications will be received until
November 26, 2025
. If the position is not filled by then, we may consider applications submitted after the deadline. Interested applicants must apply online by visiting the Denver Public Schools job board at **

About this job:

In collaboration with the Executive Director of Exceptional Student Services, the
Director of Exceptional Student Services Compliance and Operations
analyzes and identifies operational and strategic needs of an area of specialization. Designs, develops, recommends, modifies and/or implements programs, services and systems to meet the integrated needs of Exceptional Student Services. Under the direction of the Executive Director of Student Services, prepares and manages budget, staffing, systems and resources.

** The Director must demonstrate a willingness to sign a confidentiality agreement. This role requires maintaining the highest level of confidentiality regarding all District matters, especially those involving the Superintendent, Chief of Staff, and the Board of Education. Ensuring trust and discretion is paramount to the success and integrity of this position. **

What DPS Offers You:

• A Culture that values Equity, Accountability, Integrity, Collaboration and Fun with a shared vision that Every Learner Thrives.
• Salary Range: $116,458 - $142,639 Annually.
  Click here
  for more information on compensation for these roles.
• In addition to competitive compensation, DPS has other Total Reward offerings such as; time off, health and wellness benefits, and PERA Retirement. For more information visit our New Employee Resources page

What You'll Do:

• Analyze department needs, requirements, and operational procedures to facilitate and improve department-wide operations. Initiate and direct systems to improve operations
• Directs operational units, including oversight of the following roles: Sr. Manager of Special Education-compliance; manager of operations; office support supervisor; Medicaid supervisor
• Develop methods, techniques, and evaluation criteria for projects and programs.
• Coordinating with leads across each function within Exceptional Student Services to develop tools/ processes to support implementation of priorities, plan for evaluation, and refine approach.
• Develop and manage processes, in partnership with the Finance team, for budget development to support operations, ensuring efficient use of resources to support district goals and state and federal laws
• Monitor expenditures and identify opportunities for cost savings and efficiencies while maintaining high-quality student programming.
• Ensures budget and schedules, for each function within Exceptional Student Services (Special Education, Special Services, Nursing, Gifted and Talented, and Mental Health
• Operations) meet all business and legal requirements in alignment with IDEA, ECEA, and Medicaid and established Board, State, and Federal policy requirements
• Coordinate and build collaborative relationships with departments across DPS including, but not limited to, Office of Schools, Talent, Finance, Strategic Operations.
• Develop systems to support constituents across exceptional student services by collecting and analyzing data related to academic performance, compliance, programming, and student outcomes to inform decision-making and drive continuous improvement efforts
• Prepare and present proposals to department leadership incorporating design specification, budget implications, equipment and personnel recommendations and implementation schedule
• Assist the Executive Director and the Director of Special Education in assuring compliance with state and federal mandates concerning the provision of services and educational opportunities for children with disabilities
• Other duties as assigned

What You'll Need:

• Bachelor's Degree in Business, Accounting, Finance, or related discipline from an accredited institution is required;
• Master's Degree Business, Accounting, Finance, or related discipline from an accredited institution is preferred
• Five (5) or more years of professional experience in a related field is required
• Two (2+) or more years of management experience and/or managing large bodies of work that require organizing and/or aligning various constituents is required
• Three (3+) years of management or supervisory experience is required
• Knowledge of applicable laws and regulations
• Experience in analyzing data, and using this data to for process and program improvements and to inform strategy
• Outstanding facilitation and communication skills, including ability to inspire others
• Strong interpersonal and leadership skills, including the ability to lead a high-performing team
• Superior leadership, coaching and mentoring skills
• Strong inter-personal skills and ability to work with individuals at all different levels in the organization
• Self-starter/leader who can anticipate department needs in a proactive (versus, reactive) manner
• Strategic planning and organizational development knowledge and skills
• Ability to develop, plan, and implement short- and long-range goals, establish priorities, and organize resources
• Ability to motivate and influence others
• Ability to maintain confidential information
• Lead for racial and educational excellence and work to dismantle systems of oppression and inequity in our community, along with believing in and supporting all students so they feel seen and heard with access to high quality education.
• Live and work with a permanent home address in Colorado while working with us.
• Have the ability with or without accommodations to meet the
  physical demands
  of the position.

Denver Public Schools is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, gender expression, and sexual orientation), parental status, national origin, age, disability, genetic information (including family medical history), political affiliation, military service, or any other status protected by law or regulations. It is our intention that all qualified applicants be given equal opportunity and that selection decisions be based on job-related factors.

Students First. Integrity. Equity. Collaboration. Accountability. Fun