Starting Salary: $85,000 - $95,000 /year based on experience
Environment: Special Education Program, Middle School
ChanceLight Behavioral Health, Therapy, & Education, a growing, dynamic organization with a social mission to offer hope, is seeking an Education Program Director to join our award-winning Special Education team and perform meaningful work in a culture that welcomes innovation, encourages creative expression and offers limitless potential for personal and professional satisfaction!
If you thrive in a collaborative, goal-oriented environment focused on meaningful outcomes for students with special education needs, seek a career filled with genuine purpose, and possess strong problem-solving skills, compassion and exceptional dedication We Should Talk!
As the Education Program Director, you will play a pivotal role in transforming the lives of MiddleSchoolstudents by providing tailored clinical and educational interventions designed to meet each learner’s unique needs. You’ll lead with expertise, guiding and mentoring your team through hands-on training and professional development, while consistently evaluating and elevating their performance. Your leadership will ensure that policies and procedures are implemented effectively, creating a supportive and efficient learning environment where every student can thrive.
This position oversees all site operations and functions as the liaison between the site and the school districts’ designated site contacts by establishing and maintaining positive, interactive, working relationships.
Responsibilities Include:
Providing visionary leadership and strategic guidance to elevate student achievement and operational excellence by supervising staff performance, implementing targeted performance management plans, identifying professional development needs, and actively engaging in continuous learning opportunities.Supervising staff by clearly assigning responsibilities, facilitating personalized development plans, consistently monitoring performance, providing targeted feedback, and coaching employees toward professional growth and effectiveness.Consulting with and supporting teachers in the classroom to effectively manage behavior, maintaining accurate student data systems, and facilitating seamless learning plans tailored to each student's individual goals.Instructing, monitoring, and evaluating teachers and students on the effective utilization of learning materials and educational technology to ensure instructional fidelity and optimize student outcomes.Supporting the development of measurable, objective IEP goals and facilitating progress monitoring in collaboration with education personnel.Conducting Functional Behavior Assessments (FBAs) to identify the causes and functions of students' challenging behaviors.Creating and implementing BIPs that align with ChanceLight standards and guidelines, addressing the individual needs of each student.Implementing evidence-based interventions by applying scientifically proven behavioral and educational strategies, promoting positive outcomes in academic, social, emotional, and independent functioning.Providing crisis management intervention and support for students exhibiting aggressive or self-injurious behavior and developing strategies for improvement of behavior.Maintaining comprehensive and accurate records of student progress and development, ensuring timely updates in alignment with legal mandates, ChanceLight policies, and district requirements.Analyzing staff professional development needs and strategically aligning training initiatives with ChanceLight’s instructional vision and district objectives.Recognizing accomplishments promptly and addressing performance issues constructively to maintain a productive and positive operational environment.Ensuring a safe and secure learning atmosphere for students and staff through diligent oversight of site and classroom operations, and adherence to established protocols for reporting and resolving incidents.Maintaining full compliance with contractual and state-specific requirements by ensuring staff clearly understand and consistently achieve defined success criteria outlined in agreements and state guidelines.Overseeing comprehensive managerial responsibilities, including daily school operations such as scheduling, custodial services, facility maintenance, food services, transportation, administration, budgeting, resource allocation, and fostering productive district and community relationships.Representing ChanceLight Education professionally and effectively within the community, district forums, and local engagements to strengthen partnerships and promote organizational excellence.Communicating and collaborating proactively with families, district personnel, and community stakeholders to build supportive networks that enhance student success and organizational effectiveness.Demonstrating impactful leadership, effective team-building capabilities, and exceptional written communication skills.Modeling and overseeing the implementation of ChanceLight-endorsed instructional methods and strategies that promote active learning experiences and align with the site’s educational objectives.Participating actively in assurance and accreditation processes to achieve and sustain high standards and meet or exceed established performance goals.Keeping abreast of current research, trends, and best practices in education to ensure instructional practices remain innovative and effective.Providing, soliciting, and responding constructively and thoughtfully to formal and informal feedback to continually enhance performance, collaboration, and organizational effectiveness.Participating proactively and strategically in the hiring and selection processes to build and sustain a highly effective and cohesive site team.Working collaboratively with the site team, field-level support, and national resources to advance shared goals and organizational success.
This position operates with oversight and guidance from the regional vice president in carrying out their essential duties and responsibilities to provide overall leadership, quality assurance, managerial and administrative support for the ChanceLight Education site.
