Special Education Manager

Faculty Salary Scale (see ) . This scale ensures equitable pay progression commensurate with experience, education (Master's preferred), and professional certifications. Scheduled Weekly Hours 40 (Year-Round)

Our Mission: Commitment to Intergenerational Change
When you join Making Waves Academy (MWA), you are committing to interrupt inequity by supporting every Wave-Maker's journey to a rewarding life dream. This role is instrumental in ensuring rigorous, holistic support for students from the 5th grade to career success. We seek a data-driven leader and advocate ready to make a lasting impact on our students and the community.
What you'll be doing…
As the Special Education Manager, you are the driving force behind the delivery and excellence of all Special Education services. You will ensure MWA meets and exceeds the goals outlined in every student's IEP or 504 Plan.
Your Core Deliverables…

• Oversee the entire IEP and 504 Plan process, including referrals, evaluations, meetings, and comprehensive documentation. Ensure all state and federal timelines and procedural requirements (IDEA, Section 504) are met.
• Maintain accurate, complete, and confidential online records using SEIS (Special Education Information System), ensuring compliance with privacy regulations.
• Work closely with the Director of Special Education and school leadership to analyze achievement data, identify performance gaps, and develop strategic initiatives to improve outcomes for students with disabilities across all academic areas.
• Supervise, evaluate, and coach special education teachers, paraprofessionals, and related service providers. Recommend and manage transfers, reassignments, and disciplinary actions as needed.
• Build the instructional capacity of general education teachers through targeted professional development on differentiation, accommodations, and modifications to ensure successful student inclusion.
• Design and implement behavior intervention plans and crisis response protocols, and provide staff guidance on positive behavior support strategies.
• Lead IEP team and Student Study Team (SST) meetings with professionalism, cultural sensitivity, and a focus on collaborative, data-driven decision-making.
• Serve as the primary point of contact between the school, families, and external service providers to coordinate comprehensive support services.
• Uphold the MWA mission, core values, and code of conduct. Actively participate in the school community by attending performances, assemblies, and extracurricular activities.

What we're looking for…
We need an expert program manager who possesses both deep instructional knowledge and strong administrative leadership.
You'll need to have:

• Bachelor's degree in Special Education or a related field and 5+ years of related professional experience, including at least 2 years in a leadership or management role overseeing SPED services.
• Expertise in developing and implementing evidence-based instructional strategies for students with IEPs/504 Plans.
• Proven ability to manage staff development, including providing professional development and structured feedback to faculty.
• Educational Specialist Teaching Credential and CA Teaching Credential.
• Strong analytical skills with the ability to track, analyze, and report on student progress and program outcomes, implementing solutions based on data
• Exceptional ability to manage, motivate, and support a diverse team of SPED staff and related professionals.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills with the ability to engage faculty, parents, students, and external providers. Proven ability to facilitate meetings and manage conflicts.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities, adapt to changing regulations, and maintain alignment with school-wide initiatives and digital work tools.
• While not required, fluency in Spanish will be a significant advantage in this role, allowing for broader engagement with our diverse campus community.

Equal Employment Opportunity
Making Waves Academy is an equal opportunity employer. We evaluate qualified applicants without regard to veteran status, disability or other legally protected characteristics.

Compensation and Benefits
Joining Making Waves Academy means securing a robust, comprehensive total rewards package designed to support your long-term financial, physical, and professional well-being right here in the Bay Area. We ensure your stability and growth so you can focus on maximizing every Wave-Maker's potential.
Financial Well-being
We offer competitive, above-market salaries that reflect your vital expertise in educational support, recognizing your commitment to our students. Beyond your base pay, you will have immediate access to a dedicated retirement savings plan, helping you build financial confidence for the future.
Health and Wellness
Your health is our priority. You will have access to robust, comprehensive 100% paid for Medical, Dental, and Vision insurance options for you and your family. We also offer benefits such as employee assistance programs to support your mental and emotional wellness.
Time to Recharge
We believe educators need time to recharge. You will receive generous Paid Time Off (PTO), plus all school holidays and breaks. This schedule is designed to ensure meaningful time away from campus, facilitating a sustainable and healthy work-life balance that is critical to preventing burnout.
Professional Growth
We commit to your continuous improvement. You will benefit from ongoing training, dedicated collaboration time, and resources specifically designed to enhance your instructional and behavioral support expertise. You'll be part of a culture that sees professional growth as essential to our mission.

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