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Job Description

Title: Director of Student Services                      Location:  District Office         
 

Employment Type: Full Time                            Work Days: 260 Days / 12 Months 
 

Reports to:  Superintendent                                FLSA: Exempt

Salary/Benefits

Salary as approved by the Board of Education after consideration of the recommendation of the Superintendent.                                          

Reports Directly to the Director of Student Services

• Assistant Director of Student Services
• Administrative Assistant     

Job Description

The Director of Student Services provides strategic leadership and coordination of District 144's non-instructional and student support services, including student discipline, family engagement, Multi-Tiered Systems of Support (MTSS), and services for English Learners (ELL). This role is critical in responding to the District's growing and increasingly diverse student population by ensuring systems of support are equitable, responsive, and aligned to student needs. The role ensures that programs, practices, and interventions across the District are aligned with Illinois state mandates, District 144 policies, and the evolving needs of the community. This position strengthens wrap-around services for students and families, expands support for multilingual learners, enhances student outcomes, and advocates for equitable access to resources across all schools within District 144.

Essential Duties and Specific Responsibilities

• Provides strategic leadership of District-wide student services, ensuring alignment of supports, resources, and programs for a diverse and growing student population, including English Learners (ELL).
• Leads and monitors implementation of MTSS, 504 plans, behavioral supports, and restorative practices to ensure consistency and improved student outcomes.
• Oversees centralized registration, enrollment projections, and student placement processes, including summer school and specialized programs.
• Serves as Title IX Coordinator; leads investigations, hearings, and ensures compliance with federal, state, and Board policies.
• Ensures district-wide compliance through data monitoring, reporting, and ongoing school-based support and oversight.
• Manages department budgets, grants, and required reporting with a focus on efficiency, accountability, and impact.

Student Support, Engagement, and Staff Development

• Partners with school leaders, families, and community agencies to reduce discipline disproportionality, strengthen engagement, and expand wraparound services.
• Directs district initiatives related to truancy, alternative education placements, and parent engagement.
• Supervises, evaluates, and develops student services staff; monitors caseloads and ensures fidelity of interventions.
• Leads crisis response, student safety efforts, and implementation of the District's Student Code of Conduct.
• Facilitates professional development for administrators, teachers, and support staff focused on student behavior, MTSS, compliance, and family engagement.
• Serves as a liaison to community-based organizations to connect families with critical resources, including housing, transportation, and social services.

• Performs other duties as assigned by the Superintendent.

Minimum Education, Certification, and Licensure

• Master's degree in Special Education, Educational Leadership, or a closely related field required (e.g., Social Work, Psychology, Counseling)
• Valid Illinois Professional Educator License (PEL) with a Director of Special Education Endorsement required
• Illinois General Administrative Endorsement (Type 75) or Principal Endorsement preferred
• Minimum of three (3) years of successful teaching experience in special education or related services preferred
• Minimum of three (3) years of leadership or administrative experience in an educational setting required
• Demonstrated experience supervising special education programs, compliance, and staff in a public school setting preferred
• Proven ability to support diverse learners, multilingual families, and students receiving specialized services

Professional Experience and Skills

• Executive leadership with the ability to lead district-wide initiatives, manage multiple departments, and drive systemic improvement
• Deep knowledge of Illinois State Board of Education (ISBE) regulations, MTSS frameworks, and IDEA/Section 504 compliance requirements
• Strong data-driven decision-making skills, with the ability to analyze trends and evaluate program effectiveness
• Exceptional communication and presentation skills, with the ability to engage diverse stakeholders including staff, families, and community partners
• Proven ability to build collaborative relationships and lead through influence across schools and external agencies
• Skilled in coaching, mentoring, and developing staff to ensure high performance and accountability
• Expertise in conflict resolution, crisis management, and de-escalation, with knowledge of student behavior, restorative practices, and school safety protocols

Success Indicators (First Three-to-Five Years)

• Demonstrated reduction in discipline disproportionality, suspensions, and expulsions, with improved student behavior outcomes across all subgroups
• Full and consistent implementation of MTSS, with evidence of data-driven interventions and measurable student growth
• Increased family engagement and satisfaction, particularly among multilingual families and historically underserved populations
• Strong compliance record with ISBE, Title IX, IDEA, and Section 504 requirements, supported by successful audits and reporting accuracy
• Improved coordination of wraparound services, staffing systems, and community partnerships to enhance student support and resource alignment