Director of Special Services

Salary: $130,000.00 - $150,000.00 Annually
Location : Sequim, WA
Job Type: Administrative
Job Number: DSS
Building: District Office
Department: Educational Services
Opening Date: 03/22/2025
Closing Date: 4/11/2025 11:59 PM Pacific

About
The Sequim School District welcomes your application for:
Director of Special Services
1.0 FTE
260-days per year
Start date: July 1, 2025
ABOUT SEQUIM SCHOOL DISTRICT

In Sequim School District our community inspires and prepares each student to thrive. We are looking for candidates passionate about pursuing their calling to education who will partner with us to create an environment and culture where all children experience success, NO EXCEPTIONS! The Sequim School District empowers staff to inspire hope and provide flexible, innovative learning opportunities in a safe and respectful environment so each student thrives.

ABOUT THE CITY OF SEQUIM:

Surrounded by natural beauty and full of small-town charm, Sequim is a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts and lavender lovers and is one of the driest places in western Washington. An active arts community, vibrant downtown, and diverse culinary options make Sequim the cultural and commercial heart of the Sequim-Dungeness Valley on the magnificent Olympic Peninsula.

The Position
BASIC FUNCTION:

Provide administrative, supervisory, and organizational leadership for the Sequim School District's Special Education, Health, and Pupil Services programs. Ensure compliance with federal, state, and local laws while supporting student success through inclusive and equitable practices.
The Candidate
QUALITIES OF THE IDEAL CANDIDATE:

• Giver of hope with a passion for student well-being and development
• Growth mindset and positive attitude
• Collaborative and approachable; builds strong relationships with staff, parents, and the community
• Excellent communication skills-clear, empathetic, and professional
• Inspirational leader who fosters teamwork and professional growth
• Empathetic and compassionate toward students with unique needs
• Skilled problem-solver and proactive decision-maker
• Highly organized and efficient in managing multiple tasks and responsibilities
• Dependable, responsible, and operates with the highest integrity

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

• Washington State Administrative Certificate (Principal, Special Education Director, or Superintendent certification preferred)
• Master's degree in Special Education, Educational Leadership, Teaching & Learning, or related field
• Successful administrative experience in a school or central office setting preferred, especially in Special Services leadership
• Demonstrated leadership skills in program development, team management, and implementation of effective services
• Experience applying for and managing state and federal categorical grants preferred

The Details
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES:

• Comprehensive knowledge of federal and state special education laws (IDEA, Section 504, ADA)
• Strong understanding of the latest research and best practices in Special Education
• Skilled in managing Individualized Education Programs (IEPs), 504 Plans, and related compliance procedures
• Ability to develop, lead, and evaluate special programs including Highly Capable and English Learners
• Knowledge of health services requirements and public-school health protocols
• Financial acumen to develop and manage complex budgets
• Strong interpersonal skills with the ability to navigate sensitive situations with empathy and professionalism
• Ability to interpret data and make data-driven decisions

Proficient in staff supervision, evaluation, and professional development

CORE RESPONSIBILITIES AND REPRESENTATIVE DUTIES:
Leadership and Management:

• Provide vision, direction, and supervision for Special Education, Health Services, Highly Capable, and English Learner programs
• Supervise, evaluate, and support special services staff including certificated Educational Support Assistants, English Learner and Highly Capable staff, and clerical personnel
• Develop and manage budgets and categorical grants to support program effectiveness
• Plan and implement staff professional development for continuous growth in meeting diverse student needs
• Collaborate with Human Resources and principals on staffing, hiring, evaluation, and professional support of Special Services personnel
• Ensure program alignment across elementary, middle, and high school levels to promote smooth transitions and articulation
• Oversee district translation and interpretation services to ensure family engagement and access
• Direct office operations and workflow to ensure responsive and efficient service

Compliance and Advocacy:

