
Assistant Director of Special Programs
Lovington Municipal School District, Lovington, NM, United States
LOVINGTON MUNICIPAL SCHOOLS
Position Assistant Director of Special Programs
Primary Purpose Assist the Director of Special Programs in providing strategic leadership, program development, and operational oversight of district-wide Special Education, Gifted, and related services. This role focuses on systems-level planning, staff supervision, program effectiveness, and resource alignment, while the Compliance Specialist monitors adherence to regulatory requirements.
Qualifications
Master's degree in Special Education, Educational Leadership, or a related field.
Valid New Mexico Administrative License (or ability to obtain)
Minimum of 3–5 years of experience in special education or related field
Preferred experience in campus or district leadership and supervision of special programs
Knowledge and Skills
Strong knowledge of special education and gifted program design and service delivery models
Working knowledge of IDEA and state regulations (with primary compliance monitoring assigned to Compliance Specialist)
Ability to lead, supervise, and evaluate staff and programs
Strong organizational, leadership, and problem‑solving skills
Ability to manage multiple initiatives, resources, and timelines
Ability to analyze program and student outcome data to guide decisions
Strong communication and collaboration skills across campuses and departments
Ability to design and deliver high‑impact professional development
Major Responsibilities and Duties Program Leadership and Systems Oversight
Lead the design, implementation, and continuous improvement of Special Education, Gifted, and related service programs
Ensure programs are aligned with district priorities, student needs, and best practices
Oversee service delivery models, staffing structures, and program effectiveness across campuses
Collaborate with the Director to set vision, goals, and strategic direction for Special Programs
Staff Supervision and Development
Supervise and evaluate ancillary service providers and designated special program staff
Build staff capacity through coaching, feedback, and leadership development
Plan and coordinate district-wide professional development systems (content may be informed by Compliance Specialist findings)
Support principals in supervising and developing campus-based special education staff
Operational Management and Resource Alignment
Assist in staffing decisions, caseload balancing, and service delivery assignments
Support development and management of budgets, grants, and resource allocationOversee coordination of contracts and related services providers
Ensure efficient systems for scheduling, service delivery, and program implementation
Collaboration and Communication
Serve as a liaison between the Special Programs Department, campuses, and district leadership
Collaborate with families, community partners, and outside agencies to strengthen services
Communicate program expectations, updates, and best practices across the district
Support resolution of complex programmatic or service delivery concerns
Coordination with Compliance Functions
Partner with the Compliance Specialist, who is responsible for monitoring timelines, audits, and corrective actions
Support campuses in implementing systems that prevent compliance issues through strong program design
Use compliance data to inform training, staffing, and program improvements (not primary monitor)
Other Duties as Assigned
Compile, maintain, and file all reports, records, and required documentation
Comply with federal and state laws, State Board of Education rules, and local board policy
Follow district safety protocols and emergency procedures
Perform other duties as assigned by the Director of Special Programs or Superintendent
Physical Requirements
Sitting, standing, lifting, and carrying (up to 50 pounds), reaching, squatting, climbing stairs, kneeling, must be able to see and hear, and moving light furniture may be required.
Safety and Health Requirements
Knowledge of universal hygiene precautions.
Equipment/Material Handled
Must know how to properly operate, or be willing to learn to operate, equipment including current technology.
Additional Requirements Must be able to work within various degrees of noise, temperature, and air quality. Interruptions of work are routine. Job responsibilities include both inside and outside duties. Flexibility and patience are required. Must be self‑motivated and able to complete job assignments without direct supervision.
Salary Administrative Salary Schedule: Program Assistant Director
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Position Assistant Director of Special Programs
Primary Purpose Assist the Director of Special Programs in providing strategic leadership, program development, and operational oversight of district-wide Special Education, Gifted, and related services. This role focuses on systems-level planning, staff supervision, program effectiveness, and resource alignment, while the Compliance Specialist monitors adherence to regulatory requirements.
Qualifications
Master's degree in Special Education, Educational Leadership, or a related field.
Valid New Mexico Administrative License (or ability to obtain)
Minimum of 3–5 years of experience in special education or related field
Preferred experience in campus or district leadership and supervision of special programs
Knowledge and Skills
Strong knowledge of special education and gifted program design and service delivery models
Working knowledge of IDEA and state regulations (with primary compliance monitoring assigned to Compliance Specialist)
Ability to lead, supervise, and evaluate staff and programs
Strong organizational, leadership, and problem‑solving skills
Ability to manage multiple initiatives, resources, and timelines
Ability to analyze program and student outcome data to guide decisions
Strong communication and collaboration skills across campuses and departments
Ability to design and deliver high‑impact professional development
Major Responsibilities and Duties Program Leadership and Systems Oversight
Lead the design, implementation, and continuous improvement of Special Education, Gifted, and related service programs
Ensure programs are aligned with district priorities, student needs, and best practices
Oversee service delivery models, staffing structures, and program effectiveness across campuses
Collaborate with the Director to set vision, goals, and strategic direction for Special Programs
Staff Supervision and Development
Supervise and evaluate ancillary service providers and designated special program staff
Build staff capacity through coaching, feedback, and leadership development
Plan and coordinate district-wide professional development systems (content may be informed by Compliance Specialist findings)
Support principals in supervising and developing campus-based special education staff
Operational Management and Resource Alignment
Assist in staffing decisions, caseload balancing, and service delivery assignments
Support development and management of budgets, grants, and resource allocationOversee coordination of contracts and related services providers
Ensure efficient systems for scheduling, service delivery, and program implementation
Collaboration and Communication
Serve as a liaison between the Special Programs Department, campuses, and district leadership
Collaborate with families, community partners, and outside agencies to strengthen services
Communicate program expectations, updates, and best practices across the district
Support resolution of complex programmatic or service delivery concerns
Coordination with Compliance Functions
Partner with the Compliance Specialist, who is responsible for monitoring timelines, audits, and corrective actions
Support campuses in implementing systems that prevent compliance issues through strong program design
Use compliance data to inform training, staffing, and program improvements (not primary monitor)
Other Duties as Assigned
Compile, maintain, and file all reports, records, and required documentation
Comply with federal and state laws, State Board of Education rules, and local board policy
Follow district safety protocols and emergency procedures
Perform other duties as assigned by the Director of Special Programs or Superintendent
Physical Requirements
Sitting, standing, lifting, and carrying (up to 50 pounds), reaching, squatting, climbing stairs, kneeling, must be able to see and hear, and moving light furniture may be required.
Safety and Health Requirements
Knowledge of universal hygiene precautions.
Equipment/Material Handled
Must know how to properly operate, or be willing to learn to operate, equipment including current technology.
Additional Requirements Must be able to work within various degrees of noise, temperature, and air quality. Interruptions of work are routine. Job responsibilities include both inside and outside duties. Flexibility and patience are required. Must be self‑motivated and able to complete job assignments without direct supervision.
Salary Administrative Salary Schedule: Program Assistant Director
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