RI Director of Special Services

Achievement First (AF) is a non-profit 501(c)(3) organization that currently supports 41 public charter schools in New York, Connecticut, and Rhode Island. Consistently rated as one of the top charter school networks in the country for almost 25 years, AF is committed to continuous improvement, programmatic evolution for enhanced student outcomes, and sustainable growth. The majority of AF students are Black and Latinx children from low-income families who will be the first in their families to graduate from college. AF currently employs more than 2,200 staff — 64% of whom identify as Black, Indigenous, and People of Color — who collectively educate nearly 15,000 students in Brooklyn and Queens, NY; New Haven, Bridgeport, and Hartford, CT; and Providence, RI.

The mission of Achievement First is to deliver on the promise of equal educational opportunity for all of America’s children. AF knows that every child—regardless of race, zip code, or economic status—deserves access to great schools. At AF, students realize their potential and develop the skills they need to graduate from high school, succeed in college, thrive in a competitive world, and serve as the next generation of leaders in their communities. At AF, students and staff embark on a shared journey to fulfill their incredible potential.

The Director of Special Services (School Support) plays a pivotal role in ensuring our scholars with disabilities, multilingual learners, and students receiving intervention services are fully supported across schools in New York, Connecticut, and Rhode Island. This leader directly coaches a portfolio of 5–8 school-based leaders and collaborates with regional and school leadership to improve student outcomes, strengthen compliance systems, and elevate instructional excellence. Through professional development, cross-functional collaboration, and program planning, the Director will drive a network-wide vision for equitable and high-quality services for all scholars.

Reporting to the Managing Director of Special Services, your responsibilities include but are not limited to:

• Coach and support a portfolio of 5–8 school-based special service leaders and deans in building excellent special services programs and instructional practices.
• Lead weekly coaching meetings, conduct classroom observations and walkthroughs, and join school-based meetings to support key elements of each school’s special services program.
• Partner with principals and regional superintendents to align support, feedback, and long-term leadership development for student subpopulations.
• Design, plan, and execute data review and action-planning cycles to drive outcomes for student subpopulations.
• Support school-level requests for special education (SPED) funding.
• Travel between school sites daily.

• Problem-solve school-level supports and annual plans for students with disabilities, English Language Learners, and at-risk students through quarterly step-backs and ongoing evaluation.
• Observe instruction, intervention, and special service meetings to provide coaching support and feedback.
• Ensure school-based supports align with IEP mandates and state law.
• Monitor and improve supports and plans for students with disabilities and English Language Learners at both the school and network levels.

• Design and facilitate professional learning for deans, principals, teachers, and families on special services supports and programs across K-12.

• Envision and plan for the future expansion of the special education continuum, programs, and services.
• Gather input, set vision, and facilitate the NY Empower ID scholar identification process — including project planning, professional development delivery, cross-network collaboration, coordination with the Empower team, and partnership with school-based special service leaders and families.

• Create and present materials and supports that advance both school and network goals for specialized student supports, through monthly professional development, individualized school supports, and long-term special services planning.
• Partner with Team Legal, families, and school staff to problem-solve legal issues as they arise for each school.

• Problem-solve communication and scheduling issues related to district compliance offices, ensuring school and district accountability to legal compliance requirements and delivery of adequate student supports.
• Align and communicate with CSE, related service agencies, families, and schools on supports delivered and IEP meetings.

All candidates for this position will support AF core values, lead innovation, and manage projects to ensure our team, like our schools, are setting a high bar in all areas and pursuing it relentlessly.

Travel will be required between schools and regions in New York

An ideal candidate will have the following experience and qualifications:

• Required: 3+ years teaching experience in Special Education
• Required: Holds RI District Level Administrator - Special Education OR deemed eligible for immediate certification via credential review
• Bachelor’s degree required; advanced degree in education, special education, or related field preferred
• At least 4 years of highly effective support of students with disabilities/IEPs
• At least 2 years of school leadership experience (e.g., dean, assistant principal)
• Deep knowledge of IDEA, IEP development and monitoring, and federal/state compliance guidelines
• Experience managing complex student data and implementing school-based improvement plans
• Familiarity with student support services models, UDL, and differentiation strategies
• Strong interpersonal skills and experience in cross-functional collaboration

In addition, the following characteristics are required to be successful on this team:

• Strong ethics and ability to maintain a high level of confidentiality
• Confidence interacting with and influencing individuals at all levels of the organization
• Ability to work autonomously and collaboratively in a fast-paced environment
• Maturity, humility, strong work ethic, and a roll-up-my-sleeves attitude
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills
• Deep belief in Achievement First’s mission and educational model
  
  

This role is hybrid and requires frequent travel, including occasional evenings  to our schools across Rhode Island. Candidates must be based in or willing to relocate to the region.