Salem Academy Charter School, Director of Student Services

Organization Overview 

Salem Academy Charter School (SACS) is a nationally ranked public charter school north of Boston, offering a rigorous college preparatory program to 480 students in grades 6-12. Since 2024, SACS has been committed to serving the diverse population of Salem. Through a unique integration of rigorous college preparatory classes with service to the community, Salem Academy graduates are informed, articulate, and proactive individuals of strong character. Salem Academy is committed to building a diverse and inclusive community. We seek to support a faculty and staff that reflects the rich diversity of our student body, creating a culture and environment where diverse perspectives, ideas, and identities are valued and integrated into our way of working and educating students. 

Position Overview

The Director of Student Services oversees all aspects of student support services, ensuring all students' academic, social, emotional, and behavioral needs are met. This role requires a dynamic leader who can collaborate with faculty, staff, families, and external stakeholders to create a supportive, inclusive learning environment conducive to student success.

Reporting to the Senior Director of Academics, the Director of Student Services oversees the Special Education program for grades 6-12 at Salem Academy. They develop a comprehensive vision and strategy to meet the unique needs of students with disabilities, ensuring high-quality programming aligned with IEPs. Required skills include academic and social/emotional support expertise, knowledge of Special Education regulations, and strong interpersonal communication. They provide leadership to foster collaboration between Special Education and general education staff, working closely with the Senior Director of Academics on program priorities, development, and finances.

The ideal candidate is committed to prioritizing the unique needs of each student and family to support them in reaching their highest levels of academic, social, and/or emotional growth.  This individual should be organized, have strong communication skills, and bring an equity-based mindset to their work each day.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

Organizational Leadership: 

• Oversee all aspects of the Special Education Program, setting the vision for academic and cultural excellence; build a strong and nimble team through professional development, performance management, and motivational leadership.
• Lead the Special Education and Student Services Teams in creating a mission-driven, inclusive college-going culture of achievement that permeates the school and builds students’ academic skills and social and emotional competencies. 
• Maintain a visible presence in the school's daily life, observing classrooms, building relationships with students, and upholding school norms in a safe and supportive manner. 
• Ensure that classrooms are safe and supportive and teaching is grounded in culturally relevant pedagogy and inclusive teaching practices. 
• Assure the effective implementation of any school improvement plans, including measurable long-term goals and short-term objectives related to student learning performance.
• Participate in recruiting and hiring processes for all Special Education and Student Services staff, including contractors, for all service delivery and eligibility evaluation needs.
• Develop and implement a school-wide behavior management system that promotes positive behavior and fosters a safe and respectful learning environment.
• Provide guidance to teachers and staff on effective classroom management techniques and strategies for addressing challenging behaviors.
• Prepare and manage Special Education Grants e.g., 240, 274; ensure appropriate usage of funds.
• Ensure compliance with state and federal regulations regarding training for staff.
• With the Senior Director of Academics, develop a budget that best supports our students by aligning the use of funds to support research-based strategies that improve teaching and learning; monitor spending in Special Education and Student Services program areas.
• Oversee the allocation of Special Education and Student Services staffing and resources across the school.

Special Education Compliance and Procedures

• In collaboration with Team Chairs, create protocols and systems to ensure compliance with state and federal Special Education regulations.
• Advise and consult with school and senior leadership on all Special Education policies and procedures.
• In collaboration with general education leadership, ensure delivery of all Special Education and related services, including Extended Year Services (EYS), via comprehensive planning of instructional schedules.
• Prepare annual and other reports for submission to DESE as required.
• Chair initial eligibility evaluation meeting.
• Lead mediation and hearing procedures.

Program Development and Evaluation

• Supervise and evaluate Special Education and Student Services staff; conduct annual performance reviews in accordance with the DESE Model Educator Evaluation system.
• Develop, implement, and evaluate comprehensive student support programs that address academic, social, emotional, and behavioral needs.
• Coordinate and supervise counseling services, special education programs, and other support initiatives.
• Ensure compliance with state and federal regulations related to student services, including IDEA (Individuals with Disabilities Education Act) and Section 504.
• Lead DESE-mandated Special Education program review and evaluation processes, e.g., Tiered Focus Monitoring (TFM).
• Lead the trend analysis of key student performance metrics (e.g., interim assessments, graduation rates, college matriculation, and completion, attendance, discipline, and attrition); use this information to inform programmatic choices to increase growth and achievement of students with disabilities.
• Drive the creation of school-wide inclusion practices, ensuring they meet state and federal requirements, meet the terms of SACS mission, provide appropriate rigor, and meet the diverse needs of all students.
• Collaboratively develop and ensure implementation of programming (services and supports) in the domain of postsecondary transition.
• Provide ongoing training and professional development opportunities for school staff related to student support, special education, and behavioral intervention strategies.

Family and Community Engagement

• With the Special Education Parent Advisory Committee (SEPAC), organize family education workshops and other initiatives to empower families to support their children's academic and personal development.
• Cultivate positive relationships with parents, guardians, and families to enhance their involvement in their children's education and well-being.
• Collaborate with community organizations and agencies, particularly in support of Special Education programming, to leverage resources and support services for students and families.
• Serve as an ambassador and advocate of Salem Academy, articulating the mission and program with clarity and enthusiasm, attending school and community events as needed (e.g., prospective student information sessions, SACS Family Picnic, Salem Education Foundation events).

The Director of Student Services may also take on other tasks and responsibilities as assigned by the Senior Leadership Team.

Requirements

QUALIFICATIONS

• Unwavering belief in our mission and vision: that all students can achieve at high levels.
• Dedication to equity, diversity, and inclusion, with a focus on meeting the needs of diverse student populations.
• Ability to cultivate a structured, orderly, safe, and respectful school environment conducive to student-centered learning.
• Proven ability to establish connections with diverse students and families.
• Demonstrated leadership skills in coaching, collaboration, and team-building across diverse perspectives and backgrounds.
• Openness to change, adeptness in problem-solving, and enthusiasm for developing innovative ideas and programs.
• Personal attributes include self-awareness, humility, and integrity in all interactions.
• Excellent interpersonal, communication, and conflict-resolution skills.
• Proficiency in data analysis and relevant technology applications for student services and educational administration.
• Deep understanding of special education laws, regulations, and best practices.
• Five or more years of teaching experience in Special Education with adolescents.
• Five or more years of leadership experience in Special Education.
• Master's degree in Education, Counseling, Special Education, Psychology, or a related field.
• Massachusetts licensure as a Special Education administrator.
• Experience in a charter school setting is advantageous.
• Background clearance is required.
• Fluency in Spanish is a plus.

Benefits

Position Type: 12 months

Reports to: Senior Director of Student Services

Salary Range: $135,000 - $155,000

For additional questions about this position or to speak with someone about your interest, please contact Toren Triepke at [email protected]. #LI-TT1

Salem Academy Charter School values a school culture that celebrates learning, and we believe that the adult culture in the school is the foundation of the school’s success. The culture is based on mutual respect, integrity, professionalism, a commitment to excellence, a collaborative spirit, and a sense of human kindness, particularly regarding age-appropriate adolescent development. Salem Academy Charter School provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, ethnicity, religion, gender, sexual orientation, national origin, age, disability, marital status, or status as a covered veteran in accordance with applicable federal, state, and local laws.