Arizona Department of Education

The Arizona Department of Education is a service organization committed to raising academic outcomes and empowering parents.

ESS, Results Driven Accountability Initiatives Director

Job Location:

Exceptional Student Services (ESS) Section
Phoenix Location

Posting Details:

Salary: $78,000 - $82,500 

Grade: 22

Closing Date: 03/08/26

Job Summary:

• Under the supervision of the Assistant State Director for Special Education, this position will supervise the development and submission of the State Performance Plan and Annual Performance Report (SPP/APR), State Systemic Improvement Plan (SSIP), and required special education data analysis activities in alignment with the Office of Special Education Programs (OSEP) guidance and expectations.
• Occasional in-state and out-of-state travel is required for this position.

Candidates should apply with an ability and willingness to work in-office up to five days per week as business needs necessitate.

Job Duties:

• Plan, organize, and lead Results Driven Accountability (RDA) initiatives, including development and submission of the SPP/APR and the SSIP, in alignment with OSEP guidance and expectations
• Plan, organize, and lead Results Driven Accountability initiatives, including PEA determinations, CCEIS and significant disproportionality, in alignment with OSEP guidance and expectations
• Lead strategic use of special education data to inform policy decisions, improve student outcomes, and support continuous improvement efforts within ESS
• Provide professional development on federal reporting data and requirements with both internal and external constituents
• Provide support within ESS to ensure team members understanding around data literacy to inform database decision making within ESS
• Effectively supervise and coach RDA specialists to facilitate performance, ensure completion of reporting obligations, and maintain positive morale

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities (KSAs):

Knowledge in:
• Special education law and policy
• Special education philosophy and practices
• Management principles and practices
• Data systems and educational outcomes analysis
• Continuous improvement strategies
• Public relations
• Legislative processes
• Understanding of public education agency operations
• Education administration
• Understanding of database concepts and processes
• A bachelor’s degree in special education or a related field, or equivalent experience to substitute for the degree, is required.
• Applicants must have supervisory experience.

Skills in:
• Leadership, coaching, and supervision
• Strategic communication
• Data-informed decision making
• Project and program management
• Public speaking
• Relationship management
• Interpersonal relationships
• Team and culture building
• Group facilitation
• Computer skills with a heavy focus on databases, data collection, and reporting

Ability to:
• Mission thinking
• Policy interpretation and implementation
• Strategic planning
• Analytical reasoning
• Adaptability and problem solving
• Ethical leadership

Selective Preference(s):

Preference will be given to those applicants with:
• Master’s degree in special education or equivalent
• Experience with data governance and information management systems
• Understanding of ADE data collection, flow, and process (AzEDS and IDEA related data reporting)

Pre-Employment Requirements:

Offers are contingent upon successful completion of all background and reference checks, required documents and, if applicable, a post-offer medical/physical evaluation.

If this position requires driving or the use of a vehicle as an essential function of the job to conduct State business, then the following requirements apply: Driver’s License Requirements.

All newly hired State employees are subject to and must successfully complete the Electronic Employment Eligibility Verification Program (E-Verify).

Benefits:

The State of Arizona provides an excel