Education Director jobs in Chicopee, MA

RFK Community Alliance has an exciting opportunity for a full-time Director of Education to join our team in Springfield, MA!

Who We Seek

We seek an experienced education administrator to lead our Robert F. Kennedy Academy. RFK Academy is a therapeutic day school that provides educational and clinical services to students with diverse abilities and disabilities, including those in the emotional, psychiatric, and learning realms. The school’s curriculum and support services assist students in reaching milestones such as graduation, the transition to post-secondary educational and vocational opportunities, or the return to public school. A small school by design, RFK Academy creates individualized learning opportunities and accommodation, while establishing a community of learners among students for whom connections to school have often been a challenge.

Responsibilities

• Oversee, supervise, and manage the RFK Academy education programs and services.
• Interview, hire, supervise, support and evaluate all employees within the RFK Academy in accordance with the RFK Community Alliance standards.
• Maintain and manage the RFK Academy budget.
• Oversee the development and implement the assessment, research, and curriculum materials necessary to meet the diverse needs of the student population.
• Oversee the development and implementation of Individual Education Plans that meet the needs of the students and achieve the goals set within the Individual Educational Plan.
• Ensures that RFK Academy is compliant with all requirements of IDEA.
• Ensures the school operation maintains a safe, nurturing environment where the students feel good about learning through the lens of Trauma Informed Care, Crisis Prevention Intervention, and Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports.
• Develop and maintain positive working relationships with students’ families, residential programs, and outside collaterals (Parents/guardians, LEA Liaisons, Educational Surrogate Parents, DCF, DYS, DMH, etc.)
• Maintain educational records on each student in accordance with the DESE requirements.
• Responsible for the oversight of all State Wide Assessments including MCAS.
• Participate in all team meetings, clinical meetings, agency administrative meetings, and treatment team Meetings as necessary.
• Solicit community resources to support the RFK Academy and other fundraising efforts for the RFK Community Alliance.
• Oversee and ensure that all staff is appropriately trained to provide a trauma-informed approach to education that encompasses clinical and transition throughout the milieu.
• Develop and align educational programming and scheduling of events in coordination with other RFK Community Alliance school programs.
• Perform special assignments as designated by the Vice President of Education.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's Degree required, Master's Degree in Education preferred
• DESE Licensure as an administrator (Principal, Superintendent, Special Education Administrator, or equivalent)
• At least three years of experience providing Trauma Informed Care and working with proven-risk youth or similar populations are required.
• Valid Massachusetts driver’s license required.

Hours

Monday – Friday, 8:00am – 4:00pm

Who We Are

RFK Community Alliance provides high-quality care and support to people and families facing complicated challenges. As a multi-service agency, we offer a wide range of programs serving a variety of needs across all ages from infants to seniors. We are team players when it comes to care. We work with the people we serve, their families, schools, and other community partners to develop a network of support. We provide opportunities to build skills and confidence. We nurture strengths, determination, and resilience.

How We Promote Equity, Cultivate Leaders, and Grow Together

At RFK Community Alliance we’re dedicated to a culture where everyone can show up to work as their full authentic selves. Diversity and inclusion doesn’t happen by accident, it’s by design. Together we’re the designers. We believe that a diverse and inclusive workplace makes our organization stronger. We care about including diverse perspectives and experiences throughout every level. Which is why we’re committed to honoring, celebrating, and fostering diversity and inclusion on our team, in our clientele, and within our community. Our team must reflect our community and vice versa. We value, respect, and support all types of diversity across all identities including, but not limited to, ethnicity, race, gender, LGBTQIA, age religion, and abilities. We take responsibility for the community we’re creating here at RFK Community Alliance, and we’re here to contribute to the progression of our society to a more inclusive and equitable one.

Why You’ll Love Us

In addition to being a part of a caring support team, we offer a competitive compensation package and amazing employee benefits, including:

• Health Insurance
• Dental Insurance
• Vision Insurance
• Generous paid time off
• Holiday Pay
• Educational Assistance
• Employer-paid life insurance
• Employer paid Short & Long Term Disability
• Retirement Plan with generous employer match
• Tuition Reimbursement
• Comprehensive Employee Assistance Program

$2,500 Sign-On Incentive:

This position is eligible for the RFK Community Alliance Sign-On Incentive in the amount of $2,500 in your first year of employment. You will receive $500 after 3 months; $500 after 6 months and $1500 after 12 months.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $90,160.00 - $94,160.00 per year

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• Dental insurance
• Employee assistance program
• Health insurance
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Referral program
• Retirement plan
• Tuition reimbursement
• Vision insurance

Schedule:

• 8 hour shift
• Monday to Friday

Supplemental pay types:

• Signing bonus

Work Location: In person