Overview

The State Director of Special Education provides administrative oversight and leadership for training, technical assistance and monitoring of all fiscal and programmatic requirements provided by the US Department of Education's Office of Special Education Programs (OSEP) and VT Special Education Laws. The position is responsible for collaborating with local, state and federal partners to ensure the successful implementation of federal and state statutes and regulations governing the education of students with disabilities.

This position:

• Develops implementation plans for assigned team focus areas
• Develops, defends, explains, promotes and/or implements policy and legislation when appropriate
• Works with staff to develop individual work plans and conducts individual staff evaluations to advance the Agency's core mission
• Works with the Chief Academic Officer (CAO) and finance staff to develop and manage budgets for assigned projects
• Manages grants and contracts for assigned work
• Communicates the Agency's core mission to staff and supports them in advancing this work
• Develops and follows a work plan developed with the CAO that supports Agency and team policies, expectations, standards of quality, and staff responsibilitie
• Serves as the designated Subject Matter Expert for complex issues related to special education, not just at the Agency of Education but throughout Vermont state government. 

Additionally, the ideal candidate will possess extensive knowledge of state and federal law and be responsible monitoring for compliance of local education agencies. Compliance responsibilities are significant and the state's role is to oversee the data and measures for monitoring and compliance. The State Director of Special Education is responsible for ensuring confidential student data is reported in a timely manner and used to compile monitoring reports and that all corrective actions are completed within given timeframes.

Who May Apply

This position, State Director of Special Education (Job Requisition #54291), is open to all State employees and external applicants. 
If you would like more information about this position, please contact Erin Davis at [email protected].
Resumes will not be accepted via e-mail. You must apply online to be considered.

Environmental Factors

Normal office working conditions generally prevail. Incumbents must be able to interact, work, and deal with Agency staff, school personnel, and state, federal, and local officials. Regular field monitoring is required. Evening and weekend work may be required. Travel will be a regular part of the work.

Minimum Qualifications

Bachelor’s degree or higher in education or closely related field AND seven (7) or more years of experience in the field of special education INCLUDING two (2) or more years of experience with planning, policy, program administration or evaluation AND two (2) years or more of supervisory experience.
OR
Two (2) or more years as an Education Assistant Division Director with the Agency of Education.

Preferred Qualifications

Master’s or Doctoral degree in special education.
Experience in directing a special education department at the local education agency level.

Total Compensation

As a State employee you are offered a great career opportunity, but it's more than a paycheck. The State's total compensation package features an outstanding set of employee benefits that are worth about 30% of your total compensation, including:

• 80% State paid medical premium and a dental plan at no cost for employees and their families
• Work/Life balance: 11 paid holidays each year and a generous leave plan
• State Paid Family and Medical Leave Insurance (FMLI)
• Two ways to save for your retirement: A State defined benefit pension plan and a deferred compensation 457(b) plan
• Tuition Reimbursement
• Flexible spending healthcare and childcare reimbursement accounts
• Low cost group life insurance
• Incentive-based Wellness Program
• Qualified Employer for Public Service Student Loan Forgiveness Program

Want the specifics? Explore the Benefits of State Employment on our website.

Equal Opportunity Employer

The State of Vermont celebrates diversity, and is committed to providing an environment of mutual respect and meaningful inclusion that represents a variety of backgrounds, perspectives, and skills. The State does not discriminate in employment on the basis of race, color, religion or belief, national, social or ethnic origin, sex (including pregnancy), age, physical, mental or sensory disability, HIV Status, sexual orientation, gender identity and/or expression, marital, civil union or domestic partnership status, past or present military service, membership in an employee organization, family medical history or genetic information, or family or parental status. The State’s employment decisions are merit-based. Retaliatory adverse employment actions by the State are forbidden.