Assistant Director of Special Education-Compliance & Legal 2026-2027 - Tempe - Tempe School District No.3

Description

CATEGORY

Administrative

TITLE

Assistant Director of Special Education – Compliance & Legal

JOB DESCRIPTION

The Assistant Director of Special Education – Compliance & Legal is responsible for ensuring that the district's special education programs meet all federal, state, and local regulatory requirements. This position leads efforts to improve IEP compliance, strengthen procedural safeguards, and ensure timely and accurate documentation across all schools. The role supports schools and staff in maintaining legal integrity in special education services, while building systems of accountability, communication, and trust with families.

QUALIFICATIONS

1. Master's degree in Special Education or related field
2. Valid Arizona Administrative Certificate or ability to obtain
3. At least five years of experience in special education with knowledge of IDEA regulations
4. Demonstrated success supporting schools with IEP documentation, audits, or due process procedures

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

(Essential functions, as defined under the Americans with Disabilities Act, may include any of the following tasks, knowledge, skills, and other characteristics. This list is ILLUSTRATIVE ONLY, and is not a comprehensive listing of all duties and responsibilities performed by incumbents of this class.)

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Legal Compliance & Documentation Systems

• Ensure adherence to IDEA, Section 504, and ADE regulations regarding timelines, IEP development, and procedural safeguards.
• Develop and maintain systems for tracking IEP meetings, evaluations, prior written notices (PWNs), and parent communication.
• Review IEP documentation for accuracy, completeness, and compliance with procedural and substantive requirements.
• Oversee creation and delivery of corrective action plans resulting from audit findings, due process complaints, or ADE monitoring.
• Serve as the liaison to legal counsel and ADE regarding compliance inquiries, complaints, and investigations.

Case Management & Timely Process Monitoring

• Monitor caseloads and ensure appropriate timelines for evaluations, annual reviews, re-evaluations, and eligibility determinations.
• Support school teams in maintaining accurate and compliant records in the IEP management system.
• Lead continuous improvement initiatives related to documentation quality and legal defensibility of IEPs.

Staff Support & Capacity Building

• Provide coaching and real-time support to case managers, related service providers, and evaluation teams on documentation and compliance expectations.
• Facilitate targeted professional development on legal trends, due process, and procedural safeguards.
• Collaborate with site leaders to build systems of shared accountability for compliance across school teams.

Data Monitoring & Continuous Improvement

• Analyze compliance data and timelines (e.g., MET due dates, IEP implementation fidelity) and report progress to district leadership.
• Use findings from internal audits and external reviews to implement corrective action and refine systems.
• Partner with the Assistant Director of Special Education – Behavior and the Director to align monitoring, student outcomes, and family engagement.

WORKING CONDITIONS

The Assistant Director of Special Education – Compliance & Legal works in a professional district office and school-site environment. The position requires frequent collaboration with district leadership, school administrators, special education staff, legal counsel, and external agencies. Work is primarily performed during standard business hours; however, additional hours may be required to meet compliance deadlines, respond to legal inquiries, attend meetings with families or attorneys, or support audits, monitoring, or due process activities. The role involves extensive use of computers, electronic IEP management systems, data platforms, and other office technology. Regular travel between the district office and school sites is expected.

PHYSICAL EFFORT

The physical demands of this position are typical of a professional administrative role. The employee must be able to sit for extended periods while reviewing documentation, analyzing data, and working at a computer, as well as stand and walk during meetings, training, and school-site visits. Occasional bending, reaching, and lifting of materials such as files, binders, or technology equipment weighing up to approximately 20 pounds may be required. The role requires clear verbal communication, sustained visual attention to detailed documentation, and manual dexterity to operate standard office and technology systems.

WORK YEAR

12 months

DEPARTMENT/SCHOOL

Student Support Services

SALARY

Commensurate with experience (aligned to district administrative salary schedule)

REPORTS TO

Director of Special Education

EVALUATION

Administrative Evaluation

SUPERVISES

May supervise clerical staff

Please note that the closing date for this posting may be changed at any time without prior notice