Special Education Assistant Director, LEEP Program

Assistant Director, Life Enrichment Education Program
Location: Sunnybrook Office - 13455 SE 97th Ave, Clackamas, OR 97015
Schedule: 8 hours per day/ 5 days per week/ Year-Round Calendar.

Start date: July 1, 2025

Clackamas ESD strives to infuse equity in all our programs and bodies of work by maintaining an inclusive, barrier-free environment in which everyone participates and fully benefits.

Studies have shown that women and people of color are less likely to apply for jobs unless they believe they meet every one of the qualifications as described in the job description. We are most interested in finding the best candidate for the job, and that candidate may be the one who comes from a less traditional background. We would encourage you to apply, even if you don't believe you meet every one of our qualifications described. If you are unsure whether you meet the qualifications of this position, or how this would be determined, please feel free to contact Human Resources at hr@clackesd.org to discuss your application.

Find your "why" with Clackamas ESD
At Clackamas Education Service District, our mission is to lead, serve and innovate for learning. Clackamas ESD provides services in early learning, special education, technology and teacher/staff support to Clackamas County school districts. We ensure students and families in all of our communities — big and small — have access to equitable education services. Learn more.

About the program:
Our Life Enrichment Education Program (LEEP) provides a comprehensive education for students grades kindergarten through transition with complex disabilities and communication needs. The program focuses on supporting students to develop knowledge and skills that increase decision making, self-advocacy, independence and access to a full life.

About this position:
The Special Programs Assistant Director of LEEP oversees and supports the daily operations of the program designed for students with complex, multiple and significant disabilities. This position works in close collaboration with the department director, school administrators, teachers, support staff and families to ensure the delivery of high-quality, individualized instruction and support services that promote student growth, independence and successful transitions. This role requires a deep understanding of special education law, best practices for students with complex/significant needs and a commitment to fostering a positive and inclusive learning environment.

Essential functions:

• Lead the development of program goals, evaluation strategies and data collection/analyses in collaboration with program staff and the department director.
• Ensure the delivery of research based instructional practices to meet the diverse needs of students including continuous and sustainable curriculum adoption, implementation of assistive technology and other resources to enhance student learning and independence.
• Oversee the day-to-day operations of the program, including scheduling, student placement, transportation and resource allocation to ensure a safe, efficient and effective learning environment.
• Receive student referrals from local school districts, analyze students’ needs based upon the ESD Local Service Plan and assist the resident district in appropriate enrollment into the program.
• Maintain a thorough understanding of compliance and best practices regarding all applicable federal (IDEA), state and local regulations including local board policies, due process procedures and labor contracts.
• Develop and responsibly manage program budgets and expenditures, ensuring fiscal responsibility, efficient allocation and transparent use of resources.
• Recruit, assign, supervise/evaluate and support program staff including administrators, teachers, educational assistants and related service providers.
• Develop collaborative/positive working relationships with staff, parents, component school districts and community partner agencies via regular and effective communication.
• Maintain accurate and compliant records and data related to students’ education files, applicable personnel documents and fiscal records.
• Advocate for the needs of students in LEEP and promote safe and responsible integration in school and community life.
• Inform the department director of significant issues that may impact the program, ESD and/or component school districts.
• Participate in professional development activities to stay current with best practices in special education and related fields.
• Provide/lead professional development opportunities for program staff on topics related to working with students with complex needs.

Minimum qualifications:

• Master's Degree in Special Education or a related field.
• Appropriate administrator license as required by Teacher Standards and Practices Commission.
• Five years of experience working with students with multiple, complex and significant needs in special education settings.
• Extensive demonstrated knowledge of curriculum development and program design for students with complex disabilities.
• At least three years of recent successful special education administrative experience in public education with skills sufficient to perform the essential functions.
• Extensive and deep working knowledge of current state and federal laws, policies, administrative rules and model programs related to implementation of the education goals set forth in IDEA.
• Demonstrated experience in program administration, supervision and curriculum/instruction development.
• Excellent communication, interpersonal, and organizational skills.
• Ability to work collaboratively with a diverse team of professionals.
• Commitment to fostering a positive and inclusive learning environment for all students.
• Demonstrated ability to use research, data and best practices to drive decision making.
• Demonstrated ability to develop sound and cost-effective fiscal plans and manage resources.
• Proven excellence in interpersonal skills and communication.
• Demonstrated ability to lead, organize and align resources, and apply system change theory to the provision of services to students with disabilities.
• Demonstrated skill in prioritizing multiple complex tasks, establishing mission critical goals and managing time to maintain a laser like focus on achievement of goals
• Demonstrated ability to use judgment in the analysis of facts to determine and prioritize courses of action.
• Demonstrated ability to compose and produce clear, coherent professional documents.
• Demonstrated ability to facilitate groups in meetings and workshop settings.
• Demonstrated ability to work with a team toward common goals.
• Demonstrated ability to effectively delegate roles and responsibilities to administrative, licensed and classified staff.
• Written and oral communication skills sufficient to perform essential functions
• Physical and mental attributes sufficient to perform essential functions

Salary: Range Range 13 of the meet and confer salary schedule: $137,941 - $151,148 depending on experience. 2025-26 School year is still to be determined.

Benefits:

• Full medical, dental, and vision insurance with generous district-paid contribution (most employees pay $0 out of pocket to maintain health insurance coverage)
• Retirement through the Oregon Public Retirement System (PERS) includes pension and individual account program
• Paid time off, including paid holidays, sick leave, and other personal leave
• Opportunities to grow with us with generous professional development expense reimbursements

Retirement plan contributions:
Clackamas ESD employees working 600 or more hours in a calendar year are eligible for the Oregon Public Employee Retirement, or PERS. There are two components to PERS, including the pension, which is primarily funded by CESD and The Individual Account Program, or IAP, which is funded by a six-percent deduction from your paycheck. If you are new to PERS, your PERS deduction will begin automatically after a six-month waiting period.

How to apply:
Submit your application at https://www.applitrack.com/clackesd/onlineapp/. Applications for this position must be submitted by 11:59 PM on the listed closing date and must include:

• Cover Letter
• Resume
• Completed application form

Clackamas Education Service District is proud to be an equal opportunity workplace. We respect and seek to empower each individual and support the diverse cultures, perspectives, skills and experiences within our workforce along with the students and families that we serve.

Clackamas ESD policy provides veterans and disabled veterans with preference as required by law.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $137,941.00 - $151,148.00 per year

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• 403(b)
• Dental insurance
• Employee assistance program
• Flexible spending account
• Health insurance
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Professional development assistance
• Retirement plan
• Vision insurance

Physical Setting:

• Development center
• Public school
• School
• Special education school

Schedule:

• 8 hour shift
• Monday to Friday

Work Location: In person

Salary : $137,941 - $151,148