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Organization: Colorado Department of Education

Job Title: Assistant Commissioner of Exceptional Student Services Office

Category: Full-time

Classification: Administrator/School Leadership, Special Education

Job Description:

Broad Scope of Position: The Assistant Commissioner of Exceptional Student Services plays a key role in advancing CDE’s reform agenda and in positioning CDE as an innovative agent of change for districts and schools across the state. The position is responsible for providing vision and leadership to CDE’s initiatives pertaining to Exceptional Students. In addition, this individual will examine barriers that hinder innovative approaches to meeting the needs of exceptional students. This position provides ongoing support to the Associate Commissioner, the Commissioner and leads special projects as assigned.

Major Duties and Responsibilities:

Establish a vision for the Office of Exceptional Student Services that moves the department forward in improving outcomes for students.
Provide leadership in supervising a large department with extensive staff needs.
Implement the procedures, rules, and regulations of the federal Individuals with Disabilities Education Improvement Act (IDEAIA) and Colorado’s Exceptional Children’s Educational Act (ECEA).
Provide leadership to the Exceptional Student Services Unit (ESSU) in the provision of compliance monitoring, technical assistance, and other guidance to Colorado school districts with regards to students with exceptional needs.
Assure collaboration with other CDE units regarding department achievement initiatives and other strategic priorities.
Actively collaborate with other state agencies and entities on behalf of students with exceptional learning needs and their families.
Coordinate a budget process in collaboration with the Grants Fiscal Management Unit (GFMU) to assure timely distribution of federal and state funding in compliance with federal and state regulations.
Support the work of both the Colorado Special Education Advisory Council and the State Advisory Committee for Gifted Education.
Assure the timely resolution of formal legal disputes between school districts and families of students with disabilities in accordance with the IDEAIA.
Participate in providing information to the General Assembly regarding education related legislation as directed by the Commissioner of Education.
Other duties as assigned.

Preferred Experience/Knowledge/Ability:

Demonstrated commitment to improving student outcomes.
Knowledge of and successful experience working in the area of Exceptional students.
Proven ability to lead and facilitate collaboration among diverse groups.
Experience leading and managing change in an organization.
Experience designing and implementing strategic plans.
Experience developing and implementing policy.
Experience working with boards, commissions, and policy makers.
Strong knowledge of K-12 education system.
Experience working in a political context with competing demands.
Ability to maintain a strong position despite opposition.
Strong interest in state policy and enhancing the role of CDE as a leader and service provider to schools and districts.
Willingness and ability to travel.

Application Instructions:

Please fax or email a Colorado Department of Education Employment Application, letter of interest and resume to:

Fax : 303.866.6318 Email: kispert_w@cde.state.co.us

Application materials may also be mailed (not recommended) to:

201 East Colfax Avenue, Room 201

Denver, CO 80203

To obtain a Colorado Department of Education Employment Application, visit our website at http://www.cde.state.co.us/cdemgmt/HR/jobs.htm

NOTE: All materials submitted should be current and specifically address the qualifications for this position.

Contact Wendi Kispert at Kispert_w@cde.state.co.us or 303-866-6815 for questions.

Date Posted: 2011-09-21

Closing Date: 2011-10-31

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