Program Manager

Program Manager for Specialized InstructionThe Malden Public Schools (MPS) is a richly diverse school district located a few miles north of Boston and accessible by the MBTA orange line train. Malden's student body comprises approximately 6,100 students who represent 59 different countries and speak 67 different languages. Approximately 18 percent of Malden students have a disability and roughly one-third are English learners. The district includes seven schools: one comprehensive high school, five K to 8 schools, and an early learning center that serves preschool students with disabilities alongside typical peers. We are committed to providing high expectations for all learners through rigorous instruction and culturally responsive practices and pedagogy. MPS is a safe, welcoming, and collaborative district where we encourage and embrace a growth mindset. We believe that our diversity is an asset, and we are seeking candidates that reflect, embrace, and contribute to the strengths of our community.The Program Manager for Specialized Instruction provides district-wide leadership and oversight of substantially separate special education programs, with a primary focus on autism spectrum disorder (ASD), social-emotional learning (SEL), and life skills programming. This role is responsible for ensuring the delivery of high-quality, legally compliant, and student-centered services across all programs. The Program Manager serves as a key collaborative partner to district and school leaders, educators, related service providers, and families.Key ResponsibilitiesProgram Oversight & DevelopmentIn collaboration with school and district leaders, provide direct oversight of all district substantially separate programs including autism, social-emotional, and life skills programs across all school levelsDesign, implement, and continuously evaluate program models to ensure alignment with best practices, current research, and the individual needs of studentsEnsure all programs are in compliance with federal and state special education laws and regulations, including IDEA and applicable state guidelinesLead the development and refinement of structured, evidence-based instructional frameworks across substantially separate instructional settingsCollaborate with the district leadership to align programming with the district's improvement plan and strategic goalsSupervision & EvaluationDirectly supervise, mentor, and formally evaluate two district-wide Special Education Coaches, providing ongoing support, professional development, and performance feedback to ensure coaching effectiveness across program sitesCollaborate with Special Education Coaches to align coaching cycles, classroom support, and instructional priorities with program goals and student outcomesSupervise, mentor, and formally evaluate special education teachers, paraprofessionals, and related service providers (e.g., speech-language pathologists, occupational therapists, behavior analysts) assigned to substantially separate programsConduct regular classroom observations and provide timely, actionable, and growth-oriented feedback to staffSupport staff in developing and implementing effective Individualized Education Programs (IEPs) that reflect high expectations and meaningful goalsLead and facilitate professional development focused on autism supports, positive behavior interventions and supports (PBIS), SEL strategies, and life skills instructionInstructional LeadershipCoach and support educators and instructional staff in the use of evidence-based strategies, including ABA principles, AAC (augmentative and alternative communication), and social-emotional frameworksAnalyze student performance data to inform instructional decisions, identify trends, and drive program improvementsPartner with school-based leaders to promote inclusive practices and the continuum of special education servicesFamily & Community EngagementServe as a key point of contact for families of students in substantially separate programs, fostering trust, transparency, and meaningful partnershipParticipate in IEP meetings and transition planning as needed, particularly for students with complex needsFacilitate communication between families, school teams, and outside agencies to ensure coordinated and consistent supportAdministrative ResponsibilitiesManage resources, and materials in alignment with district prioritiesOversee staffing needs and scheduling for substantially-separate program sitesMaintain accurate records and data related to program implementation, student outcomes, and staff evaluationsAssist in the hiring, onboarding, and retention of highly qualified special education personnelQualificationsRequiredMaster's degree in Special Education, Educational Leadership, or a related fieldSpecial Education Administrator DESE certification required and SEI Administrator endorsement.Minimum of 5 years of experience in special education, with demonstrated expertise in autism programmingExpertise in IEP development, and evidence-based practices for students with autism and complex needsStrong interpersonal, communication, and organizational skillsPreferredExperience supervising or leading special education staff, including instructional coachesBCBA certification or equivalent behavioral expertiseExperience with district-wide program development and implementationFamiliarity with AAC systems and assistive technologyExperience working with diverse student populations across multiple school settingsCompensation: Position is included in Malden Education Association Administrative Bargaining Unit (Unit B)Work Year: 206 days, Starting July 1, 2026 (or earliest possible date)Reports To: Assistant Superintendent of Student Services/Director of Special EducationTo Apply: Submit application online here.