Education Programs Jobs in Oregon (NOW HIRING)

LANE EDUCATION SERVICE DISTRICT

JOB DESCRIPTION

POSITION TITLE: Program Administrator, Special Education

DEPARTMENT/SERVICE AREA:  Special Education 

REPORTS TO: Director of Special Education

FLSA STATUS/ CLASSIFICATION:       Exempt

SALARY PLACEMENT:             Licensed Administrative 

POSITION PURPOSE/SUMMARY:  

The Program Administrator provides leadership, oversight, and administration of assigned special education programs and services. This position is responsible for program implementation, personnel supervision, fiscal stewardship, regulatory compliance, and continuous improvement to support positive outcomes for students with disabilities.

In collaboration with staff, constituent districts, families, community partners, and state agencies, the Program Administrator advances equitable, inclusive, and evidence-based practices that promote high-quality services, foster a community of belonging, and support agency priorities and student success.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

Lead Assigned Special Education Programs and Services

• To provide leadership and coordination of assigned special education programs and services by:
  • Leading implementation, operation, and ongoing improvement of assigned programs within established service area direction.
  • Supporting the development and implementation of program goals, priorities, and service delivery models aligned with agency expectations.
  • Ensuring assigned programs operate in alignment with federal and state requirements, agency policies, and contractual obligations.
  • Applying evidence-based practices that support improved student outcomes and program effectiveness.
  • Collecting and analyzing program data to inform operational decisions and identify opportunities for improvement.
  • Coordinating services and resources to support the needs of students with disabilities within assigned programs.
  • Participating in assigned program-level committees, teams, and collaborative initiatives.

Supervise Staff and Manage Personnel Functions

• To provide supervision and support for assigned staff by:
  • Providing direct supervision, direction, and performance oversight for assigned licensed and classified staff.
  • Conducting employee evaluations in accordance with agency processes and expectations.
  • Supporting recruitment, selection, onboarding, assignment, and retention of staff within assigned programs.
  • Providing coaching, mentoring, and professional learning opportunities to support staff effectiveness.
  • Implementing agency policies, procedures, and applicable collective bargaining agreement provisions.
  • Addressing employee performance concerns and implementing corrective actions in collaboration with supervisory leadership.

Ensure Program Compliance and Quality Service Delivery

• To support compliance and quality service delivery within assigned programs by:
  • Monitoring compliance with IDEA, Oregon Administrative Rules, Oregon Department of Education requirements, agency policies, and applicable contractual obligations.
  • Supporting implementation of individualized student services in alignment with legal and procedural requirements.
  • Assisting with resolution of complaints, audits, corrective actions, and other compliance-related processes.
  • Establishing and maintaining procedures that support consistent and effective service delivery.
  • Supporting staff in the implementation of instructional, behavioral, and related service practices.

Manage Budgets and Program Resources

• To support responsible stewardship of assigned program resources by:
  • Developing and managing assigned program budgets in accordance with agency fiscal procedures.
  • Monitoring expenditures and supporting appropriate use of allocated resources.
  • Assisting with grant-related implementation and reporting as assigned.
  • Overseeing acquisition and organization of instructional materials, assessments, adaptive equipment, and other program resources.
  • Making fiscally responsible recommendations within assigned program budgets and priorities.

Coordinate Communication and Collaborative Partnerships

• To support communication and collaboration related to assigned programs by:
  • Serving as a liaison for assigned programs among ESD staff, constituent districts, families, and community partners.
  • Providing consultation and technical assistance related to assigned program services and operations.
  • Facilitating communication regarding program services, procedures, and operational updates.
  • Participating in interagency meetings, committees, and collaborative groups as assigned.
  • Supporting positive working relationships that promote coordinated service delivery and student success.

Exercise Professional Judgment and Leadership

• To provide operational leadership within assigned areas by:
  • Exercising sound professional judgment within the scope of assigned responsibilities.
  • Responding to program-level operational and service delivery needs in a timely and effective manner.
  • Supporting agency goals, priorities, and continuous improvement efforts as directed.
  • Maintaining current knowledge of special education laws, regulations, and best practices.
  • Performing other related duties as assigned by the Director or Assistant Director of Special Education.

