Job Title: Senior Director, Professional Development and Standards

Department: Professional Affairs

Reports To: Associate Executive Director, Professional Affairs

FLSA Status: Exempt

Location: Hybrid (Arlington, VA) and open to full telework for outside the DC Area

Salary: $ 110,000-$115,000 (12-month); will consider 10-month for right candidate

Start Date: June 1, 2025 (flexible)

To Apply: https://forms.monday.com/forms/5a493935b39816ea825566459535085d?r=use1

Position Summary: The Senior Director of Professional Development and Standards is a new position and, under the leadership and direction of the Associate Executive Director, is responsible for the development of the strategic direction for the Standards and Professional Development Departments and for supporting the teams in these areas. This includes all of CEC’s professional standards, national recognition program, accreditation, online learning, and resource development. With strong knowledge of higher education, the Senior Director will assist in the development of resources and strategies to advance the use of CEC Standards. And with strong knowledge of best practices in the field of special education, as well as emerging issues and topics, the Senior Director will increase the efficacy of CEC’s professional development and resources. This role will partner with the Executive Director and Associate Executive Director to ensure the departments have strategic alignment with the organizational goals.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities: To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform the following satisfactorily; other duties may be assigned. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• Provides leadership and direction for CEC’s Professional Development and Standards teams, ensuring consistent communication and expectations;
• Collaborates with related external organizations, consortiums, state departments, and associations to advance special education professional standards, evidence-based practices, and teacher preparation initiatives related to CEC’s professional standards and professional development;
• Develops and executes annual and long-range strategic plans to create professional resources, products and services, and publications related to CEC’s professional standards that advance the association’s strategic plan, meet the needs of special educators and preparation programs;
• In partnership with CFO, Executive Director and Associate Executive Director, develops annual budget, monitors performance with support of the PA Coordinator, and makes necessary adjustments during the year to achieve revenue goals.
• Identify and develop relationships with speakers, volunteers and leaders in the field to address the human resource needs of CEC’s online learning program and accreditation reviewers;
• In collaboration with the Associate Executive Director, partner with CEEDAR Center and other providers to continue the development and support of the High-Leverage Practices through online learning, in-person programs, and resources;
• Builds collaborations and cooperative relationships with CEC state/provincial units, divisions and external organizations to further partnership opportunities for professional development and standards;
• Stay abreast of activities of, and support staff in partnering with, CAEP and the CEC Accreditation Commission to ensure strong implementation of CEC Standards;
• In partnership with entire Professional Affairs team, explore possibilities to create and implement certification programs (transition, paraeducator, etc);
• Support the Associate Executive Director and Senior Meetings Manager by providing content expertise and input in the selection and promotion of convention programming, keynotes, and add-on workshops;
• Oversee the strategy and direction of the Exceptional Teacher Resource Repository;
• Present on behalf of CEC at various professional events;
• Provide content expertise and support, as needed, to other CEC teams (Professional Solutions, Publications, etc.)

Qualifications: To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Education/Experience:

• Terminal degree in education (special education preferably); five or more years progressive leadership experience in an educational organization, association, state/provincial educational agency, institution of higher education or other relevant organization;
• Advanced knowledge of special education, best practices in the field, and the High Leverage Practices;
• Demonstrated competence in planning, developing, and delivering professional development;
• Demonstrated ability to develop and monitor teacher preparation programs;
• Understanding of licensure, professional preparation standards, and accreditation;

Leadership:

• Demonstrated competencies in leading groups, including staff and volunteers, through large projects while meeting deadlines and goals;
• Demonstrated competencies in goal-setting and leading/supporting others in meeting those goals;

Communications:

• Exemplary communication (oral and written) and interpersonal skills, with demonstrated success in team-oriented collaboration, including a strong ability to work harmoniously with colleagues;
• Ability to interact professionally and effectively with many constituencies, including staff, Board of Directors, external partners and volunteer and field leaders;

Computer Skills: Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite, including Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Sharepoint. Experience using a learning management system.

The above job description is not intended to be an all-inclusive list of duties and standards of the position. Incumbents will follow any other instructions, and perform any other related duties, as assigned by their supervisor.