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Special Education Program Manager information

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$36.5K

$72.3K

$114K

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

As of Jul 15, 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 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.

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 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.
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:
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What job categories do people searching Special Education Program Manager jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Special Education Program Manager jobs are:
Special Education Program Manager jobs near you
Infographic showing various Special Education Program Manager job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 79% Full Time, 16% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 3% 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.
Director of Special Education

Director of Special Education

Newark Board of Education

Newark, NJ • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, PTO

Posted 3 days ago

Newark Public Schools rating

6.3

Company rating: 6.3 out of 10

Based on 21 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

372nd of 575 rated elementary and secondary schools

Job description

Position Type:
Instructional -Admin - Central Office/Director Special Education
Date Posted:
4/13/2026
Location:
Special Education -408
NEWARK BOARD OF EDUCATION
HUMAN RESOURCE SERVICES
765 BROAD STREET, NEWARK, NEW JERSEY 07102
ROGER LE N, DISTRICT SUPERINTENDENT
DIRECTOR - SPECIAL EDUCATION
(Pending availability of funds and Superintendent's approval)
The Superintendent invites qualified and interested persons to apply for the position of DIRECTOR - SPECIAL EDUCATION.
QUALIFICATIONS AND REQUIREMENTS
The ideal candidate will be able to demonstrate a track record of the following:
  1. Passionate belief that all students can achieve at high levels.
  2. Personal accountability for serving all students and ensuring their academic achievement.
  3. Ability to create, articulate, and build staff and community buy-in to a clear vision and mission.
  4. Effective team leadership - builds and leads teams to achieve goals and objectives by:
  • Managing and coaching a team of professionals to achieve ambitious goals.
  • Assessing team and individual skills and development needs and providing feedback and coaching that assists others in maximizing their contribution.
  • Prioritizing and aligning people, time, and resources to the most important issues.
  • Exceptional communication and interpersonal skills, including ability to:
    • Work collaboratively with diverse stakeholders at all levels, including but not limited to district personnel, students, families, communities, and/or advocacy groups.
  • Solicit feedback while building consensus.
  • Maintain positive relationships and build lasting coalitions of support.
  • Skillfully navigate existing political structures/systems.
  • Strong goal-orientation and focus on results - thrives in achievement-oriented and fast-paced environment.
  • Outstanding critical thinking skills, including the ability to analyze data, identify trends, pinpoint problems and root causes, and develop innovative solutions.
  • Excellent execution and project management skills, including ability to balance the big picture with detailed steps.
  • Deep knowledge of services for students with special needs, including but not limited to:
    • Proven ability to develop and deliver programming that drives improved academic performance in special education populations.
    • Promising instructional practices and models
    • Federal and state regulations related to students with disabilities, including expertise in the areas of Section 504 and Assistive Technology.
  • Five or more years of related experience required, including at least three years administrative experience at the school or district level.
  • Master's degree in education or related field required.
  • School Administrator Certificate/Certificate of Eligibility (CE) or Principal Certificate.

BASIC FUNCTIONS AND RESPONSIBILITIES
  1. Ensure that special needs students are provided with the highest quality supports, with the goal of increasing the numbers of students able to reintegrate into the traditional learning environment.
  2. Serve as an advocate and represent the needs of special education students in all major district decisions.
  3. Collaborate with Human Resources to identify the qualifications and skill sets needed of special education professionals and recruit, train, support and retain the most talented special education educators, advocates, aides and specialists.
  4. Lead the Special Education office staff in implementing a vision with a clear focus on providing strategic support for schools and students while ensuring compliance with all state and federal requirements related to special needs students.
  5. Evaluate and improve existing special education programs by disseminating knowledge and best practices across the district.
  6. Lead the selection and implementation of academic assessments appropriate for students with special needs; drive data-based special education program improvements.
  7. Build innovative programs that improve early supports, enabling differentiated and integrated learning and accelerating student achievement for all kinds of learners.
  8. Work to create district-wide professional development programs, ensuring a robust, systemic approach to meeting the needs of special education students.
  9. Oversee the support of district- and school-based teams in their understanding of learning and behavior disabilities and their manifestations in the classroom through staff coaching, site-based workshops, and district-wide professional development.
  10. Develop and lead strategic partnerships that serve the interests of the district's special needs students.
  11. Assess the distribution of Special Education supports, ensuring that the allocation is even, efficient and provides the best resources to efficiently and effectively meet the needs of Newark's students, families and schools.
  12. Strategically manage and allocate resources (including money, people, time, etc.). Ensure that resources are aligned to students' needs and are used effectively and efficiently.
  13. Perform other duties and tasks assigned by Supervisor.

REPORTS TO: Assistant Superintendent
SALARY, EMPLOYMENT PERIOD, AND UNION AFFILIATION
  1. Salary Range: $156,000 to $171,000
  2. Employment Period: Twelve (12) Months
  3. Union affiliation: City Association of Supervisors and Administrators (C.A.S.A.).

In an effort to attract and retain staff, NBOE offers competitive compensation and comprehensive benefits for all full-time staff. Offerings include Medical and Prescription Drug plans, employer-paid Dental and Vision coverage, an array of Wellness and Voluntary benefits programs, and paid time off; all employees receive paid Personal and Sick days, as well as Vacation days for 12-month employees. For details, please go to https://nboehrs.com/
HOW TO APPLY
Newark Public Schools is only accepting electronic applications.
THE NEWARK PUBLIC SCHOOLS IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY/ AFFIRMATIVE ACTION EMPLOYER

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