Position: Superintendent

Classification: Supervisory, Full-time 12-month position, Exempt (Salaried)

Reporting to: Executive Director / Chief Executive Officer

Revision Date: January 2, 2024

Essential Functions:

Student Achievement

• Plans and implements high quality educational and therapeutic services to a diverse student population that facilitates high levels of student achievement
• Responsible for the coordination of curriculum development and implementation and new programs
• Supports Instructional Supervisors and facilitates conflict resolution for IEP teams
• Creates and supervises the implementation of the OSB Professional Development Plan to provide on-going training to teachers, paraeducators, therapists, O&M Specialists, and interveners
• Creates and supervises implementation of Teacher Induction Plan for new teachers and teachers with Instructional I certification. Collaborates with Human Resources to ensure all staff are appropriately certificated
• Collaborates with Human Resources on staffing
• Monitors significant developments and trends in the field including the PA Department of Education and the Bureau of Special Education
• Oversees the Middle States Accreditation process

Management

• Supervision of administrative staff overseeing early intervention, school-age academic, aquatic, athletic, therapeutic, and post-school transition programs, along with the maintenance of special education records
• Participates in strategic planning
• Responsible for Admissions and discharge of students
• Ensures compliance with federal, state and local regulations: Chapters 14 and 171, IDEA, and Early Intervention Regulations
• Collaborates with Instructional Supervisors to investigate student issues, provide supports for student and staff, and address staff performance needs
• Fosters ideas and communications with and among staff
• Reviews staff requests for field trips, on campus activities, attendance at conferences and trainings, and requests for continuing education
• Helps build out the school’s innovative initiatives
• Be sensitive to school culture while instituting change
• Oversees Act 48 approval for trainings
• Ex Officio Trustee of the American Printing House for the Blind, approving all APH orders and maintains APH census

Other Relationships

• Works collaboratively with OSB administrators overseeing all other areas including but not limited to student health and safety, philanthropy and grant-writing, school communications, human resources, finance, etc
• Provides student information for state Deafblind Census
• Serves as liaison for school districts and intermediate units
• Represents Overbrook in various external capacities
• Advocates for the school with current families, potential parents, alumni, current donors, potential donors, and government officials

Required Education and Experience:

• Master's degree in special education or related field, PDE supervisory/administrative certification or ability to obtain
• Minimum of five years' administrative experience in a public school district in a special education setting and/or private special education school
• Such other combination of education and experience as the CEO deems satisfactory

Qualifications:

• Compassionate and sensitive to the needs of children with impairments and their families
• Highly refined leadership skills
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Proficient in the use of standard office applications including but not limited to Word and Google
• Strategic thinking skills including the ability to problem-solve, make thoughtful decisions, and facilitate change management
• Ability to take initiative and to work independently, but also as a team member and leader
• Ability to multi-task and complete projects and tasks under stressful circumstances
• Excellent interpersonal skills and capability to resolve disputes and mediate conflict amicably

Physical Requirements: These physical demands are representative of the physical requirements necessary for an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of the Superintendent. Reasonable accommodations can be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the described essential functions of the job. While performing the responsibilities of the Superintendent, employees are required to stand, walk, reach with arms and hands, climb or balance, and to stoop, kneel, crouch, lift, and carry 20 lbs.

Expected Hours of Work: Primarily day shift, but nights and weekends as needed. Occasional overnight travel is required.

Additional Duties: This Position Description does not contain an exhaustive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the Superintendent. Duties, responsibilities and activities may change or new ones may be assigned at any time with or without notice.

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement and Compliance: In all matters concerning the supervision of employees and their terms and conditions of employment, the Superintendent shall adhere to the OSB's nondiscrimination policy which is as follows: The Overbrook School for the Blind (OSB) has, and will continue to follow, a policy of recruiting, employing, and promoting individuals best qualified for any position by reason of education, training, and experience without regard to race, color, ancestry, genetic information, familial or marital status, domestic or sexual violence victimization, ethnicity, religion, age, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth or a related medical condition), sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, or non-job-related disability or the use of a guide or support animal because of blindness, deafness or physical disability. OSB shall not discriminate against an individual who has exercised his/her rights against discrimination in accordance with applicable federal, state or local laws.

Overbrook School for the Blind offers a competitive salary and benefits package reflective of the applicant’s training and experience.

Job Type: Full-time

Benefits:

• Dental insurance
• Health insurance
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Retirement plan
• Vision insurance

Schedule:

• 8 hour shift
• Monday to Friday

Work Location: In person