2026-2027 SY - Special Education Administrative Specialist

TITLE: Special Education Administrative Specialist
Classification: Administration
Work Hours: 7.5 hours a day � 37.5 hours per work week
Contract Length: 236 Days
Salary: Administrator Salary Schedule
Administrative Specialist - $99,036

Summary
To assist in the organization, management, leadership and monitoring of the Educational Development Center at Gallup McKinley County Schools

Supervision Received and Exercised 
 
Receives direction from Director of Special Education. Exercises direct supervision over professional, technical and clerical staff.
 
Essential Function Statements - Essential duties may include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Project a positive image of GMCS at all times
• Keep information confidential concerning school business
• Act in a professional manner at all times
• Assist with the coordination, supervision and evaluation of the Special Education Program including instructional programming, resources/materials/equipment and students Individual Education Plans (IEP)
• Ensure compliance under all state and federal mandates including but not limited to IDEA and ESEA
• Collaborate and coordinate with system-wide administrator, supervisors, principals and specialists in the implementation of quality instructional programming
• Assist with the system-wide regular education pre-referral and intervention process (via the MLSS approach utilized through the Gallup-McKinley County School District SAT Team process)
• Assist with the New Mexico Comprehensive system-wide Planning Process and with individual School Improvement Planning
• Serve as a liaison between the regular and special education programs by attending and participating in appropriate meetings, committees, and initiatives
• Confer with personnel responsible for school/system accountability programs and ensure proper implementation of IDEA and ESEA requirements
• Plan, facilitate and implement staff development and professional growth experiences for Special Education teachers, principals, administrative staff and parents consistent with teacher and program evaluation outcomes
• Confer with and assist teachers on a one-to-one basis as well as small groups in organizational, compliance, instructional and management techniques
• Assist with the Special Education budgetary and operational components of the Special Education Program
• Monitor and ensure the Special Education Program's effectiveness on a regular basis
• Help develop administrative procedures and prepare state and federal reports per compliance mandates
• Serve as a representative and advisor to community and/or system organizations as appropriate
• Perform other duties as assigned

Qualification Requirements
Knowledge of:
Operational characteristics, services and activities of Special Education programming
Modern and complex principles and practices of program planning and preparation
Methods and techniques of program evaluation
Principles of school district budget preparation and control
Purchasing procedures and regulations applicable to school systems
Principles of supervision, training and performance evaluation
Pertinent federal, state and local laws, codes and regulations
Ability to:
Supervise, direct and coordinate the work of lower-level staff
Select, supervise, train and evaluate staff
Interpret and explain district policies and procedures
Prepare clear and concise reports
Present information and facilitate workshops and in-services
Simultaneously manage several program projects
Communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing
Establish and maintain effective working relationships with all those contacted in the course of work
Maintain mental capacity which allows the capability of making sound decisions and demonstrating intellectual capabilities
Maintain physical condition appropriate to the performance of assigned duties and responsibilities

 Required Qualifications: 

1. A Master's degree in an educational or counseling field.
2. Possess a Level III Instructional Leader License (a Level III license is required within 90 days of hire).
3. Five or more years of successful teaching experience in a Special Education program

Preferred Qualifications:

1. A Master's or terminal degree in Special Education.
2. Possess a New Mexico K-12 Administrator license
3. Direct experience supervising and/or evaluating Special Education teachers and support staff
4. Direct experience in facilitating administrative staff in ensuring compliance with IDEA and Special Education programming requirements.

Physical Requirements: Ability to perform the job and access the environment for which you are hired. The following may be required: Sitting, standing, lifting, moving about the room or school, carrying (up to 50 pounds), reaching, squatting, kneeling, prolonged typing, physical ability to type on a keyboard terminal, and moving light furniture. The position requires that the applicant have the capability to drive long distances on a weekly basis in a school vehicle.
 
Equipment/Technology Handled: Must know how to properly operate or be willing to learn to operate all multimedia equipment including current technology. 
 
Work Environment: Must be able to work within various degrees of noise, temperature, and air quality. Interruptions of work are routine. Flexibility and patience are required. Must be self-motivated and able to complete job assignments without direct supervision. After-hour work may be required.
 
Terms of Employment: Salary and work calendar established yearly by the district.
 
All GMCS schools are eligible for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program (PSLF).
 
All applicants must upload copies of official transcripts or evaluations of foreign transcripts from any and all accredited colleges/universities attended by you for review in order to be considered for this position.