Qualifications Required:
Masters degree or higher in educational leadership, special education, applied behavior analysis or a closely related field of study.Licensed currently, in the process of obtaining, or willing to pursue company fundedenrollment and continuous progression of coursework required to successfully obtain a board-certified behavior analyst (BCBA) credential.Licensed currently or in the process of obtaining an educational leadership, school principal, administrator or related credential preferred.Licensed currently or in the process of obtaining a special education instruction credential highly preferred.Minimum 5yrs prior experience in special education services and compliance, particularly for students with severe learning disabilities, behavioral disorders and/or emotional disturbance.Minimum 3yrs prior leadership experience, preferably in a special education and/or behavioral health program setting.Well-versed in applied behavior analysis (ABA) including positive behavior interventions and supports (PBIS), functional behavior analysis (FBA), behavior intervention plans (BIP's), effective teaching strategies, classroom management systems and data-based decision making.Prior experience and highly skilled in overseeing crisis management systems and intervention.Proficiency in providing motivation and having critical conversations with students that help move them toward realistic goals.Effective management skills and comprehensive knowledge of administrative and school operations, functions, and compliance requirements.Proven ability to build and maintain multiple relationships with students, parents, teachers and community and/or business partners.Advanced oral and written communication, organization, conflict resolution, multitasking, problem solving, and decision-making ability.Knowledge of relevant technology including experience with instructional technology, Microsoft Office Suite, database entry and basic office equipment.Skilled leader who exhibits the characteristics of servant leadership, looking to the needs of the team and seeking to help solve problems and promote personal development.
ChanceLight Behavioral Health, Therapy, & Education is the nation’s leading provider of alternative and special education programs for children and young adults. For more than 45 years, and in partnership with over 235 school districts nationwide, we have helped change the direction of more than240,000 student lives!
Learn more about our history, our mission and the program services we provide by visiting the link below:
https://bit.ly/m/WorkWithPurpose
At ChanceLight we believe in providing more than just a job, as a member of our team you'll receive the opportunity to make meaningful impacts, the support needed to achieve success, and all the tools essential to reaching your personal & professional fulfillment! Your path to a truly rewarding career starts here – where growth, empowerment, and collaboration define our culture; and every day is aChanceto transform lives through education!
Perks and Benefits Include:
Comprehensive Medical, Dental and Vision PlansFREE Telehealth and Virtual Counseling SessionsFREE Health Advocacy Services and 24/7 Nurse LineCompany Paid Life & Disability InsuranceCompany Paid Employee Assistance ProgramFlexible Spending and Health Savings AccountsPersonal Protection Insurance PlansCigna Healthy Pregnancies, Healthy Babies ProgramLegal Services InsurancePet Health InsuranceAccrual-based Paid Time OffSchool Hours and Paid Holiday ScheduleExtensive Personal and Life Event Paid Leave Policy401k Retirement Saving PlanPerks at Work Employee Discount ProgramOpportunities for Growth & DevelopmentAnd So Much More!
If you're ready to start making lasting impacts on the lives of students and contribute to the creation of a brighter future This Is Your Chance!
Join us and together, we can empower students to overcome challenges, build confidence and unlock their full potential!
Careers, With ChanceLight Work. With Purpose.
Copyright © 2025 ChanceLight Behavioral Health, Therapy, & Education, a ChanceLight® company *Benefit plans and eligibility requirements may vary based on role and employment status.EducationRequiredMasters or better in Related Field of StudyLicenses & CertificationsRequiredAbility to ObtainBCBAPreferredActive or In ProcessBehavioral - BCBAEducation AdministratorSpecial Ed CertificationSkillsRequiredSpecial EducationMiddle School EducationLeadershipRecord Keeping & ReportingQuality Assurance & ComplianceEmergency ManagementBudget ManagementCommunity RelationsPerformance ManagementTeacher Mentoring/TrainingPerformance MotivationStudent Coaching/MentorshipBehavior Intervention Plans - BIPPositive Behavior Intervention and SupportFunctional Behavioral Assessment (FBA)Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA)Emotional DisturbanceBehavioral DisordersLearning DisabilitiesCrisis InterventionStudent DevelopmentIndividualized Education Programs (IEP)Curriculum DevelopmentClassroom ManagementCommunicationInterpersonal SkillsComputer SkillsBehaviorsRequiredDedicated: Devoted to a task or purpose with loyalty or integrityLeader: Inspires teammates to follow themMotivationsRequiredAbility to Make an Impact: Inspired to perform well by the ability to contribute to the success of a project or the organizationEqual Opportunity Employer
This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws.
For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.