IMMEDIATE - Director of Transition Services

About Mastery:

Founded in 2001, Mastery Schools is a public charter network of 24 K-12 schools in Philadelphia and Camden, serving more than 14,000 students. 

At Mastery, we’re on a mission to provide all students with the academic and personal skills they need to succeed after graduation and pursue their dreams. Student achievement is not just a goal for our organization; it's the reason we exist, and every member of our team is dedicated to securing student success. We are also committed to pursuing equity, actively disrupting systemic racism, and addressing the disparities that limit our students' choices. 

Our culture is built on respect, service, and the belief that the success of our students, their families, and the communities we serve will help us achieve our mission. We foster a positive, open, and inclusive environment where honesty, humor, and continuous improvement are celebrated. 

Join us in creating a model urban school district that serves all students with excellence. Together, we can make a lasting impact.

The Opportunity:

The goal of the Director of Transition Services (DTS) is to ensure our students with disabilities persist at a postsecondary pathway of their choosing that appropriately meets their individual needs.   To do so, the DTS will have a leading role in developing and overseeing Transition programming that incorporates both interest and ability and aligned supports and services, with a particular focus on students receiving low-incidence programming.  Additionally, the DTS will have a leading role in piloting various strategies through Mastery’s partnership with the Gates Foundation; the DTS will be responsible for collaborating with and reporting out to external partners as required by this grant. 

• Responsible for implementation of Gates Grant strategy and programs
• On the ground support of Gratz team during pilot years
• Collect and analyze data associated with Gates Grant
• Collaborate on strategies for scaling learnings from the grant across the Network
• Develop a comprehensive Transition Program for students in grades 7-12th (including students within the 18-21 programs) that includes Goal Setting, Services and Courses that can be implemented across Mastery Secondary Schools.
• Develop partnerships with outside agencies to enhance our Transition Programming options for students.
• Support Transition Coordinators across the network
• Remain current on state and federal regulations around transition services
• Develop a data-driven approach for providing Transition services to students who participate in low-incidence programming.
• Collaborate on transition-related and other PD offerings for CAs, CCs, TCs, and CMs
• Support PSAT/SAT for students with disabilities across the network
• Support C3/Early Alumi summer support for SWDs
• Support APSS and CMs with transition goals and services in IEPs

• Strong content knowledge within Special Education Services with a special focus on Transition Services for students 14
• Strong knowledge of State (PA, NJ) and Federal guidelines for providing Special Education and Transition Services to School Age Students
• 5 years of Transition Programming / Case Management for students with disabilities
• Strong knowledge and experience with Post-Secondary counseling and career exposure programs, including college planning, career development, internships, as well as matriculation challenges and other barriers faced by low-income, first-generation college students preferred
• Strong Professional Development, Coaching, and Support Skills
• Ability to develop Transition Programming to be provided within our schools and to collaborate for services with outside partnerships.
• Excellent Management Skills: Manage a team effectively and support team members to grow professionally
• Relationship Builder:  Able to see the world from the point of view of our constituents, garner buy-in, and move the ball forward
• Systems Thinker: Experience developing and monitoring systems, protocols, and trainings
• Analytical Thinker:  Able to analyze programs and understand what drives program effectiveness
• Exceptional organization skills – a detail-oriented approach to multi-task and meeting deadlines under pressure;
• Ability to gather data, compile information and prepare reports as well as analyze data in order to make improvement recommendations
• Excellent communication, public relations, and interpersonal skills both orally and in writing with the ability to effectively connect with a broad range of constituents
• Comfort and demonstrated ability to successfully facilitate and engage various size groups
• Track-record of high achievement (premium placed on experience in urban communities and schools)
• Personal drive and commitment to serving urban youth
• Ability to effectively work alone and with a high-performing, mission-driven staff
• Demonstrated resilience to persevere and turn challenges into opportunities while meeting aggressive goals despite limited resources
• Ability to be a self-starter and creative problem solver while also being a quick learner who is willing to ask questions and seek feedback

• BA/BS required, Masters Preferred
• 5 years of Transition Planning / Case Management of Secondary Students with Disabilities.

• Ability to physically perform the essential duties of the role – either on-site or remotely, and to work in the environmental conditions required, such as: traveling to network campuses; maneuvering in office spaces (including standing, walking, sitting for long periods of time, speaking loudly and clearly, seeing and hearing things both near and far away); stooping, kneeling, reaching file cabinets/shelves; fine finger and hand manipulation in use of computer, chalkboard, dry erase, &/or projectors; filing, faxing, scanning, coping, typing, mailing, and making phone calls; sitting for up to two (2) hours looking at a computer monitor, using a keyboard/mouse, and typing.

• Position requires local travel to Mastery and other sites. Must have access to reliable transportation.

Mastery's Benefits Package:

We offer a full benefits program and opportunities for professional growth. Some of our most popular benefits include our 403(b) retirement plan for PA employees (with a 5% match from Mastery), enrollment in the State of New Jersey Pension Plan for NJ employees, a robust Employee Assistance Program, mental health and counseling programs, an annual Professional Development Fund, and discounts and perks at a myriad of retailers, travel organizations, insurance providers, and so much more, as well as a Benefits VIP Helpdesk to help you navigate various benefits-related topics!

Please go here to see all of our Benefits offerings!

Mastery's Annual Calendar:

As you plan to make Mastery your new work home, please feel free to review our PA Academic Calendar for SY 23/24 and our NJ Academic Calendar for SY 23/24. We like to think our calendar is a benefit of working here too!

Mastery Charter Schools is an equal opportunity employer and actively encourages applications from people of all backgrounds. Compensation is competitive and commensurate with experience.