QUALIFICATIONS AND REQUIREMENTS:

Education and Licensure

• Master's degree from an accredited institution in Special Education or closely related field, including specialization in at least one area of special education.
• A valid Oregon Administrative License.

Experience

• Five (5) years of progressively responsible experience in special education, including instructional leadership, program coordination, or related administrative roles.
• Two (2) years of experience managing or coordinating special education programs within a service-oriented educational organization.
• Two (2) years of administrative experience as a school-based leader, such as an Assistant Principal, Principal, or equivalent building-level administrator.
• Any equivalent combination of education and experience that provides the required knowledge, skills, and abilities may be considered listed above. 

Preferred Qualifications 

• Experience working with students exhibiting significant behavioral, social-emotional, and mental health needs in an alternative education setting, behavior program, therapeutic program, or other specialized educational environment.
• Demonstrated experience implementing positive behavior supports, crisis prevention and intervention practices, restorative approaches, and systems designed to improve student outcomes.
• Demonstrated experience leading multidisciplinary teams, supporting staff development, and implementing systems to improve student outcomes.
• Any equivalent combination of education and experience that provides the required knowledge, skills, and abilities may be considered in lieu of the qualifications listed above.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Knowledge of federal and state special education laws, regulations, and requirements, including IDEA and Oregon Administrative Rules, as applied to program operations and service delivery.
• Knowledge of evidence-based instructional, behavioral, curriculum, and program practices for students with disabilities, including strategies for differentiated instruction, behavior support, and alignment with student learning needs.
• Knowledge of special education program implementation, service delivery models, and operational practices within educational settings.
• Knowledge of data-informed decision-making, including the ability to collect, analyze, and use data to evaluate student progress, staff performance, curriculum implementation, and program effectiveness.
• Knowledge of PBIS, MTSS, trauma-informed practices, restorative practices, and behavior intervention systems.
• Knowledge of personnel supervision practices, including staff evaluation, coaching, performance management, and professional development.
• Skill in leadership and program coordination, including supporting implementation of assigned programs and guiding staff in achieving program goals and objectives.
• Skill in communication, collaboration, and problem-solving, including the ability to facilitate teams, manage complex priorities, build trust, and maintain effective partnerships with students, staff, families, districts, and community stakeholders.
• Ability to create safe, inclusive, and culturally responsive learning environments that support both student success and staff sustainability.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

The physical demands described here are representative of those required to successfully perform the essential functions of this position. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. 

This position requires frequent use of a computer and standard office equipment. The employee regularly stands, sits, walks, bends, reaches, and communicates verbally and in writing. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move materials or supplies weighing up to 30 pounds. Specific vision abilities required include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus. Frequent travel to off-site locations is required, with occasional evening or weekend travel.

WORK ENVIRONMENT/CONDITIONS:
Work is generally performed in a clean, indoor office environment. The employee may be exposed to inclement weather during travel or off-site activities. The position requires regular interaction with staff, district personnel, and external agencies in both formal and informal settings. 

WORK EXPECTATIONS:

• Effectively engage with individuals from diverse cultures or backgrounds, and experiences.
• Demonstrate professionalism, sound judgment, and appropriate behavior, speech, and attire.
• Utilize appropriate equipment and software as established for agency use as well as other equipment and software appropriate to the assignment.
• Maintain regular and punctual attendance.
• Confer regularly with immediate supervisor.
• Follow all District work procedures and reasonable requests by proper authority.
• Perform program responsibilities in accordance with statutes, OARs, administrative rules, policies, and collective bargaining agreements.

EVALUATION:

Performance will be evaluated in accordance with the provisions of Board policy and the evaluation program adopted for the position.

The statements contained herein reflect general details as necessary to describe the principal functions of this job, the level of knowledge and skill typically required and the scope of responsibility, but should not be considered an all-inclusive listing of work requirements.  Individuals may perform other duties as assigned, including work in other functional areas to cover absences or relief, to equalize peak work periods or otherwise to balance the workload.