Job Description
MAINE INDIAN EDUCATION
ANTICIPATED IMMEDIATE OPENING
DIRECTOR OF SPECIAL EDUCATION
POSITION OVERVIEW
Maine Indian Education seeks a dedicated and experienced Director of Special Education to join our educational leadership team. This vital role will use leadership, supervisory, and administrative skills to develop, achieve, and maintain an appropriate educational program for students with disabilities that supports the mission, vision, and beliefs of Maine Indian Education. The ideal candidate will ensure compliance with federal and state special education regulations while advocating for the educational needs of students with disabilities in tribal communities.
REPORTS TO: Superintendent of Schools
SUPERVISES: Special Education Staff at school sites in collaboration with building Principals, and the Special Education (IEP) Coordinator for Grades 9-12.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES
Administration/Organizational Management
- Organize and direct the implementation of special educational activities
- Oversee department administration and instruction, making recommendations for central office authorization
- Work with the leadership team on curriculum, technology, transportation, and other district-wide matters
- Establish procedures for evaluation and reevaluation of students as part of the referral process
- Coordinate Child Find activities and oversee completion of all special education records and reports
- Participate in administrative meetings, school committee meetings, and other required meetings
- Develop procedures to ensure compliance with the referral process and attend IEP meetings for out-of-district placements
Budget and Financial Management
- Prepare and submit special education department budgetary requests in collaboration with administration
- Monitor expenditures of allotted funds and supervise maintenance of required records and reports
- Supervise maintenance of state and federal grant allocations and submissions
- Provide adequate inventorying and accountability for department property
Communications and Community Relations
- Keep the Superintendent informed of department activities and problems
- Advise Superintendent and School Committee on critical special education issues
- Act as a resource to administrators and team leaders in IEP situations
- Develop and implement a communication plan with parents and the community
- Build strong relationships with tribal communities to ensure culturally responsive services
- Act as liaison between school and community, interpreting department activities and policies
Educational Leadership and Curriculum
- Evaluate existing programs and recommend changes based on student needs and legal mandates
- Lead development and monitoring of instructional programs
- Ensure special education services incorporate culturally relevant teaching practices
- Serve as the District's ADA Coordinator, 504 Coordinator, and/or Gifted and Talented Coordinator as assigned
- Assume an active role as a member of the District Leadership Team
Personnel Management and Professional Development
- Participate in recruiting, screening, training, and evaluating special education personnel
- Orient newly assigned staff members and assist in their development
- Participate in in-service orientation and training of department staff
- Monitor own professional growth through participation in professional organizations and advanced coursework
QUALIFICATIONS
Education/Certification:
- Maine Department of Education certification as Administrator of Special Education
- State of Maine Administrator Certificate 030
- Minimum of a master’s degree required
- Valid State of Maine Criminal History Records Check Approval
Required Experience and Skills:
- Successful experience working in a leadership role in education
- Successful experience supervising special education staff and establishing programs
- Excellent communication skills with parents and staff
- Comprehensive knowledge of current legal requirements governing special education and 504 at the state and federal levels
- Understanding of FERPA law and Procedural Safeguards
- Ability to evaluate existing programs and develop new programs as students’ needs dictate
- Understanding of budget process and regulations regarding funding allocations
- Understanding of the unique cultural and educational needs of tribal communities
- Ability to work under stressful situations and make independent decisions
- Experience working with advocates, lawyers, and professional consultants
- Ability to communicate effectively with parents, students, and administrators
ESSENTIAL ABILITIES
- Ability to read, understand, and implement education policies and procedures
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills
- Strong leadership and supervisory capabilities
- Ability to concentrate on details when there are distractions and work under pressure to meet deadlines
- Strong collaboration and team-building skills
- Commitment to maintain confidentiality and ethical standards
- Cultural sensitivity and understanding of tribal community dynamics
- Ability to inspire, motivate, guide, and direct staff toward educational excellence
WORK ENVIRONMENT & PHYSICAL DEMANDS
- Office and school environment with regular travel between sites
- Regularly required to sit, talk, and hear; frequently required to walk
- Occasionally required to stand and reach with hands and arms
- Specific vision abilities include close vision and distance vision
- Driving is necessary for position duties
- Must meet deadlines with severe time constraints while interacting with the public and staff
- Occasionally requires irregular or extended hours and meeting multiple demands
- Noise level is usually quiet to moderate
BENEFITS PACKAGE
- Competitive salary commensurate with experience
- Full-family medical insurance
- Single dental insurance
- Additional employee benefits
- Professional development opportunities
Application Process
You must provide the following either by email to Dr. Reza Namin:
- A Cover letter
- A completed and signed professional application form from the Maine Indian Education Website at
- A current resume
- Current letters of reference from a minimum of three people (Letters must be original, signed, and dated within the last three years)
- College/University transcripts
- Copy of Maine Administrator Certificate 030
- Copy of Special Education Administrator certification
Apply to:
Dr. Reza Namin, Superintendent
Maine Indian Education
39A Union Street
Calais, ME 04619
Phone: 207-454-2126
Email: dr.namin@maineindianeducation.org
Application Deadline : Review of applications will begin immediately and continue until the position is filled.
All Applications are available at:
Terms of Employment : This position requires 260 working days annually. Terms are approved by the Maine Indian Education Joint School Committee. Individuals are rehired annually.
Native American Preference/Equal Opportunity Employer
Maine Indian Education is committed to providing an inclusive and welcoming environment for all members of our community. We value diversity and seek candidates who will contribute to a climate that supports students and staff of all backgrounds and abilities.
Criminal History Record Check and substance abuse testing are required for all positions.
Job Tags
Work at office, Immediate start,