Education Program Director | BCBA → $5,000 Sign-on Bonus!

Starting Salary: $90,000 - $100,000 /year based on experience PLUS $5,000 Sign-on Bonus!

Environment: Special Education Program, Grades K-12

a growing, dynamic organization with a social mission to offer hope, is seeking an Education Program Director | BCBA to join our award-winning Special Education team and perform meaningful work in a culture that welcomes innovation, encourages creative expression and offers limitless potential for personal and professional satisfaction!

If you thrive in a collaborative, goal-oriented environment focused on meaningful outcomes for students with special education needs, seek a career filled with genuine purpose, and possess strong problem-solving skills, compassion and exceptional dedication — We Should Talk!

As the Education Program Director | BCBA , you will play a pivotal role in transforming the lives of students by providing tailored clinical and educational interventions designed to meet each learner’s unique needs. You’ll lead with expertise, guiding and mentoring your team through hands-on training and professional development, while consistently evaluating and elevating their performance.

This position operates as acting School Principal in oversight of all site operations and functions, ensures a safe learning environment for all students and staff by following guidelines for addressing/reporting issues and incidents, and acts as liaison between the site and the school districts' designated site contacts by establishing and maintaining positive, interactive working relationships

‖ Responsibilities Include:

• Providing vision and leadership to support student achievement and effective operations by supervising staff, developing, and implementing performance management plans, identifying professional learning needs, and participating in professional learning opportunities.

• Effectively participating in the employment and selection process to ensure an effective site team is in place.

• Analyzing the professional development needs of staff and aligning needs with the ChanceLight instructional vision, while also actively recognizing accomplishments and addressing issues to ensure productive site operations.

• Ensuring the safety of staff and students by maintaining the site and classrooms for operation and ensuring compliance and staff awareness with contract and specific state requirements including staffing ratios and crisis protocols.

• Performing managerial responsibilities including but not limited to overseeing the day-to-day operation of school schedule and activities, custodial and maintenance, food services, transportation services, administration, financial/budgetary operations, resource allocation, and district/community relationships.

• Driving the enrollment process from referral to last day of attendance; ensuring timely classroom placement upon receiving referral, conducting effective site tours, managing classroom rosters according to student need and state requirements, and participating in the development of plans for transitioning students to the least restrictive environment.

• Instructing, monitoring, and evaluating all staff and students in the use of learning materials and resources to ensure fidelity of instruction and student performance/evaluation.

• Conducting Functional Behavior Assessments (FBAs) to identify the causes and functions of students' challenging behaviors.

• Creating and implementing BIPs that align with ChanceLight standards and guidelines, addressing the individual needs of each student.

• Supporting the development of measurable, objective IEP goals and facilitating progress monitoring in collaboration with education personnel.

• Implementing evidence-based interventions by applying scientifically proven behavioral and educational strategies, promoting positive outcomes in academic, social, emotional, and independent functioning.

• Providing crisis management intervention and support for students exhibiting aggressive or self-injurious behavior and developing strategies for improvement of behavior.

• Monitoring and ensuring adherence to all Department of Education regulations and internal standards for educational and behavioral services.

• Maintaining accurate and detailed records of assessments, interventions, progress, and compliance activities.

• Participating in the assurance and accreditation processes to ensure that the site passes or meets performance plans.

• Keeping up to date with research-based practices and developments in subject areas, resources and professional development, including but not limited to organization-wide initiatives such as CPI.

• Providing, soliciting, and responding constructively to formal and informal feedback.

• Working collaboratively with site team, field level support and national support for the good of the organization.

 

 

‖ Qualifications Required:

