Director of Special Education

Job Title: Director of Education Industry: Nonprofit / Special Education Location (city, state): Germantown, MD (Fully On-Site) Assignment Type: Direct Hire Pay: $100,000–$120,000 annually (based on experience/alignment) Work Schedule: Monday–Friday, 8:00 AM–4:00 PM; 5 days onsite Benefits: This position is eligible for medical, dental, vision, and 401(k). About Our Client: Addison Group is partnering with a well-established nonprofit organization in Montgomery County, MD, dedicated to supporting individuals with developmental disabilities through educational, residential, employment, and community-based programs. Our client is expanding its educational services and seeking an experienced Director of Education to lead the development and launch of a new school location. Job Description: Our client is seeking a Director of Education to provide strategic leadership and operational oversight for a growing special education program. This individual will take ownership of establishing a new school program from the ground up, including developing its curriculum, building operational procedures, establishing staffing needs, and ensuring compliance with applicable educational regulations. As the program develops, this person will oversee daily school operations, guide and mentor instructional staff, manage student educational plans, and build strong relationships with families and external educational partners. This is an excellent opportunity for an experienced special education leader who enjoys building programs, taking initiative, and making a meaningful impact. Key Responsibilities: Lead the development and launch of a new special education school program, establishing its curriculum, procedures, staffing model, and operational framework. Oversee educational programming to ensure alignment with Maryland state regulations, applicable educational standards, and organizational policies. Develop, implement, and evaluate instructional curriculum and resources to support student learning and program success. Oversee Individualized Education Programs (IEPs), including coordinating meetings, monitoring student progress, and ensuring appropriate documentation. Manage school operations, including budgeting, resource allocation, student records, referrals, and required reporting. Establish and maintain productive relationships with families, state and local education agencies, and community partners. Lead the recruitment, onboarding, supervision, and professional development of instructional staff. Provide ongoing coaching, mentorship, and performance feedback to teachers and school personnel. Monitor staff training, licensing, and quality assurance initiatives to maintain educational standards and regulatory compliance. Identify opportunities to improve program effectiveness, address operational challenges, and support the continued growth of the school. Qualifications: Bachelor's degree required; Master's degree in Special Education required. 10+ years of leadership experience in a Program Director, School Director, or comparable administrative role within a Special Education or DDA environment. Active Maryland professional teaching certification/license in Special Education or Maryland licensure as a Special Education Supervisor or Special Education Principal required. Candidates holding only a professional teaching license must also have at least three additional years of Special Education teaching experience. Previous leadership experience working with individuals with developmental disabilities in an educational or instructional setting strongly preferred. Experience with transition services is a plus. Strong understanding of instructional programming, educational compliance, and program administration. Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite and standard business applications. Excellent leadership, communication, organizational, and problem-solving skills. Ability to take initiative, make independent decisions, and confidently lead the development of a new program. Strong sense of ownership, accountability, and commitment to supporting students, families, and staff. Additional Details: Annual salary range: $100,000–$120,000. Full-time, direct hire opportunity. Monday–Friday, 8:00 AM–4:00 PM. Fully onsite in Germantown, MD. Interview process includes an initial HR screening followed by an in-person panel interview with executive leadership. Perks: Opportunity to build and launch a new educational program from the ground up. Leadership position with the ability to shape the future of a growing school. Opportunity to make a meaningful difference in the lives of individuals with developmental disabilities. Collaborative leadership environment with opportunities for professional growth. Addison Group is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Addison Group provides equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, marital status, amnesty, or status as a covered veteran in accordance with applicable federal, state and local laws. Addison Group complies with applicable state and local laws governing non-discrimination in employment in every location in which the company has facilities. Reasonable accommodation is available for qualified individuals with disabilities, upon request.