MSD School Administrator

Maryland School for the Deaf (MSD) is a diverse, bilingual community that, in partnership with families, provides an equitable and exemplary education in a nurturing, engaging, and challenging environment to ensure our students achieve personal excellence and become lifelong learners.  As such, we are looking for dedicated individuals who can join us in the education of the children at MSD.

Applicants must be willing to work at both the Columbia and Frederick Campuses:

Columbia Campus, 8169 Old Montgomery Road, Ellicott City, MD 21043

Frederick Campus, 101 Clarke Place, Frederick, MD 21705

This position serves to support upper level management at Maryland School for the Deaf. This Director is a dynamic, experienced leader who oversees the continuum of programs and services that are provided to meet the varying needs of MSD students. This department includes the IEP Office, Mental Health Team, Behavior Support Team, Related Service providers, Secondary Transition services, Enhanced Services and their supervisors. This Director will achieve defined objectives by planning, evaluating, developing, implementing and maintaining services in compliance with established MSDE guidelines. This Director will serve on the leadership and management team in order to facilitate collaboration in managing the multiple special service programs within MSD’s educational program. This position will provide information, direction, training and implementation of special services processes, serving as a resource to others. The Director of Student Services will report directly to the Superintendent and serve as a support to the Campus Principals and Director of Curriculum and Instruction.

Program Management

● Manage multiple student support programs in collaboration with directors, principals, administrative managers and other service providers for the purpose of ensuring a quality environment for student learning and meeting program objectives

● The Director of Curriculum and Instruction and the Director of Student Services should work closely with the Compliance Officer in order to monitor program progress data and advise on interpretation of data.

● Ensures that all students are being educated in accordance with their IEPs.

● Collaborate with the Director of IEP Services to review Reevaluation Reports, Individual Education Plans and supporting documents to ensure compliance with Federal and State Regulations and Standards.

● Ensure that student progress is evaluated on a systematic basis, and that the findings are used to make education programs more effective.

● Plan the necessary time, resources, and materials to support subordinates in accomplishing educational goals.

● Participate and monitor student admission, review, and dismissal (ARD) process.

● Participate in committee meetings to ensure the appropriate placement and development of individual education plans for students.

● Recommend policies and initiatives to improve educational programming. 

● Ensure implementation of policies established by federal and state law, State Board of Education rule, and the Board of Trustees.

● Collaborate with HR, the Director of Curriculum & Instruction and department heads to provide professional staff development in appropriate areas (e.g. restraint and seclusion, sexual misconduct, anti-bullying) for the purpose of providing staff with the skills and knowledge needed to effectively support MSD policies, including the application of individualized learning plans.

● Maintains a variety of manual and electronic documents, files and/or records for the purpose of providing up to date reference and audit trail for compliance with district, local and state and federal regulations

Budget and Inventory

● Administer the department budget and ensure that programs and services are cost effective and funds are managed prudently.

● Compile budgets and cost estimates based on documented program needs.

● Collaborate with the inventory manager and recommend the replacement and disposal of equipment when necessary.

● Review, approve and forward purchase orders for student services to the fiscal department.

● Partner with the MSD MA Billing office to streamline the billing process between service coordinators, service providers and the billing office.

Personnel Management

● Prepare, review, and revise job descriptions in the Student Services department.

● Develop training options and/or improvement plans to ensure exemplary operations in the student services department.

● Supervise the leaders of the programs within the Student Services Department and provide performance evaluations to allow opportunities for self-evaluation and growth.

● Support supervisors in evaluating the job performance of their employees to ensure effectiveness.

● Ensure that all staff follow school policies in order to maintain excellent program quality.

● Communicate regularly with all supervisors to ensure that proper support and assistance is available at all times.

● Regularly scheduled staff meetings for the purpose of imparting information and collecting suggestions and issues of concern that affect the program.

● Participate in the recruitment, selection, and training of personnel and make recommendations relative to personnel placement, assignment, retention, discipline, and dismissal.

Communication and Community Relations

● Represent MSD through a variety of committees, boards, organizations and collaborative groups (e.g. MSDE meetings, work groups, etc) for the purpose of gathering and disseminating information.

● Represent MSD’s interests and maintain Memoranda of Understanding (MOU) and service contracts (e.g. Enhances Services, Interagency Agreements for IFSP services, DORS) as needed.

● Monitor and oversee grant applications and progress, in conjunction with other MSD team members

● Forging and maintaining stakeholder relationships and providing excellent and responsive customer service.

Education: A Master’s degree from an accredited college or university with evidence of courses in the areas of administration and/or supervision, special education, psychology, and/or related field.

Special Knowledge/Skills:

● A minimum of five years administrative experience in special education

● Work experience as a specialist service provider is preferred

● Knowledge of IDEA regulations and State Special Education Rules

●       Knowledge of Individualized Educational Plan

● Understanding of the individual needs of special needs students

● Ability to communicate with all levels of special needs students and their parents

● Ability to implement policy and procedures

● Ability to interpret data

● Ability to manage budget and personnel

● Strong organizational, communication, and interpersonal skills

● Ability to organize and attend to detail

● Skills in negotiation, mediation, and conflict resolution

● Ability to develop a strong, collaborative team

● Knowledge of the Deaf Community and proficiency in American Sign Language

Courses beyond the Master’s level are preferred. MSDE Administration Certification preferred.

New hires are subject to a criminal background investigation at their own expense.  (Maryland Code, Family Law Article 1, Sections 5-560-568.)

Candidates will need to provide three letters of recommendation.

Online application process is STRONGLY preferred. If unable to apply online, or if you encounter difficulty, you may submit via mail, e-mail, fax, or deliver in person before the closing date and time. Please include your name and recruitment number on any documentation to ensure timely processing. Resumes will NOT be accepted in lieu of completing the online or paper application. Additional or supplemental information must be submitted by the closing date and time.

Application inquiries or supplemental information can be directed to the following: 

Maryland School for the Deaf 

Recruitment Department

101 Clarke Place 

Frederick, MD 21705 

E-mail: sharde.twyman@msd.edu 

Phone: 301-360-2008, TTY Users: call via Maryland Relay 

Fax: 410-696-3084 

Individuals from traditionally underserved and underrepresented groups are strongly encouraged to apply. Bilingual and disabled applicants are encouraged to apply. As an equal opportunity employer, Maryland is committed to recruiting, retaining, and promoting employees who are reflective of the State's diversity. We thank our Veterans for their service to our country, and encourage them to apply.