FY27: Executive Director, Division of Specialized Support Services

Executive Director, Division Of Specialized Support Services

Under direction of chief of the related functional area, acts for, represents, and exercises the authority of office leadership in engaging and developing strategic relationships with internal and external stakeholders. Assists the Chief in the handling of responsibilities related to educational/operational leadership. Serves as the primary point of contact for community stakeholder engagement, and facilitates community meetings and conversations on critical initiatives. Manages and problem-solves day-to-day operational matters of the assigned office. Coordinates a variety of operational activities among central offices. Researches, writes, edits, and reviews correspondence, and prepares reports for the Chief. Collects and analyzes data to inform decisions and best practices. Provides direct support and assistance to directors and other staff reporting to the assigned office with Board of Education presentations, correspondence, responses to parents/families, citizens, and members of the community, and aligning work to the school system goals, strategic planning, and major initiatives.

Serve as the primary point of contact for constituent, family, school, and community concerns related to specialized support services and special education programming, ensuring all inquiries are addressed in a timely, professional, empathetic, and solution-oriented manner. Demonstrate extensive knowledge and application of federal, state, and local special education laws, regulations, policies, and procedures, including but not limited to IDEA, Section 504, COMAR, FERPA, procedural safeguards, due process requirements, and Maryland State Department of Education guidance. Collaborate closely with school-based administrators, central services leadership, legal counsel, and cross-office departments to investigate concerns, resolve issues, and implement sustainable solutions that ensure compliance, equity, student access, and continuity of services. Lead and support effective communication with parents, guardians, advocates, school teams, and community stakeholders regarding special education services, student supports, program implementation, and district processes while maintaining professionalism, transparency, and responsiveness. Proactively manage and resolve sensitive and high-profile matters involving students, staff, families, advocates, and community partners to prevent unnecessary escalation to executive leadership or the Office of the Superintendent.

Develop high-level executive summaries, briefing documents, reports, and presentations that clearly communicate complex special education matters, operational concerns, compliance issues, staffing models, and strategic initiatives for diverse stakeholder audiences. Manage complaints, investigations, corrective actions, and inquiries originating from the Office of the Inspector General (OIG), Maryland State Department of Education (MSDE), due process filings, state complaints, and other oversight entities, ensuring all documentation, status reports, and responses are accurate and submitted within required timelines. Coordinate and prepare materials, reports, testimony, and responses for local and state government agencies, including the County Council, Board of Education, General Assembly members, and interagency or public meetings related to special education and specialized support services. Conduct ongoing research, analysis, and benchmarking of regional Local Education Agencies (LEAs), best practices, staffing structures, service delivery models, compliance trends, and policies to provide data-informed recommendations for continuous improvement. Serve as a visible and trusted representative of the district at school meetings, community forums, public engagement sessions, advisory groups, scholarship committees, civic organizations, and interagency collaborations. Supervise and execute strategic initiatives, operational priorities, compliance activities, and special projects assigned by executive leadership to support the evolving needs and priorities of the district. Demonstrate exceptional ability to navigate emotionally charged situations, mediate conflict, build trust, and foster collaborative relationships among families, staff, unions, advocates, school leaders, and community stakeholders. Communicate clearly, accurately, and persuasively with executive leadership, Board members, union leadership, principals, district administrators, legal counsel, and external partners regarding sensitive and complex matters. Analyze, interpret, and translate dense legal, compliance, fiscal, staffing, and operational information into actionable recommendations, executive summaries, and implementation plans. Maintain absolute confidentiality and discretion when handling sensitive personnel matters, student records, OIG investigations, legal communications, compliance matters, and protected student information. Ensure all communications, reports, compliance activities, corrective actions, and deliverables are completed accurately, professionally, and within established deadlines and mandated timelines. Maintain availability for extended work hours, evening meetings, emergency response situations, community events, and time-sensitive district needs as required to support schools, families, and district operations.

Thorough knowledge of organization development and project management strategies, strategic planning, school administration, business operations, organizational and leadership theory, executive meeting facilitation design and delivery, human resource and people management skills required. Knowledge of Montgomery County Public Schools (MCPS) pre-kindergarten through Grade 12 instructional programs, policies and procedures. Proficiency in the use of computers and technology and common office software. Knowledge of public education issues and processes. Ability to quickly learn the unique environment and complexity of working in a public education institution. Strong presentation skills. Excellent interpersonal and written communication skills.

Master's Degree preferred. Experience as a school-based administrator preferred; experience in government, K-12 or higher education, business, policy, nonprofit management, or another applicable field. Extensive experience in project management, solving problems, data analysis, making decisions, interpretation of policy and education law, and writing/editing reports. Management experience with driving to successful completion of complex joint programs preferred. Other combinations of applicable education, training, and experience which provide the knowledge, abilities, and skills necessary to perform effectively in the position will be considered. Varies; Education and/or certifications must correspond to the subject matter and functional area. Must meet Maryland State certification requirements for Administrator I if serving as an instructional leader.