Job Description

Job Title: Special Education Compliance Manager
Location: 910 W. Van Buren St., Chicago, IL 60607

• Traveling to different school campuses on the north and south side of Chicago it required

Reports To: Managing Director of Student Services
Salary: Starting at $80,000, commensurate with experience
Employee Type: Regular Full Time
Start Date: September 2026

Distinctive Schools creates diverse, joyful, welcoming communities rooted in social justice and rigorous learning. We support all learners to be engaged, curious, and to achieve their full potential. Our students become confident advocates, creative problem-solvers, and collaborative leaders.

Overview

The Special Education Compliance Manager is responsible for student evaluations, monitoring Individualized Education Programs (IEPs), and supporting schools, staff, and families to fulfill these plans towards greater student development and achievement. The Special Education Compliance Manager will use a data-driven approach to best support the needs of each individual student, and does so in compliance with federal and state regulations regarding special education, including the Individual with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973.

Responsibilities

Program Oversight/Management:

• Oversee compliance rate at all campuses for completing all Annual Reviews, Initial and Three-Year Reevaluations according to State and Federal Law
• Monitor student progress, related services and program compliance, participating in review and revision of IEPs, as appropriate, and escalate any issues to the Managing Director of Student Services
• Consult with school principals of any concerns regarding special education
• Serve as liaison between Distinctive Schools (DS), authorizer, ISD/LEA, and the state (IL ) in order to stay abreast of training opportunities, best practices, mandated trainings and compliance requirements

Data Integrity & Reporting:

• Review tracking reports daily in computerized system to ensure 100% compliance for due dates on all documents
• Ensure that high quality IEPs are designed and implemented effectively
• Conduct audits of all draft and finalized documents
• Monitor and audit special education files
• Oversee accurate student data and records
• Ensure appropriate documentation of all communication with parents/guardians for scheduled meetings using computerized system Professional Learning, Leader Development & Coaching
• Supervise and coach Special Education Case Managers
• Work collaboratively with Managing Director of Student Services, Case Managers and Campus Principals to determine instructional and social needs of students that ensure success while also participating on the multidisciplinary team to promote students' wellbeing
• Assist in recruitment, hiring and training of all related service providers including School Psychologists, Social Workers, Nurses, Speech/Language Pathologists, Occupational Therapists and Physical Therapists (and any other related service provider outlined in an IEP)
• Assist in allocation model and support as it pertains to related-service providers across the region
• Attend all professional development and meetings relevant and share information with all special education teachers, school principals and managing director
• Collaborate with team leaders to provide support and guidance for issues pertaining to students with exceptionalities
• Facilitate meetings, as directed, for special education teachers at each campus
• Work collaboratively with the Shared Leadership Team to support the learning of special education

Requirements (minimum)

Education:

Bachelor’s degree in special education OR Master’s degree in educational administration

Qualifications:

Professional Educator License (PEL) in one of the following areas:

• Special Education (PK-Age 21) endorsement
• School Support Personnel endorsement with a supervisory endorsement

• Expertise in special education curriculum and service provision
• Experience as a Special Education Case Manager
• Knowledge of general education curriculum
• Demonstrated understanding of the individual needs of students with disabilities from a variety of language and cultural backgrounds
• Strong knowledge of federal and state laws and regulations regarding the delivery of special education and related services
• Knowledge of intervention and assessment strategies for disabled and non-disabled students
• Knowledge of multi-tiered systems of support (MTSS or RTI)
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with administrators, staff, students, parents, governmental and community agencies, and employers
• Demonstrated expertise in customer service, consensus building, and use of problem solving skills and strong written, verbal, presentation, and interpersonal communication skills
• Travel to various campuses as needed

Physical Demands: Occasional lifting, carrying, pushing, and/or pulling; some stooping, kneeling, crouching, and/or crawling; and significant fine finger dexterity. Generally, the job requires 40% sitting, 30% walking, and 30% standing.

Benefits

• 25+ Paid holidays
• 12 weeks family paid leave
• Comprehensive Healthcare (Medical, Dental, Vision)
• 403b match
  • Fully match up to 3%
  • 50% match up to 5%
• Professional development including tuition reimbursement
• Gym and wellness discounts
• And more

Description Disclaimer: Since no job description can detail all the duties and responsibilities that may be required from time to time in the performance of a job, duties and responsibilities that may be inherent in a job, reasonably required for its performance, or required due to the changing nature of the job shall also be considered part of the jobholder's responsibility.

EEO: Distinctive Schools is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate against any employee or applicant for employment on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, gender, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, or any other personal characteristic protected by applicable law.

Distinctive Schools is committed to the full inclusion of all qualified individuals. In keeping with our commitment, Distinctive Schools will take the steps to assure that people with disabilities are provided reasonable accommodations. Accordingly, if reasonable accommodation is required to fully participate in the job application or interview process, to perform the essential functions of the position, and/or to receive all other benefits and privileges of employment, please contact talent@distinctiveschools.org or call 773.828.4191

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