TSS Director - CT

About Achievement First

Achievement First (AF) is a non-profit 501(c)(3) organization that currently supports 41 public charter schools in New York, Connecticut, and Rhode Island. Consistently rated as one of the top charter school networks in the country for almost 25 years, AF is committed to continuous improvement, programmatic evolution for enhanced student outcomes, and sustainable growth. The majority of AF students are Black and Latinx children from low-income families who will be the first in their families to graduate from college. AF currently employs more than 2,200 staff — 64% of whom identify as Black, Indigenous, and People of Color — who collectively educate nearly 15,000 students in Brooklyn and Queens, NY; New Haven, Bridgeport, and Hartford, CT; and Providence, RI.

The mission of Achievement First is to deliver on the promise of equal educational opportunity for all of America's children. AF knows that every child—regardless of race, zip code, or economic status—deserves access to great schools. At AF, students realize their potential and develop the skills they need to graduate from high school, succeed in college, thrive in a competitive world, and serve as the next generation of leaders in their communities. At AF, students and staff embark on a shared journey to fulfill their incredible potential.

Your Impact

The Director of Special Services (School Support) plays a pivotal role in ensuring our scholars with disabilities, multilingual learners, and students receiving intervention services are fully supported across schools in New York, Connecticut, and Rhode Island. This leader directly coaches a portfolio of 5–8 school-based leaders and collaborates with regional and school leadership to improve student outcomes, strengthen compliance systems, and elevate instructional excellence. Through professional development, cross-functional collaboration, and program planning, the Director will drive a network-wide vision for equitable and high-quality services for all scholars.

Reporting to the Managing Director of Special Services, your responsibilities include but are not limited to:

School & Leader Support

• Coach and support a portfolio of school-based special service leaders and deans in building excellent programs and instructional practices.
• Lead weekly coaching meetings, conduct classroom observations, and support planning and walkthroughs.
• Partner with principals, regional superintendents, and other network leaders to align support, leadership development, and long-term planning for student subpopulations.
• Provide guidance and support in student-level planning and IDEA compliance.

Professional Development & Talent

• Design and facilitate professional learning for school and regional staff, including deans, teachers, and school leaders.
• Lead and support regional and cross-state collaboration on best practices and innovations in special services.
• Contribute to the development and expansion of the special education continuum and programming.

Strategic Planning & Program Management

• Partner with internal teams to manage implementation of Empower ID and scholar identification projects.
• Develop and manage school-level systems for compliance, supports, and interventions.
  Collaborate with the finance team to support SPED funding allocation and documentation.

Compliance & External Partnerships

• Monitor compliance across states and schools; partner with district contacts and Team Legal as needed.
• Support family engagement and communication around services, student plans, and IEP meetings.
Manage issues related to CSE, related services, district reporting, and regulatory adherence.

Skills You'll Have

All candidates for this position will support AF core values, lead innovation, and manage projects to ensure our team, like our schools, are setting a high bar in all areas and pursuing it relentlessly.

Travel will be required between schools in New York

An ideal candidate will have the following experience and qualifications:

• At least 4 years of highly effective support of students with disabilities/IEPs
• At least 2 years of school leadership experience (e.g., dean, assistant principal)
• Deep knowledge of IDEA, IEP development and monitoring, and federal/state compliance guidelines
• Experience managing complex student data and implementing school-based improvement plans
• Familiarity with student support services models, UDL, and differentiation strategies
• Strong interpersonal skills and experience in cross-functional collaboration
• Bachelor's degree required; advanced degree in education, special education, or related field preferred

In addition, the following characteristics are required to be successful on this team:

• Strong ethics and ability to maintain a high level of confidentiality
• Confidence interacting with and influencing individuals at all levels of the organization
• Ability to work autonomously and collaboratively in a fast-paced environment
• Maturity, humility, strong work ethic, and a roll-up-my-sleeves attitude
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills
Deep belief in Achievement First's mission and educational model

Hiring Processes

Our hiring processes typically include:

• Resume Review and Phone Screen
• Performance Task
• Interviews with Team Members and Leaders

This role is hybrid and requires frequent travel, including occasional evenings to our schools across New York. Candidates must be based in or willing to relocate to the region.

Compensation

Achievement First sets salaries through a lens of equity, based on the requisite skills, education, and experience relevant to the role. The salary for this position is $117,753. AF does not negotiate pay to ensure fairness and transparency. Additionally, AF offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes paid time off, medical, dental, vision, and life insurance, a 403(b) retirement plan with match, and paid family leave.