Director of Student Support Services

East Bay Innovation Academy (EBIA) – Oakland, California

You are dynamic and optimistic, with a strong belief that all students can learn at the highest levels. You have a proven record of successfully designing and implementing programs that help students be forward-thinking, discerning, and optimistic about their long-term goals. You guide students through the requirements for college and other post-high school institutions, striving for the best possible fit and outcome. You are student-centered and relentless in your pursuit of growth and equity for all students.

We are preparing a diverse group of students to be successful in college and to be thoughtful, engaged citizens who are leaders and innovators in a 21st-century global world. Founded in 2014, East Bay Innovation Academy (EBIA) is proud to be a free public charter school serving grades 6-12 and bringing a project-based curriculum with a STEM focus to students in Oakland, California.

EBIA is seeking a mission-aligned, experienced leader to oversee and elevate student support services across our school. This individual will lead key programs including Special Education, Mental Health, 504 Plans, and Multi-Tiered Systems of Support (MTSS). The ideal candidate brings both strategic vision and practical expertise, grounded in equity and a deep commitment to ensuring all students thrive.

Primary Responsibilities

  Student Support Services Leadership

• Lead implementation of student support services, including Special Education, Mental Health, and 504 Plan coordination.

• Serve as a trusted advisor to the Executive Director on legal compliance, program development, and best practices for supporting all learners.
   

Special Education and 504 Plan Oversight

• Ensure compliant, student-centered development and monitoring of IEPs and 504 plans, including 30-day placements, annuals, and triennials.

• Manage all documentation and reporting through SEIS and related systems.

 

Multi-Tiered Systems of Support (MTSS)

• Manage a robust MTSS framework to identify and support students academically, behaviorally, and socially-emotionally.

• Oversee systems for tracking student progress and coordinating targeted interventions.
   

Instructional Collaboration

• Work closely with school leadership and teaching staff to align student support services with curriculum and instructional practices.

• Promote inclusive teaching strategies and equitable access to learning.

• Support strong transition planning for high school students.
   

Team Supervision and Development

• Supervise and coach a dedicated team including the School Psychologist, School Counselor, Education Specialists, and Instructional Aides.

• Conduct formal evaluations (aligned with applicable CBAs), and foster professional growth and team cohesion.
   

Compliance and Partnerships

• Manage relationships with SELPA and external providers; coordinate with the operations team to finalize contracts and services.

• Manage CALPADS compliance.

• Ensure all programs meet legal and operational standards.
   

Policy and School Culture Leadership

• Collaborate with the School Leadership Team to design, implement, and uphold school-wide policies aligned to EBIA’s mission and values.

• Support consistent, equitable application of student, staff, and HR policies, including hiring and community engagement processes.
   

Mission & Culture Champion

• Actively promote EBIA’s mission, vision, and guiding principles.

• Build a school culture grounded in high expectations, joy in learning, and strong relationships.

• Be a visible and positive presence on campus, fully engaged in the life of the school.
   

Minimum Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree.

• Special Education Credential.

• Minimum of 5 years experience in the Special Education field.

• Experience supporting students and designing programming for students.

• A strong belief that all students can learn at the highest levels and that all students can be successful in college.

• Self-starter, willing to innovate and create.

• Ability to work successfully with heterogeneous groups of students and an ethnically & economically diverse student body.

• Flexibility and adaptability to change; ability to work in a dynamic, creative, and demanding learning environment.

 

Preferred Qualifications

• Master’s degree, strongly preferred.

• Experience managing student support services and student support personnel.

• Working knowledge of another language.

• Knowledge of project-based learning, social-emotional learning, and blended/optimized learning.

• Highly proficient in using technology and interested in the potential of technology to impact urban education.

 

EBIA offers a competitive compensation package, with an annual bonus plan and health+dental+vision insurance fully covered for our employees. Learn more about us at www.eastbayia.org