Executive Director, Exceptional Student Services

** Applications will be received until June 25, 2026 . If the position is not filled by then, we may consider applications submitted after the deadline. Interested applicants must apply online by visiting the Denver Public Schools job board at careers.dpsk12.org. **

About this job:

The Executive Director of Exceptional Student Services (ESS) is responsible for the direction and implementation of District-wide student services, including special education, gifted and talented, and special service provider supports. Ensures that all resources provided by the department are tightly integrated and delivered with the highest quality to students, educators, school leaders, and school leadership teams. Leads compliance, instructional strategy and partnership work and provides guidance on necessary policy and programmatic changes in order to ensure student achievement.

Reports to the Chief of Academics. As part of a values-based organization, achieves Board of Education ends and goals through our shared commitment to Students First, Integrity, Equity, Collaboration, Accountability and Fun. Plans, assigns and supervises the work performed in the areas of responsibility and ensures compliance with District policy and practices and appropriate federal, state and local rules and regulations.

**The Executive Director must demonstrate a willingness to sign a confidentiality agreement. This role requires maintaining the highest level of confidentiality regarding all District matters, especially those involving the Superintendent, Chief of Staff, and the Board of Education. Ensuring trust and discretion is paramount to the success and integrity of this position. **

What DPS Offers You:

• A Culture that values Equity, Accountability, Integrity, Collaboration and Fun with a shared vision that Every Learner Thrives.
• Salary Range . $134.579.00 - $164,832.00 Annually. Click for more information on compensation for these roles.
• In addition to competitive compensation, DPS has other Total Reward offerings such as; time off, health and wellness benefits , and PERA Retirement.

What You'll Do:

• Provides strategic leadership to advance the vision for specialized student services, driving measurable outcomes for students and ensuring the optimum success of each child
• Plans, implements and monitors specialized student services and programs, improving service to schools and aligning staff and financial resources to accomplish district priorities
• Oversees teams such as Mental Health, Special Education, Specialized Services, Nursing, Gifted and Talented, and Compliance teams
• Oversees and submits department budgets and applications for state and federal funds
• Collects and analyzes data and prepares reports, including those required by local, state and federal authorities, making recommendations on assessments
• Leads effective communication and collaboration with parents and members of the community, school leaders and other departments
• Remains knowledgeable on and shapes research and best practices in order to develop and execute on innovative strategies regarding exceptional students, special education and whole child supports
• Interprets and administers local, state and federal statutes, rules, policies, state compliance and monitoring procedures and administrative directives pertaining to related areas; in conjunction with district legal counsel, provides direction on resolution of disputes, complaints or other issues, as required
• Other duties as assigned

What You’ll Need:

• Master Degree in education
• Five (5+) plus years of experience in leadership and and educational setting
• Knowledge of applicable laws and regulations
• Ability to effectively lead a function, focusing function on strategic goals
• Ability to develop, plan, and implement long-range goals, establish priorities, and organize resources
• Demonstrated experience performing as an effective leader and team player, recognizing and resolving conflicts or potentially controversial situations through diplomacy
• Strong interpersonal and leadership skills, including the ability to lead a high-performing team
• Superior leadership, coaching and mentoring skills
• Looks for ways to significantly improve business performance and growth
• Strong inter-personal skills and ability to work with individuals at all different levels in the organization
• Demonstrated skills in budget management and funds accountability
• Encourages diversity and mutual respect among team members and demonstrates compassion and sensitivity
• Lead for racial and educational excellence and work to dismantle systems of oppression and inequity in our community, along with believing in and supporting all students so they feel seen and heard with access to high quality education.
• Live and work with a permanent home address in Colorado while working with us.
• Have the ability with or without accommodations to meet the of the position.

Denver Public Schools is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, gender expression, and sexual orientation), parental status, national origin, age, disability, genetic information (including family medical history), political affiliation, military service, or any other status protected by law or regulations. It is our intention that all qualified applicants be given equal opportunity and that selection decisions be based on job-related factors.

Students First. Integrity. Equity. Collaboration. Accountability. Fun