Job Description

Join a Winning Team at Brabeion Academy as our first Director of Special Services (SPED)!

Brabeion Academy is pioneering a new era in public education as Idaho's First Public School of Sport. We are seeking a highly qualified and experienced Director of Special Services to lead all pupil and special education services. The ideal candidate is a compassionate, innovative, and assertive leader who fully embraces and champions our school's core mission: to nurture the whole person--body, mind, and character--through mandatory daily physical education and active, progressive participation in competitive athletic programs.

This immersive and challenging environment is the educational setting that defines our Least Restrictive Environment (LRE), as outlined in our performance certificate. The Director's primary responsibility is to ensure that all special education practices align with this foundational philosophy and to ensure that all students can successfully participate in our unique environment.

Responsibilities

The Director of Special Services will report directly to the Head of School and Sport (HSS) and be responsible for the following:

LRE Enforcement & Placement:

Serve as the lead advocate and assertive enforcer of Brabeion Academy's unique LRE. This includes conducting evaluations and making decisive recommendations on whether a student's needs for a Free Appropriate Public Education (FAPE) can be met within our specific, mandatory athletic and physical development curriculum. The Director must guide IEP teams in determining when the school is not the appropriate placement because the student cannot successfully participate in the core competitive athletic programs without fundamentally altering the nature of the school.

Program Oversight & Future Vision:

Oversee all pupil services and special education programs, ensuring strict compliance with federal and state regulations. Furthermore, the Director will be responsible for co-leading, along with the Sporting Director, the strategic planning and initial development of a long-term vision to implement a Special Olympicsprogram, demonstrating a broader commitment to inclusive athletic opportunities.

IEP & 504 Coordination:

Lead the development, implementation, and review of Individualized Education Plans (IEPs) and Section 504 plans, ensuring that all aspects of a student's plan are designed to support their successful participation in all of the school's core programs.

Staff Management:

Hire, manage, and evaluate all pupil service staff, providing ongoing professional development and guidance on implementing inclusive practices that are consistent with our physical and athletic core mission.

Contracting & Collaboration:

Lead the identification, contracting, and management of outside specialists, such as a school psychologist and speech-language pathologist, ensuring their services support and do not fundamentally alter our school's LRE model.

Advocacy & Outreach:

Serve as a clear and decisive advocate for our school's unique LRE to parents, the Idaho Public Charter School Commission, and other external stakeholders.

Budget & Compliance:

Develop and manage the departmental budget in conjunction with the HSS and finance team and ensure all state and federal reports are accurately submitted, with a focus on documenting compliance with our specific LRE requirements.

Qualifications

To be considered for this position, candidates must meet the following criteria:

Education:

A master's degree or higher in Special Education, Educational Leadership, or a related field.

Certification:

A valid Idaho Administrator's Certificate with a Director of Special Education endorsement or ability to get one is required.

Experience:

A minimum of five years of successful experience in special education, with at least two years in a leadership or administrative role. Experience or demonstrated interest in developing inclusive sports programs (e.g., Special Olympics, Unified Sports) is highly desirable.

Knowledge:

Comprehensive knowledge of federal and state special education laws, regulations, and best practices. A specific and demonstrated understanding of the Least Restrictive Environment (LRE) and a firm commitment to Brabeion Academy's athletic-focused definition is required.

Skills:

Exceptional leadership, communication, and problem-solving skills. The ability to be assertive and clear in enforcing policies and working collaboratively with all stakeholders to ensure strict adherence to Brabeion Academy's mission and performance certificate is essential.

Position Details

This is a full-time, 10-month contract located on-site in Nampa, Idaho. The target start date for this position is late Spring 2026.

Compensation:

A competitive salary starting at $70,000 to $80,000 (DOE) per year plus full benefits, generous PTO, and enrollment in the Public Employee Retirement System of Idaho (PERSI).

Interested candidates should submit a letter of interest and a resume to careers@brabeion.org with Director of Special Services Application in the subject line.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $70,000.00 - $80,000.00 per year

Benefits:

Dental insurance Health insurance Paid time off Retirement plan Vision insurance
Education:

Master's (Required)
Experience:

Special education: 5 years (Required)
License/Certification:

Special Education Certification (Required)
Work Location: In person