Special Education Monitoring Programs Manager

OverviewThe Vermont Agency of Education is seeking an experienced educational leader to manage the State's Special Education Monitoring Program. This position provides statewide leadership to ensure compliance with the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), improve outcomes for students with disabilities, and strengthen the capacity of Vermont's local education agencies through monitoring, technical assistance, and continuous improvement.Primary ResponsibilitiesLead the development, implementation, and continuous improvement of Vermont's statewide IDEA monitoring system.Supervise and support the Special Education Monitoring Team, including assigning work, providing coaching, reviewing monitoring reports, and ensuring consistency and quality across all monitoring activities.Plan and oversee differentiated monitoring activities, including cyclical monitoring, targeted monitoring, investigations, and due diligence reviews resulting from complaints, self-reports, data analysis, or credible allegations.Review monitoring evidence, identify findings of noncompliance, and oversee the development, implementation, and verification of corrective actions.Lead statewide efforts to address long-standing noncompliance through root cause analysis, corrective action planning, and ongoing technical assistance.Analyze compliance and performance data to identify statewide trends, evaluate risk, and inform monitoring priorities.Support development and reporting of IDEA State Performance Plan/Annual Performance Report (SPP/APR) indicators and other federal and state reporting requirements.Develop guidance documents, monitoring protocols, training materials, and technical assistance resources for local education agencies.Provide consultation and professional development to special education administrators, educators, and Agency staff regarding IDEA requirements and effective implementation practices.Collaborate with Agency leadership, Special Education Division technical assistance and professional development colleagues, legal counsel, data specialists, finance staff, and other state and national partners to ensure legally sound and effective monitoring practices.Maintain current knowledge of federal and state special education laws, regulations, and national best practices.The ideal candidate will have experience as a special education administrator, director, coordinator, or educational leader with responsibility for IDEA implementation, compliance, or monitoring is strongly preferred. Experience working with state or federal education agencies, dispute resolution, corrective action planning, or statewide technical assistance is highly desirable.This position plays a critical leadership role in protecting the rights of students with disabilities, ensuring Vermont's compliance with federal special education requirements, and supporting continuous improvement in special education services across the state.Who May ApplyThis position, Special Education Monitoring Programs Manager (Job Requisition #55457), is open to all State employees and external applicants.If you would like more information about this position, please contact Erin Davis at View email address on click.appcast.io note that multiple positions in the same work location may be filled from this job posting.Resumes will not be accepted via e-mail. You must apply online to be considered.Environmental FactorsNormal office working conditions generally prevail. Incumbent must be able to interact, work, and deal with Department staff, educators, state, federal, and local officials, and the general public. Evening and weekend work may be required. Considerable travel is necessary for which private means of transportation must be availableMinimum QualificationsMaster's degree in education, public administration, or related field AND five (5) years or more of experience in education or human services, INCLUDING one (1) year or more with planning, policy, program administration or a program evaluation role AND two (2) years or more of supervisory experience.ORBachelor's degree in education, public administration, or related field AND seven (7) years or more of experience in education or human services, INCLUDING one (1) year or more with planning, policy, program administration or a program evaluation role AND two (2) years or more of supervisory experience.Preferred QualificationsExtensive knowledge of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), Vermont Special Education Rules, and federal monitoring requirements.Experience administering or supervising special education programs.Demonstrated experience leading compliance reviews, program evaluation, or educational monitoring activities.Strong leadership, project management, organizational, and supervisory skills.Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to communicate complex legal and regulatory requirements to diverse audiences.Experience analyzing educational data and using data to inform decision-making and systems improvement.Ability to build collaborative relationships while addressing challenging compliance issues with professionalism and diplomacy.Commitment to educational equity, inclusion, and continuous improvement.Special RequirementsSome positions may have certification requirements or other special requirements.Total CompensationAs a State employee you are offered a great career opportunity, but it's more than a paycheck. The State's total compensation package features an outstanding set of employee benefits that are worth about 30% of your total compensation, including:80% State paid medical premium and a dental plan at no cost for employees and their familiesWork/Life balance: 11 paid holidays each year and a generous leave planState Paid Family and Medical Leave Insurance (FMLI)Two ways to save for your retirement: A State defined benefit pension plan and a deferred compensation 457(b) planTuition ReimbursementFlexible spending healthcare and childcare reimbursement accountsLow cost group life insuranceIncentive-based Wellness ProgramQualified Employer for Public Service Student Loan Forgiveness ProgramWant the specifics? Explore the Benefits of State Employment on our website.Equal Opportunity EmployerThe State of Vermont celebrates diversity, and is committed to providing an environment of mutual respect and meaningful inclusion that represents a variety of backgrounds, perspectives, and skills. The State does not discriminate in employment on the basis of race, color, religion or belief, national, social or ethnic origin, sex (including pregnancy), age, physical, mental or sensory disability, HIV Status, sexual orientation, gender identity and/or expression, marital, civil union or domestic partnership status, past or present military service, membership in an employee organization, family medical history or genetic information, or family or parental status. The State’s employment decisions are merit-based. Retaliatory adverse employment actions by the State are forbidden.