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Special Education Program Manager Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Education Program Manager, DJC

Lewiston, ID ยท On-site

$35.18 - $39.37/hr

This position reports to the Education Program Manager-Principal and works closely with the ... Juniper Hills is a special purpose year-round school accredited through the Cognia. Curriculum ...

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Special Education Program Manager information

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$36.5K

$72.3K

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How much do special education program manager jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 19, 2026, the average yearly pay for special education program manager in the United States is $72,277.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $58,000.00 and $83,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a special education program manager do?

A Special Education Program Manager oversees the planning, implementation, and evaluation of special education programs within a school or district. They ensure compliance with federal and state regulations, coordinate services for students with disabilities, manage budgets, and supervise staff. Their role also involves collaborating with teachers, parents, and other stakeholders to support students' individualized education plans (IEPs) and promote an inclusive learning environment.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a special education program manager, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Special Education Program Manager, you need expertise in special education practices, program development, and compliance with relevant laws, typically supported by a degree in education and administrative or special education certification. Familiarity with Individualized Education Program (IEP) systems, data management tools, and educational software is crucial. Strong leadership, problem-solving, and interpersonal communication skills set outstanding managers apart in this role. These skills and qualifications are vital for ensuring legal compliance, effective program delivery, and positive outcomes for students with special needs.

What are some common challenges faced by special education program managers, and how can they effectively address them?

Special Education Program Managers often encounter challenges such as coordinating services across diverse student needs, ensuring compliance with evolving regulations, and managing limited resources. To address these, they prioritize strong communication with educators, families, and service providers, implement efficient documentation processes, and stay updated on best practices and legal requirements. Fostering a collaborative team environment and investing in ongoing professional development also help overcome obstacles and support student success.

What is the difference between Special Education Program Manager vs Special Education Coordinator?

AspectSpecial Education Program ManagerSpecial Education Coordinator
CredentialsRequires a valid teaching certification and often a master's degree in education or special educationTypically holds a teaching certification and specialized training in special education
Work EnvironmentOversees multiple programs, manages staff, and develops policies within school districts or educational organizationsFocuses on implementing IEPs, supporting teachers, and coordinating services at the school or classroom level
Employer & Industry UsageUsed in school districts, educational agencies, and nonprofitsCommonly employed in schools, districts, and educational programs

While both roles involve supporting students with special needs, the Special Education Program Manager typically oversees broader programs and staff management, whereas the Special Education Coordinator focuses on direct implementation of services and classroom support.

More about Special Education Program Manager jobs

What cities are hiring for Special Education Program Manager jobs?

Cities with the most Special Education Program Manager job openings:

What are the most commonly searched types of Special Education Program jobs?

The most popular types of Special Education Program jobs are:

What states have the most Special Education Program Manager jobs?

States with the most job openings for Special Education Program Manager jobs include:

Infographic showing various Special Education Program Manager job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 78% Full Time, 17% Part Time, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 96% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $72,277 per year, or $34.7 per hour.

2026-2027 Special Education Program Manager

Ednovate

Los Angeles, CA โ€ข On-site

$85K - $125K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 22 days ago


Job description

Special Education Program Manager
Join a dedicated team that fosters autonomy and creativity, while receiving a competitive salary, opportunities for career and personal growth, and the gratification that comes from creating positive multi-generational change.
Ednovate Background
Ednovate launched its first school in 2012. Since then, we've grown to eight schools and are on a trajectory to reach 11 schools in just the next few years (you can read more about our schools here ). Ednovate is committed to serving areas where students traditionally lack access to a quality college-prep education by building tuition-free, safe, high-performing public schools driven to create positive multi-generational change.
We are made up of world travelers, nacho connoisseurs, KPOP business owners, and Beyonce fans. We love LA and OC, and we're our students' biggest cheerleaders. We are looking to hire innovative changemakers who aim to continue our goal of becoming the high school experts across Southern California. Sound like you? Keep reading.
Position Overview
As the Special Education Program Manager at Ednovate, you will implement Ednovate's vision for special education to help achieve the highest levels of academic and social-emotional learning for every student. You will manage the IEP process for a portfolio of identified schools to drive forward special education compliance and ensure that special education teachers can spend most of their time dedicated to student instruction and culture. This role is an exciting opportunity for someone with a passion for supporting all learners who possesses strong knowledge of special education and operational and relationship-building skills looking to create positive multigenerational change in a collaborative, results-oriented environment. This is a full-time, exempt role that reports to the Director of Special Education.
What You'll Do
  • Lead special education administration. Serve as the administrative designee for IEP meetings and effectively facilitate contentious IEP meetings using a student-centered approach to resolving disagreements. Develop and case manage particular IEPs at assigned schools, including meeting coordination and facilitation, and maintaining all required documentation as required by federal, state and district regulations. Ensure IEP timeline compliance for assigned schools utilizing network processes, participating in weekly compliance meetings and maintaining documentation. Administer transition assessments and implement quarterly or bi-annual transition activities for assigned students. Administer formal academic assessments and write the accompanying academic reports, as necessary. Monitor service provision using reports and communicate with stakeholders as needed about service provision.
  • Provide professional development. Develop and provide ongoing professional development for general and special education staff and network team members. Mentor Resource Service Providers with training, onboarding, guidance and regular coaching cycles. Support teachers and administrators in implementation of appropriate strategies to meet the needs of students with IEPs. Attend regular meetings/trainings for network support team as well as at assigned schools for continued professional development and community building. Maintain knowledge of current special education regulations and best practices.

Who You'll Be
  • Mission-driven professional passionate about increasing college attainment for historically under-represented students
  • Social justice champion committed to promoting educational opportunity for all students and families
  • Entrepreneurial spirit who thrives in a workplace characterized by autonomy, flexibility, transparency and accountability
  • Collaborative team player who works well with others from diverse backgrounds, uplifts and celebrates our teammates and engages in healthy debate and feedback to get the best results for students and families
  • Resourceful, persistent learner with a growth mindset, constantly seeking to ๏ฟฝfind a way or make one๏ฟฝ to master your craft and improve results.

We're Looking For
  • Bachelor's degree, required; Masters degree in special education, preferred
  • A California Special Education Teaching Credential or Out of State Special Education Credential, strongly preferred
  • 3+ years of successful experience as a special education teacher, including writing IEP goals, inputting service minutes, and ensuring timeline compliance for a caseload of students, required

We're Committed To Giving You
  • A competitive and transparent salary ($85,000 to $125,000, depending on background and experience)
  • Medical, dental and vision coverage - including a fully-paid medical and dental option for employees and their families - and flexible spending account options
  • Paid family leave, short-term disability and life insurance benefits
  • Fitness and entertainment discounts
  • Generous paid time off and holidays
  • 403b retirement savings plan, with company match
  • A place to grow, learn and be a part of the Ednovate family

We Believe in Inclusion
We aim to intentionally develop a schoolwide culture in which every student and teammate feels a sense of belonging. Ednovate does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, gender, handicap, age, religion, sexual orientation, or national or ethnic origin. Employees must be able to perform the essential functions of the position satisfactorily and, if requested, reasonable accommodations will be made to enable employees with disabilities to perform the essential functions of their job, absent undue hardship.
We know applying for a new job can be daunting, and studies have shown that individuals from historically underrepresented communities may only apply to roles when they meet 100% of the qualifications. We encourage all interested candidates to apply. You may be just the person we need! If you have any questions about your application or interview process, do not hesitate to email hiring@ednovate.org . We are here to help.