Associate Director SPED (00088)

Helena, MT - USA

Monthly Salary: Not Disclosed

Posted on: 2 days ago

Vacancies: 1 Vacancy

Job Summary

The State of Montana has a decentralized human resources (HR) system. Each agency is responsible for its own recruitment and selection. Anyone who needs a reasonable accommodation in the application or hiring process should contact the agencys HR staff identified on the job listing or by dialing the Montana Relay at 711. Montana Job Service Offices also offer services including assistance with submitting an online application.

State government does not discriminate based on race color national origin religion sex sexual orientation gender identity or expression pregnancy childbirth or medical conditions related to pregnancy or childbirth age physical or mental disability genetic information marital status creed political beliefs or affiliation veteran status military service retaliation or any other factor not related to merit and qualifications of an employee or applicant.

This first review of applications will be December 2 2025. Please submit the following required documents on the State of Montana Careers website:

Resume - Please include dates of employment and your supervisors name/phone number for each position.

For a complete job description please email

To be considered for this position you must reside in Montana.

Why you would enjoy working here; Office of Public Instruction employees are a passionate group of professionals dedicated to leading and supporting our education system. We house a diverse collection of experiences with the 200 unique individuals we employ. Our specialists further OPIs purpose with applicable knowledge in education health research and analysis nutrition finance administration human resources licensing and regulation information technology and many others. We are proud to serve 149000 students pre-K to grade 12 their parents and guardians 400 school districts 16000 educational professionals and 3000 adult learners.

Benefits of working for OPI:

Work/life balance

Family friendly

Dedicated and caring colleagues

Health coverage

Retirement plans

Paid vacation sick leave and Holidays (combination of up to 38 per year)

Opportunities and room for professional growth

Public service loan forgiveness-Employment with the State of Montana may qualify you to receive student loan forgiveness under the PSLF.

Job Overview: Under the direction of the Director of Special Education the Associate Director leads the daily management and fiscal oversight of the Special Education Unit within the Montana Office of Public Instruction (OPI). This role provides leadership and support to the director to ensure the OPI fulfills its vital function of upholding the principles of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) and promoting educational outcomes for students with disabilities across Montana. The role demands a strong grasp of federal and state special education regulations and a commitment to strengthen special education programs and services that lead to successful learner outcomes enhanced family engagement and improved workforce readiness for all learners. The Associate Director is also responsible for fostering collaboration with various stakeholders to shape the future of special education in the state.

Knowledge Skills and Abilities (Behaviors):

Knowledge of special education state policies and regulations.
Knowledge of K-12 education and educational leadership.
Knowledge of program administration.
Knowledge of private or public sector operations performance management data collection and reporting.
Skilled in working in a high-volume fast-paced rapidly changing results-oriented work environment;
Skilled in organizational analytical planning and strategic thinking.
Skilled in operational project and time management.
Skilled in developing program objectives evaluating program performance and determining administrative adjustments as necessary.
Skilled in oral and written communication
Ability to make decisions.
Ability to maintain high-level of technical and educational skills providing leadership for policy.
Ability to conduct research to identify new technologies or trends in special education
Ability to generate unique new and compelling concepts.
Ability to identify and develop solutions to challenges.
Ability to lead influence and motivate others.
Ability to manage and lead a team of professionals through a change or transformation.
Ability to identify and communicate project issues mitigating risks and driving resolution.
Ability to perform duties with a high level of professionalism flexibility discretion judgment diplomacy and tact.
Ability to take initiative be accountable assume responsibility be a thought partner with senior leadership and to work effectively as part of a team.
Ability to multi-task adapt to changing priorities and meet deadlines while demonstrating accuracy attention to detail and perseverance.
Ability to handle sensitive issues and maintain confidentiality.
Ability to effectively present technical and complex information to various audiences.

Minimum Qualifications (Education and Experience):

A bachelors degree in special education education education administration or related field.
Three years of education or job or related experiences.
Minimum of 3 years supervision/management experience.
Other combinations of education and experience will be considered case-by-case.

Does this sound like you

Please tell us how and why by submitting your resume online including any veterans or disability preference documentation. When submitting the required documents you must check the relevant document box to ensure your attachments are uploading correctly to the specific application for this position. Documents not requested will not be considered in the recruitment process.

OPI is an equal opportunity employer. Women minorities and people with disabilities are encouraged to apply.

This position is in the TRS retirement system.

Required Experience:

Director