• Masters degree or higher in educational leadership, special education, applied behavior analysis or a closely related field of study.
• Licensed currently or in the process of obtaining a board-certified behavior analyst (BCBA) credential.
• Licensed currently or in the process of obtaining an educational leadership, school principal, administrator or related credential preferred.
• Licensed currently or in the process of obtaining a state special education instruction credential preferred.
• Ability to obtain and maintain certification in company approved crisis management training.
• Minimum 5yrs prior experience and/or knowledge in special education services and compliance, particularly for students with severe learning disabilities, behavioral disorders and/or emotional disturbance.
• Minimum 3yrs prior leadership experience, preferably in a special education and/or behavioral health program setting.
• Effective management skills and comprehensive knowledge of administrative and school operations, functions, and compliance requirements.
• Prior experience and highly knowledgeable in the development, assessment, and management of curriculum, content areas and instruction.
• Prior experience and highly skilled in providing training, professional development and/or coaching to teachers and education staff.
• Well-versed in applied behavior analysis (ABA) including positive behavior interventions and supports (PBIS), effective teaching strategies, classroom management systems, data-based decision making, functional behavior analysis (FBA) and behavior intervention plans (BIP).
• Proficiency in providing motivation and having critical conversations with students that help move them toward realistic goals.
• Highly skilled in building relationships with students, parents, teachers and community and/or business partners.
• Advanced oral and written communication, organization, conflict resolution, multitasking, problem solving, and decision-making ability.
• Knowledge of relevant technology including experience with instructional technology, Microsoft Office Suite, database entry and basic office equipment.
• Skilled leader who exhibits the characteristics of servant leadership, looking to the needs of the team and seeking to help solve problems and promote personal development.

 

ChanceLight Behavioral Health, Therapy, & Education is the nation’s leading provider of alternative and special education programs for children and young adults. For more than 50 years, and in partnership with over 235 school districts nationwide, we have helped change the direction of more than 240,000 student lives !

Learn more about our history, our mission and the program services we provide by visiting the link below:

At ChanceLight we believe in providing more than just a job, as a member of our team you'll receive the opportunity to make meaningful impacts, the support needed to achieve success, and all the tools essential to reaching your personal & professional fulfillment! Y our path to a truly rewarding career starts here – where growth, empowerment, and collaboration define our culture; and every day is a  Chance   to transform lives through education!

‖ Perks and Benefits Include:

• Comprehensive Medical, Dental and Vision Plans
• Annual Education Stipend - $2,000
• FREE Telehealth and Virtual Counseling Sessions
• FREE Health Advocacy Services and 24/7 Nurse Line
• Company Paid Life & Disability Insurance
• Company Paid Employee Assistance Program
• Flexible Spending and Health Savings Accounts
• Personal Protection Insurance Plans
• Cigna Healthy Pregnancies, Healthy Babies Program
• Legal Services Insurance 
• Pet Health Insurance
• Accrual-based Paid Time Off 
• School Hours and Paid Holiday Schedule
• Extensive Personal and Life Event Paid Leave Policy
• 401k Retirement Saving Plan
• Perks at Work Employee Discount Program
• Opportunities for Growth & Development
• And So Much More!

⚕️ Learn more about employee perks & benefits in our digital brochure:

If you're ready to start making lasting impacts on the lives of students and contribute to the creation of a brighter future — This Is Your   Chance !

Join us and together, we can empower students to overcome challenges, build confidence and unlock their full potential!

Copyright © 2026 ChanceLight Behavioral Health, Therapy, & Education, a ChanceLight® company *Benefit plans and eligibility requirements may vary based on role and employment status.  

Education

Required

• Masters or better in Applied Behavior Analysis or related field

Licenses & Certifications

Required

• Behavioral - BCBA
• Crisis Prevention Inst

Preferred

• Ed - Principal License
• Ed - Teaching Credential
• Special Ed Certification

Skills

Required

• Special Education
• Leadership
• Decision Making
• Quality Assurance & Compliance
• Emergency Management
• Content Standards
• Budget Management
• Community Relations
• Parent Counseling & Train
• Performance Management
• Teacher Mentoring/Training
• Performance Motivation
• Student Affairs
• Positive Behavior Intervention and Support
• Functional Behavioral Assessment (FBA)
• Behavior Intervention Plans - BIP
• Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA)
• Crisis Intervention
• Behavioral Disorders
• Learning Disabilities
• Student Development
• Individualized Education Programs (IEP)
• Curriculum Development
• Classroom Management
• Interpersonal Skills
• Computer Skills
• K-12 Education

Behaviors

Preferred

• Dedicated: Devoted to a task or purpose with loyalty or integrity
• Leader: Inspires teammates to follow them

Motivations

Preferred

• Ability to Make an Impact: Inspired to perform well by the ability to contribute to the success of a project or the organization

Equal Opportunity Employer
This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws. For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.