Executive Director - Student Services

Jeffco Public Schools (Jeffco) is located in Jefferson County, Colorado. It is the second largest school district in Colorado serving 69,000 students across 155 schools. With 14,000 employees, the district is the largest employer in Jefferson County and has provided educational excellence for more than 70 years.

Jeffco embraces the spirit of the West and the natural beauty of the Rocky Mountain region with the county spanning more than 770 square miles running the length of the western edge of the Denver metropolitan area. The district is diverse in both population and geography, from urban to rural, including the mountain communities in the foothills west of Denver.

Overall, Jeffco has 31% of students that qualify for free and reduced lunch, an indicator of poverty, and 34% minority (25% Hispanic) student population. The district is implementing a new strategic plan, Jeffco Thrives 2025 that is focused on providing a world-class education that prepares all Jeffco students for bright and successful futures as local and global citizens. Come join us!

Jeffco Public Schools is a Single-State Employer. All candidates hired by Jeffco Public Schools must reside within the state of Colorado.

Exec Dir - Student Services
Annual Position
FLSA: Exempt
FTE: 1.00000 , Hours/Day: 8.000 , Days/Year: Year Round
Salary Plan, Grade, Step: JCA - Administrator - 229 days , G12, 1
Min-Mid Annual Salary Range: $127,982.00 - $152,957.50 Effective as of: 06-16-2024

Compensation schedules for Jeffco Schools can be found here. Starting salary for non-licensed roles is based on the candidate's relevant work experience and education. Additional considerations may be given for job-specific certifications and skills. Applicants should submit all relevant and verifiable education, training and work experiences at the time of application. Starting Salary for licensed educators is based on the step and lane schedule found here.

The successful new hire or rehired candidate will be responsible to complete and incur the fingerprinting and processing fee of $54.50 through an appropriate fingerprinting vendor and the Colorado Bureau of Investigation, within 48 hours of offer acceptance.

SUMMARY Provide districtwide leadership in the planning, development, coordination, management, and implementation of Student Services for PreK-12. This includes oversight of key departmental areas such as crisis intervention, healthy schools, school counseling services, Section 504 and medical homebound, social-emotional learning, harm reduction, suicide prevention, restorative practices, and crisis recovery. Provide districtwide leadership for the professional learning, management, and implementation of leading practices in a Multi-Tiered System of Supports (MTSS). Ensure compliance with applicable federal and state regulations while fostering leadership that promotes a positive, inclusive climate and culture across schools and departments. Direct, plan, and oversee growth strategies aligned to strategic plans and the district vision, translating them into operational goals and setting the highest standards of excellence. Effectively use data to monitor and improve student outcomes; build and sustain shared leadership structures; provide direction and assistance with safety and security; develop and monitor budgets; align resources; engage families; and problem-solve community and staff issues. Participate as a member of the Executive Director Team.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Provide strategic leadership and oversight for student services programs, including counseling, mental health programs, and other support programs.

Develop and implement policies and procedures to ensure compliance with federal, state, and local regulations related to student services.

Ensure equity and access to support services for all students, including those with disabilities, English learners, and other underserved populations.

Analyze data and assess program effectiveness, making recommendations for improvement.

Collaborate with departments across the district to ensure data-driven decision-making and the seamless integration of support services for students.

Serve as a primary liaison for external partners, strengthening relationships between schools and community organizations to foster mutually beneficial partnerships that support student success.

Facilitate District and County committees as appropriate; represent the District in interagency partnerships related to youth and student success; and serve as the district liaison for Jeffco Public Health suicide fatality sub-group, Metro Crisis, Jefferson/Gilpin Community Crisis Response Team and other groups as appropriate.

Partner with Security and Emergency Management to support crisis response, crisis recovery, safe school practices, and threat management. Provide first responder support to school administrators for school level crisis response and recovery.

Oversee fiscal management for the department, with approval authority for budget allocations and accountability plans, ensuring the strategic use of district and grant funds.

Design, establish, and maintain an effective organizational structure and staffing plan to achieve District's goals and objectives. Oversee recruitment, training, supervision, and evaluation of department staff.

Provide leadership and oversight to Student Services department leaders, offering growth-focused feedback to strengthen leadership capacity.

Represent the district in legal matters, complaints, and disputes involving student services programs.

Perform other duties as assigned.

EXPERIENCE Minimum five years of administrative experience in education, student services, or a related field, including experience at the district level or in a role with system-wide responsibilities. Experience managing teams and leading programs that support students, such as school counseling, social-emotional learning, crisis response, or MTSS. Familiarity with state and federal regulations, including Section 504 and other student protections, is expected. Preference for experience in PK-12 public education, particularly in Colorado.

EDUCATION & TRAINING Bachelor's degree required. Preferred field of study in education, counseling, social work, psychology, or a related field. Master's degree preferred.

CERTIFICATES, LICENSES, OR REGISTRATIONS Active Colorado Principal License or Colorado Type D Administrative Certificate.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES Extensive knowledge of MTSS, evidence-based behavioral and mental health supports; social emotional skill building; and restorative practices. Strong understanding of child and adolescent development, mental health disorders, and trauma-informed practices. Knowledge of federal and state laws related to student mental health, crisis response, and psychological safety (e.g., FERPA, HIPAA, IDEA, Section 504). Strong leadership and team management skills. Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, including the ability to engage with diverse stakeholders such as students, families, educators, and community partners. Proficiency in data analysis and strategic planning to measure program effectiveness and make data-driven decisions. Ability to manage multiple complex projects while ensuring alignment with district priorities and strategic goals. Strong ability to adapt to high-pressure situations and make quick, informed decisions in crisis scenarios.

SPAN OF CONTROL Directly supervises employees in the Student Services Office. Positions supervised include directors, coordinators, licensed staff, classified staff, and consultants. Carries out supervisory responsibilities in accordance with the organization's policies and applicable laws. Responsibilities include interviewing, hiring, and training employees; planning, assigning, and directing work; appraising performance; rewarding and disciplining employees; and addressing complaints and resolving problems. This position is responsible for both budget development and accountability.

The physical demands, mental functions, and work environment characteristics described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS Ability to focus on objects at varying distances and distinguish between colors (with corrective lenses). Perform tasks that require manual dexterity, including operation of computers & small office equipment. Basic mobility and the ability to navigate the office environment safely. Ability to speak clearly, listen attentively (with assistance devices), and convey information accurately. May be required to give presentations to groups.

MENTAL REQUIREMENTS Ability to read and comprehend curriculum, policies and procedures, standards, benchmarks, behavior plans, performance evaluations, and implementation strategies. Ability to make sound decisions on a day-to-day basis on appropriate communication with staff on safety concerns, student performance metrics, and tasks to meet strategic goals. Ability to evaluate and provide constructive feedback on both staff performance and student behavior. Demonstrate mature judgement in exercising appropriate supervision and expectations of staff and students. Ability to speak effectively before groups. Ability to analyze complex situations, identify potential risks, and devise effective solutions. Ability to remain flexible in dynamic environments, adjusting plans and strategies as necessary to accommodate changing requirements or circumstances. Ability to effectively communicate and collaborate with other teams. Ability to manage time and priorities to meet deadlines.

WORK ENVIRONMENT Work is performed in a semi-secured office building with a typical office environment and risk factors.

Jeffco Salary Schedules

Jeffco Benefits

The Jefferson County School District does not discriminate on the basis of disability, race, color, creed, religion, national origin, age, sexual orientation, marital status, political affiliation, pregnancy, or gender.