• Ensure compliance with federal, state, and local regulations, including IDEA, Section 504, ADA, and OSPI mandates
• Monitor and oversee the timely development, implementation, and review of IEPs, 504 plans, and related services
• Safeguard confidentiality of student records and implement appropriate information-sharing procedures
• Direct completion of all required reporting for county, state, and federal agencies
• Supervise mandated health services programs, including immunizations, health screenings, and management of student health records
• Serve as district liaison and advocate at local, regional, and state meetings, ensuring the district's interests are represented
• Collaborate on policy development and implementation to support best practices and inclusive educational environments

Collaboration and Communication:

• Engage collaboratively with teachers, administrators, families, and community partners to support student success
• Lead efforts to build understanding of special services programs and foster inclusive practices across the district
• Communicate effectively with stakeholders regarding program goals, services, and supports
• Partner with Child Welfare and Attendance for student placement decisions, including alternative placements and inter/intra-district transfers
• Consult with principals and staff regarding retention, acceleration, and placement decisions for students receiving services
• Ensure translation and communication systems provide full access for non-English speaking and deaf and hard of hearing student and families
• Provide leadership in resolving disputes or concerns related to special services programs

Evaluation and Improvement:

• Use data to monitor and evaluate the effectiveness of programs and services
• Oversee ongoing program assessment and lead continuous improvement efforts to enhance student outcomes
• Ensure fidelity in implementation of IEPs and student support plans; adjust programs based on student performance and needs
• Lead staff in reflective practices and data-driven decision-making to close opportunity gaps and advance equity
• Recommend adjustments to programming, staffing, and resources to meet changing student needs
• Oversee development and delivery of special education curriculum and instructional materials aligned with district priorities

Conditions/Disclaimers

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by those assigned to this position and are not to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties and skills. Employees may be required to perform duties outside of their normal responsibilities from time to time as needed. District employees are not authorized to make promises of employment for a particular period of time, or promises of a particular level of compensation or benefits to job applicants for certified or classified positions, and that any such agreement must be in writing and signed by the Superintendent. Any verbal or written statements to that effect by District employees other than the Superintendent are null and void. Additionally, nothing in this job description restricts management's right to assign or reassign duties and responsibilities to this job at any time.
School Employee Benefits Board (SEBB)
School District employees benefits are managed through the School Employee Benefits Board (SEBB). Any employee anticipated to work at least 630 hours in the school year is eligible for benefits, Dental, Vision, Basic Life/AD&D, Basic Long Term Disability are paid for by the District. Supplemental life insurance and long term disability can be purchased by the employee and also set up a Health Flexible Spending (FSA) accounts. Dependent Care Assistant Program (DCAP) account and Health Savings Accounts (HSA) if they qualify.

NEW EMPLOYEES will be evaluated for eligibility at the time of hire and given written notification and instructions on how to enroll if eligible or how to appeal if not eligible. All eligible employees must enroll in benefits using SEBB My Account within their thirty day enrollment period. The employee may waive medical coverage under certain circumstances. If an eligible employee does not enroll in benefits during their enrollment period they will be defaulted into medical coverage. Please read your eligibility notice carefully for instructions and deadlines and contact the Payroll Office for assistance.

Employees not initially eligible for SEBB Benefits may qualify later if your hours change or you work more than 630 hours in a school year. The Payroll Office will provide you with a notice of eligibility at that time with instructions on how to enroll and deadlines. See SEBB Eligibility Determination for more information. Please contact the Payroll Office if you have questions about your eligibility.

For more information regarding SEBB, please visit our
01

Describe your experience leading Special Education programs, including your approach to ensuring compliance with IDEA, Section 504, and ADA regulations while supporting inclusive practices.
02

Share an example of how you've used data to evaluate the effectiveness of a special services program and the steps you took to improve student outcomes.
03

Describe your experience managing complex budgets and state or federal categorical grants to support special services programs. What strategies have you used to align resources with student needs?
Required Question