Executive Director of Special Programs

JOB SUMMARY

The Executive Director for Special Education Curriculum & Instruction is a transformational leader within the Office of Special Education Services, driving HISD’s mission to ensure equitable access to high-quality instruction and services for all students. This role plays a critical part in HISD’s commitment to academic excellence and innovation, ensuring students with disabilities receive the specialized support needed to succeed in a rapidly evolving educational landscape.

As part of HISD’s high-performance culture, this position requires a visionary leader with deep expertise in special education regulations, best practices, specially designed instruction, and dyslexia services. The Executive Director fosters collaborative partnerships across stakeholder groups to ensure every student receives the support necessary to thrive in the Year 2035 workplace.

MAJOR DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES

1.    Lead with Impact: Provide sustained leadership, guidance, and support to an assigned Division, ensuring alignment with HISD’s vision for educational transformation. Act as a liaison between the division and the Office of Special Education Services to drive excellence in programming and compliance.

2.    Develop & Empower Talent: Lead, mentor, and supervise assigned staff, fostering a high-performance culture built on continuous improvement, accountability, and results-driven leadership.

3.    Data-Driven Excellence: Provide regular updates to the Deputy Chief for Special Education on compliance, progress, and areas of concern. Use real-time feedback and performance data to drive strategic decisions and continuous program improvement.

4.    Innovate & Elevate: Monitor and assess the effectiveness of special education programming, making data-driven recommendations to enhance student outcomes and instructional practices.

5.     Strengthen Workforce Readiness: Identify and address staffing needs within the Division, collaborating with district leadership to recruit, hire, and develop high-quality special education professionals.

6.    Advance Curriculum Development: Oversee the design, adaptation, and evaluation of special education curriculum, including dyslexia services, ensuring alignment with best instructional practices and future-ready learning goals.

MAJOR DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES CONTINUED

7.     Invest in Professional Growth: Plan and oversee dynamic, high-impact professional development for special education teachers, teacher assistants, and administrators, reinforcing HISD’s commitment to excellence in instruction.

8.    Fiscal Stewardship & Strategic Planning: Develop and manage budgets related to special education curriculum & instruction, ensuring efficient allocation of resources to maximize student impact.

9.    Commit to Continuous Improvement: Implement a results-oriented, continuous improvement process that enhances compliance, strengthens instructional effectiveness, and supports student success at scale.

10.    Champion HISD’s Vision: Serve as a key advocate and leader in HISD’s transformational work, ensuring that special education programming reflects the district’s bold commitment to narrowing achievement gaps and preparing students for the future. 

11.    Perform other duties as assigned.

EDUCATION

Master's degree or higher in Special Education, Educational Leadership, or relevant field.

WORK EXPERIENCE

 5+ years of successful experience as a leader, preferably within special education.

 Special Education Teaching experience preferred.

 Proven effectiveness as a campus and/or district leader with a strong record of results. 

SKILL AND/OR REQUIRED LICENSING/CERTIFICATION

Valid Texas mid-management or Principal certificate.

Valid Texas Special Education EC-12 certificate and/or certification in relevant field.

Proficiency in interpreting and applying federal, state, and local laws, guidelines, and procedures pertaining to special education.

Expertise in functioning within collaborative team settings.

Effective communication skills and adeptness in decision-making, particularly in challenging situations, with the capacity to engage and influence