Center for Autism Director

Exciting Job Opportunity: Center for Autism Director at The King’s Daughters’ School!

Are you passionate about making a real difference in the lives of individuals with autism? Do you have the drive to lead a dynamic team in a thriving, supportive environment? If so, The King’s Daughters’ School (KDS) is looking for YOU to become the Center for Autism Director and help us achieve our Vision of improving the lives of our students through compassionate, goal-oriented services and dedicated leadership.

As a leader at KDS, you will help empower students with autism to thrive by providing high-quality education, care, and support in a safe and nurturing environment. This is a full-time, salaried, exempt position offering a competitive salary based on experience and credentials, with responsibilities ranging from program leadership to staff development and hands-on educational excellence.

Key Responsibilities:

Leadership:

• Lead and guide the Center for Autism to ensure KDS standards are upheld across every aspect of the students' educational and residential experiences.
• Collaborate with staff and families to create personalized, solution-focused plans to support student success.
• Maintain appropriate client/staff ratios and work with other departments to find student-centered solutions.

Assessment & Data Management:

• Oversee individual student assessments to ensure accurate data collection and timely updates.
• Actively participate in IEP meetings and work closely with the team to address student needs and behavioral issues.

Goal Setting & Curriculum Development:

• Lead the creation and implementation of personalized goals and curriculum for students, ensuring programs are adaptable to individual needs and abilities.
• Supervise the development and application of goal-directed, developmental, and sequential curriculum with clear progress tracking.

Program Implementation:

• Spearhead the development and delivery of a curriculum that matches students’ interests and functional abilities, adjusting strategies as needed to ensure student progress.
• Lead staff in understanding and delivering program objectives.
• Help develop individualized behavior plans, and ensure the plans are implemented with fidelity across all environments.

Staff Development & Leadership:

• Supervise and guide staff, promoting both individual and team growth.
• Manage payroll, schedules, hiring, mentoring, and employee performance to foster a high-performance, compassionate team culture.

Administrative Oversight:

• Handle administrative tasks such as approving material requisitions, van usage, and student activities.
• Liaise with other departments, families, and stakeholders to resolve concerns, maintain facility cleanliness, and uphold KDS standards.

Committee Participation & Professional Development:

• Participate in key organizational committees, including Performance & Quality Improvement, Treatment Team, and Admissions.
• Attend external conferences and engage in 24-hour in-service training annually to ensure continuous professional growth.

What You Bring:

• Bachelor’s Degree in Special Education or related field (Master’s preferred).
• Ability to relocate to Columbia, Tennessee.
• A passion for supporting students with autism and developmental disabilities.
• Experience in working with individuals with developmental disabilities, including behavioral programming. (Ideal candidates are RBT’s with leadership experience, interventionists with strong ABA background, or master special education teachers who desire to increase their impact by overseeing a 24-hr, year-long program.)
• Certifications in CPR/First Aid, Handle with Care, and Medication Administration (or willingness to obtain; KDS offers training).
• A commitment to personal and professional growth with the desire to stay informed on industry best practices.

Why Join Us?

• Impactful Work: Lead a dedicated team in a meaningful role that supports the success and development of students with autism.
• Collaborative Environment: Work with a talented team and collaborate with families, professionals, and community members to create positive outcomes for students.
• Growth & Development: Take advantage of ongoing professional development opportunities, including conferences, training, and mentoring.
• Competitive Salary & Benefits: Enjoy a salary in line with public school assistant principals or residential building administrators, along with excellent benefits. Potential for relocation assistance and temporary housing for the ideal candidate.

Start Date: May/June 2025

If you're ready to lead a passionate, committed team and contribute to an inspiring cause, apply now and make a difference at The King’s Daughters’ School!

Visit our website for more information-tkds.org

Our Mission: The King’s Daughters’ School promotes independence through educational, residential and community services for individuals with developmental disabilities, continuing a 100-year legacy of service.

Our Vision: The King’s Daughters’ School will improve the lives of individuals with developmental disabilities through caring, goal-oriented service delivered by dedicated staff in a safe, warm learning environment.

The Kings Daughter’s School is a drug-free workplace.

The King’s Daughters’ School is an equal opportunity employer. All applicants will be considered for employment without attention to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, veteran, or disability status.

Job Type: Full-time

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• 401(k) matching
• Dental insurance
• Employee discount
• Health insurance
• Health savings account
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Referral program
• Retirement plan
• Vision insurance

Schedule:

• 8 hour shift
• Day shift
• Monday to Friday

People with a criminal record are encouraged to apply

Education:

• Bachelor's (Preferred)

Experience:

• Working with people with autism: 3 years (Preferred)

Location:

• Columbia, TN 38401 (Required)

Work Location: In person