Job Description

Associate Director SPED (00088)

-

(

25142726

)

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 supervisor's name/phone number for each position

.

For a complete job description, please email opi.careers@mt.gov

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 OPI's 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 149,000+ students pre-K to grade 12, their parents and guardians, 400+ school districts, 16,000+ educational professionals, and 3,000+ 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 bachelor's 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.

Applicant Pool Statement

If another department vacancy occurs in this job title within six months, the same applicant pool may be used for the selection.

Training Assignment

This agency may use a training assignment. Employees in training assignments may be paid below the base pay established by the agency pay rules. Conditions of the training assignment will be stated in writing at the time of hire.

Salary: $

41.37 - 41.37 Hourly

Telework Eligibility

Not Telework Eligible

Benefits Package Eligibility

Health Insurance, Paid Leave & Holidays, Retirement Plan

Number of Openings

1

Employee Status

Regular

Schedule

Full-Time

Job Type

Standard

Shift

Day Job

Travel

Yes, 20 % of the Time

Primary Location

Helena

Agency

Office of Public Instruction

Union

000 - None

Posting Date

Nov 18, 2025, 1:23:41 PM

Closing Date (based on your computer's timezone)

: Ongoing

Required Application Materials

Resume

Contact Name

Human Resources |

Contact Email

OPI.Careers@mt.gov |

Contact Phone

406-444-2673