Senior Manager, Special Education

Company Description

Uncommon Schools is a nonprofit network of high-performing public charter schools dedicated to providing an exceptional K-12 education in economically disadvantaged communities. Operating in Boston, Camden, New York City, Newark, and Rochester, we are committed to closing the college completion gap and preparing every student for college and beyond. Our students consistently exceed national benchmarks, reflecting our dedication to their success. We invest deeply in our educators, offering weekly coaching, feedback, and professional development to ensure excellence in teaching and leadership. Join us to work hard, do good, and make a lasting difference!

Job Description

Are you a special education leader ready to shape inclusive, high-quality programming across a network of high schools? As Senior Manager of Special Education for Newark, you'll lead our regional special education team to ensure every student with disabilities receives the academic, behavioral, and social-emotional supports they need to succeed. You'll work closely with school leaders, clinicians, and regional teams to drive continuous improvement in how we implement special education services—from eligibility and evaluation through IEP implementation and compliance. This role offers the opportunity to build a cohesive, skilled team while making a direct impact on the lives of hundreds of students and families.

Responsibilities

Team Leadership & Development

• Supervise and support regional Child Study Team (CST) staff, providing clinical supervision, performance management, and ongoing professional coaching.
• Support the onboarding and training of new high school social workers and other CST staff to ensure strong integration into regional systems and expectations.
• Develop and facilitate professional development to strengthen the clinical practice and effectiveness of Child Study Team members and school-based special education staff.
• Develop and share best practices including clinical techniques, strategies, and age-appropriate interventions.

Eligibility, Evaluation & Compliance

• Oversee and manage the eligibility and evaluation process for high school students, ensuring compliance with state and federal special education regulations.
• Oversee the out-of-district case management process, ensuring appropriate placement oversight and coordination among regional CST members.
• Support completion of special education state reporting requirements in collaboration with the Director of Special Education.

Instructional Oversight & Coaching

• Monitor and support high school special education instructional programming, ensuring schools effectively implement academic, behavioral, and social-emotional supports for students with disabilities.
• Conduct regular structured check-ins with high school special education teams to provide coaching, problem-solving support, and guidance on case management and compliance practices.
• Conduct structured walkthroughs and reviews (2–3 times annually) to monitor the implementation of IEP services, support for at-risk students, and the provision of related services.

Strategic Planning & Collaboration

• Participate in weekly leadership check-ins with Regional Special Education Leaders and the Senior Manager of Student Support Services to review priorities, student needs, and operational updates.
• Support regional strategic planning, including goal setting, program development, and alignment with the overall vision for special education services.
• Collaborate closely with school leaders, regional superintendents of instruction and operations, and other stakeholders to ensure strong alignment and effective implementation of special education services.

Qualifications

Required

• Master's degree in Special Education, Educational Leadership, or related field
• Current New Jersey Special Education Senior Manager certification or eligibility for certification
• Minimum 5 years of experience in special education, including experience with eligibility, IEP development, and compliance
• Experience supervising and coaching special education staff
• Demonstrated knowledge of state and federal special education regulations (IDEA, Section 504, NJ regulations)
• Strong organizational, communication, and problem-solving skills

Preferred

• Experience in an urban school district or charter network
• Experience leading regional or multi-school special education initiatives
• Background in coaching or professional development facilitation