Senior Director - Special Education - 2025/26 SY

The Alameda Unified School District is committed to upholding our community’s core values of equity and excellence for every student by providing inclusive and safe conditions for learning that challenge and support every student to be culturally competent and prepared for college, career, and community participation. Our vision is that each and every child is compassionate, confident, and feels successful, academically prepared, and able to make meaningful, positive impact in their lives, the lives of others, and the world around them. We are a diverse community of seventeen (17) schools serving approximately 9000 students ranging from Preschool to Adult Learners. Our students represent many cultures and ethnic groups, with 72 languages spoken by students. Approximately 14% of our students are English Language Learners; 12% receive Special Education Services; and 29% are Socioeconomically Disadvantaged. Our student population is comprised of 7% African American, 27% Asian, 16% Hispanic, 30% White, and 12% Two or more races. Equity Imperative The Alameda Unified School District believes that inequities exist within our current educational system. Our African American and Latinx students are underserved and it is our responsibility at Alameda Unified School District to provide equitable educational opportunities for them and all students. A diverse workforce matters and is beneficial to all of our students. With this ideal in mind, our goal is to find the best candidates suited to uphold our community’s core values of equity and excellence for every student. For more information about the Alameda Unified School District, please visit: https://www.alamedaunified.orgJob SummaryAlameda Unified School District (AUSD) is committed to providing a high-quality education to all students, including those with diverse learning needs. Our district operates a variety of special education programs designed to support students at every level. While we are large enough to offer a comprehensive range of services, we are also small enough to ensure that every student’s education is personalized and impactful. With over 25% of the District's General Fund dedicated to special education, we recognize the importance of strategic leadership in balancing fiscal responsibility with exceptional student services. Position Summary We are seeking an innovative, inspiring, and experienced Senior Director of Special Education to lead and enhance our special education programs. The ideal candidate will be a visionary leader who brings deep expertise in special education, a strong commitment to student success, and a strategic mindset for managing resources effectively. This role requires an individual who can navigate complex funding challenges while ensuring that students receive the best possible support and services. Key Responsibilities

• Strategic Leadership: Oversee and enhance the district’s special education programs, ensuring compliance with state and federal regulations while driving innovative and effective student support strategies.
• Fiscal Management: Strategically manage special education funding and expenditures to maximize student outcomes while containing costs.
• Program Oversight: Ensure a continuum of services across various special education programs, from mild to severe disabilities, early intervention to transition programs.
• Collaboration & Advocacy: Partner with district leadership, educators, parents, and community stakeholders to support and advocate for students with disabilities.
• Professional Development: Lead and mentor special education staff, fostering a culture of continuous learRequirements / Qualifications
• Extensive experience in special education leadership (district-level preferred).
• Deep knowledge of special education law, policies, and best practices.
• Proven ability to balance financial constraints with program integrity and student success.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills to engage with a diverse set of stakeholders.
• Master’s degree or higher in Special Education, Educational Leadership, or a related field.
• Valid Clear Administrative Services Credential
• Valid Clear Special Education or Pupil Personnel Services Credential
• At least five years’ experience in Special Education with at least one year as a Special Education Administrator
  
  

Please be sure to attach any and all appropriate documentation, such as resume, cover letter, copy of your degree, copy of your credentials, three (3) letters of recommendation, and other pertinent documents. Round 1 interviews tentatively scheduled for the first week of April 2025. Please contact Sandy Wong, HR Director, at swong@alamedaunified.org with any questions.

Comments and Other InformationAUSD Non-Discrimination Policy The Alameda Unified School District (AUSD) is committed to ensuring equal, fair, and meaningful access to employment and education services. The AUSD does not discriminate in any employment practice, education program, or educational activity on the basis and/or association with a person or group with one or more of these actual or perceived characteristics of age, ancestry, color, disability, ethnicity, gender, gender identity or expression, genetic information, marital status, medical condition, national origin, political affiliation, pregnancy and related conditions, race, religion, retaliation, sex (including sexual harassment), sexual orientation, Vietnam Era Veterans’ status, or any other basis prohibited by California state and federal nondiscrimination laws respectively. Not all bases of discrimination will apply to both education services and employment. The Assistant Superintendent, Educational Services is charged with overseeing, leading, and directing the Alameda Unified School District efforts to meet the legal obligations set forth in state and federal civil rights laws, and regulations in AUSD employment and delivery of education services. Inquiries regarding nondiscrimination and civil rights should be directed to the Educational Services department. Any questions regarding Title IX, Education Amendments of 1972 or Section 504, Rehabilitation Act of 1974, please contact: Kirsten Zazo Assistant Superintendent, Educational Services 2060 Challenger Drive Alameda, CA 94501 510.337.7095 Telephone 510.337.7018 Fax

AUSD Non-Discrimination Policy The Alameda Unified School District (AUSD) is committed to ensuring equal, fair, and meaningful access to employment and education services. The AUSD does not discriminate in any employment practice, education program, or educational activity on the basis and/or association with a person or group with one or more of these actual or perceived characteristics of age, ancestry, color, disability, ethnicity, gender, gender identity or expression, genetic information, marital status, medical condition, national origin, political affiliation, pregnancy and related conditions, race, religion, retaliation, sex (including sexual harassment), sexual orientation, Vietnam Era Veterans’ status, or any other basis prohibited by California state and federal nondiscrimination laws respectively. Not all bases of discrimination will apply to both education services and employment. The Assistant Superintendent, Educational Services is charged with overseeing, leading, and directing the Alameda Unified School District efforts to meet the legal obligations set forth in state and federal civil rights laws, and regulations in AUSD employment and delivery of education services. Inquiries regarding nondiscrimination and civil rights should be directed to the Educational Services department. Any questions regarding Title IX, Education Amendments of 1972 or Section 504, Rehabilitation Act of 1974, please contact: Kirsten Zazo Assistant Superintendent, Educational Services 2060 Challenger Drive Alameda, CA 94501 510.337.7095 Telephone 510.337.7018 Fax