Director of Special Education

Position Type:
Administration/Director

Date Posted:
8/20/2026

Location:
District Office

Date Available:
09/16/2026

Closing Date:
Open until filled
Job Summary:
Cook County School District 130 is seeking a collaborative, student-centered Director of Special Education to lead and strengthen special education services across the District. This is an opportunity for an experienced special education leader to shape districtwide programs, support educators and administrators, ensure compliance, and help create meaningful opportunities for students with disabilities.

The Director provides leadership and oversight for Special Education Coordinators and related service providers and works collaboratively with building administrators on matters involving special education programs, compliance, and services. Working closely with district leaders, principals, teachers, families, and community partners, the Director advances high-quality instruction and services while fostering an inclusive educational environment in which all students can thrive.

Primary Responsibilities:

• Develop and coordinate goals, objectives, policies, plans, and programs that respond to Districtwide special education needs and expand educational opportunities for students with disabilities.
• Lead the evaluation and continuous improvement of special education programs through analysis of student achievement, growth, service delivery, compliance, placement, and program outcome data.
• Provide leadership for special education personnel, including staffing recommendations, assignments, placement, and support for paraprofessional staffing needs.
• Develop and manage the special education budget, grant applications, submissions, and claims in collaboration with District business and student services leaders.
• Ensure compliance with state and federal requirements, including reporting mandates, student records, identification and placement procedures, and due process matters.
• Establish and monitor Districtwide systems for special education compliance, identify areas requiring improvement, and oversee corrective action and follow-up when concerns are identified.
• Monitor the District's continuum of services and placement practices to support appropriate access to the least restrictive environment and ensure programming is responsive to individual student needs.
• Partner with Curriculum and Instruction and Student Services leadership to align special education curriculum, programs, instructional materials, and services with general education.
• Support principals, teachers, service providers, and child-study teams in referrals, evaluations, student placement, scheduling, programming, and inclusive practices.
• Identify professional learning needs and provide leadership for professional development related to special education instruction, compliance, inclusive practices, and effective service delivery.
• Build strong relationships with families and the community and promote understanding and support of special education initiatives.
• Serve as a special education resource to the Board of Education and provide clear reports, updates, and recommendations to district leadership.

Qualifications:

• Illinois Professional Educator License with a Director of Special Education Endorsement.
• Minimum of five years of progressively responsible experience in special education, including a minimum of three years in an administrative or central office leadership role.
• Experience providing direct special education services strongly preferred.
• Experience in a district of comparable size preferred.
• Experience with fiscal management, personnel management, and program planning.
• Experience developing and implementing state and federal special education grants.
• Strong public and community relations skills, including the ability to resolve parent/school conflicts thoughtfully and effectively.
• Excellent communication, interpersonal, and leadership skills, along with a high level of personal integrity and a strong work ethic.

Salary and Benefits:

• Competitive salary: $106,500 - $116,500, commensurate with experience.
• District-paid TRS contributions.
• 30 vacation days and 15 sick days annually.
• Comprehensive insurance package, which includes health (Blue Cross Blue Shield), dental (Guardian), vision (VSP) and life insurance plans (2026-2027 CCSD130 Benefit Summary Guide).
• Administrator Academy tuition and professional development support.
• $2,000 annual travel stipend.
• Employee wellness program and EAP access.

Working Conditions

• Full-time, 12-month position (July 1 - June 30)
• Standard hours: 8:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday
• Attendance at all Board of Education meetings required
• Occasional evening and weekend responsibilities
• Regular travel between District buildings