Senior Executive Director of Instruction, SEO

Senior Executive Director of Instruction, SEO

Position Summary: The Senior Executive Director of Instruction for Students with Disabilities will serve as a visionary and strategic leader within the Division of Inclusive & Accessible Learning (DIAL) at New York City Public Schools (NYCPS). This role is responsible for driving instructional excellence and equity for over 200,000 students with disabilities across the five boroughs. The Senior Executive Director will lead the design, implementation, and continuous improvement of high-quality, evidence-based instructional practices that ensure all students with disabilities have access to high-quality, inclusive, and affirming learning environments.

A central focus of this role is to further the progress of NYC Reads and NYC Solves, with a particular emphasis on literacy and numeracy development for students with disabilities. The Senior Executive Director will ensure that all instructional initiatives are aligned with NYC Reads, Solves and NYCPS’ citywide MTSS guidance and core list of approved proven literacy interventions. Performs related work.

Reports to: Chief of Special Education

Direct Reports: Executive Director of Specialized Instruction, Senior Instructional Achievement Coach, Special Education, Director of Secondary Literacy Intervention, Research, and Professional Learning, SEO, Literacy Intervention Specialist, DIAL and Senior Director Implementation and Field Support.

Key Relationships: Works closely with the Division of School Leadership and Office of Multilingual Learners to ensure alignment in instructional priorities, Will work with HR and NYCPS leadership offices, and support work with related field-based office personnel, including Borough/Citywide Offices, new principal mentors, District 75 leadership, and CSE Chairpersons. Will work with Family, Community and Student Empowerment (FCSE) Centers and with outside stakeholders, such as unions, advocacy organizations, and the State Education Department, as well as work with university partners and community-based organizations.

Responsibilities

• Promote innovative instructional models and technologies that enhance access and engagement for students with disabilities, with a strong commitment to educational equity practices.
• Develop and lead professional learning communities for educators, school leaders, and related service providers to build capacity in inclusive instructional practices and differentiated instruction.
• Create and implement strategic plans for providing cohesive support and professional development to the field utilizing data including but not limited to student achievement, instructional practices, program development, student access to inclusive environments, provision of special education programs, Part 154 regulations and ENL minute compliance, special education and multilingual learner compliance escalations, parent escalations and feedback from the field.
• Create assessment, policy and best practice tools to equip district and school leaders with the tools necessary to effectively lead inclusive schools and to promote the achievement of students with disabilities.
• Provide feedback to instructional central and field-based teams, continually adjusting and monitoring professional learning opportunities to meet changing needs in the field.
• Lead the design, development, and implementation of a comprehensive instructional strategy for students receiving special education aligned with NYCP’s broader academic priorities.
• Collaborate cross divisionally to achieve the goal of reimagining general education within NYCPS
• Promote inclusive instructional models such as Universal Design for Learning (UDL), Multi-Tiered System of Supports (MTSS), and Integrated Co-Teaching (ICT).
• Ensure alignment of special education instruction with academic standards and culturally responsive practices.
• Supervise a senior team of directors and managers overseeing instructional support, professional development, compliance guidance, and program monitoring.
• Provide vision and oversight for the development and dissemination of special education curricular resources.
• Monitor performance metrics and student outcomes to inform continuous improvement efforts.
• Oversee the design and delivery of high-impact professional learning for school leaders, teachers, paraprofessionals, and related service providers.
• Guide implementation of coaching systems and collaborative planning to improve instructional practice.
• Ensure instructional practices are aligned with federal IDEA regulations, NY State education law, and local NYCPS policies.
• Collaborate with Legal, Compliance, and CSE offices to ensure all IEPs are implemented with fidelity and integrity.
• Serve as a key advisor to Senior DIAL leadership on all matters related to special education instruction.
• Lead cross-agency collaborations to integrate academic, social-emotional, and behavioral support for students with disabilities.
• Engage families, advocacy groups, and community organizations to support inclusive learning environments.

Qualification Requirements:

Minimum

Must currently possess or will possess by date of hire, New York State certification as a school district administrator (SDA) or school district leader (SDL); or the Administrator Certificate plus Superintendent extension.  Please Note: We do not accept internship certificates.

For more information regarding the DOE’s supervisory certification requirements, as well as a link to the New York State Education Department’s website to apply for certification, please visit our website at https://www.schools.nyc.gov/careers/principals-and-assistant-principals/school-leader-and-supervisory-certification.

Preferred

• Experience in developing and implementing strategies to improve school performance, including training of school personnel and other professionals to improve achievement, especially achievement of students with disabilities.
• Experience managing and implementing complex projects, collaborating with diverse stakeholders, and developing and executing organizational strategies.
• Ability to build relationships with multiple offices within NYCPS, establish positive working relationships with administrators, school staff and colleagues, and build capacity.
• Comprehensive knowledge of instructional practices to support access to rigorous curricula for students with disabilities, including knowledge of language-based disabilities, assessments, interventions, and evidence-based best practices across all grade level.
• Deep understanding of IDEA and NYS regulations regarding students with disabilities.
• Able to organize facts and present information and figures in a clear, concise, and logical manner, both spoken and written.
• Dynamic leader with a proven track record of success.
• Comfortable in both independent and team environments.
• Strong public speaking and written communication skills.
• Deep passion for and commitment to student learning and students with disabilities, including the ability to articulate a coherent vision for inclusive schools where students with disabilities achieve their fullest potential.
• Experience working in NYCPS.
• Ability to think strategically and translate insights into action; project management experience.
• Strong critical thinking and strategic planning skills.
• Ability to mobilize disparate groups of people toward goals.
• Attentive to detail; extremely well organized.
• Able to work under pressure and meet frequent and changing deadlines.
• Skilled with group problem-solving and working with complex concepts in a dynamic setting.
• Creative problem-solver with the ability to perform independent, thoughtful analysis around important educational issues.
• Ability to work evenings for events, as applicable and with prior notice.

Salary: $185,000 - $195,000

NOTE: The filling of all positions is subject to budget availability and/or grant funding.

AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER

It is the policy of the Department of Education of the City of New York to provide equal employment opportunities without regard to actual or perceived race, color, religion, creed, ethnicity, national origin, alienage, citizenship status, age, marital status, partnership status, disability, sexual orientation, gender (sex), military status, unemployment status, caregiver status, consumer credit history, prior record of arrest or conviction (except as permitted by law), predisposing genetic characteristics, or status as a victim of domestic violence, sexual offenses and stalking, and to maintain an environment free of harassment on any of the above-noted grounds, including sexual harassment or retaliation. For more information, please refer to the DOE Non-Discrimination Policy.