Chief Administrator of School Programs

Description

Little Friends, Inc. is seeking a dedicated and experienced Chief Administrator to provide leadership, oversight, and strategic direction for the agency’s nonpublic special education school programs. This position is responsible for ensuring high-quality program operations, regulatory compliance, staff development, community partnerships, and effective communication across all school programs.

The Chief Administrator provides administrative and operational leadership for Little Friends’ school programs. The Chief Administrator supervises Associate Directors and other various school staff, ensures compliance with ISBE and other applicable regulations and agency policies, supports program growth and innovation, maintains strong relationships with school districts and community partners, and communicates program needs and priorities to the COO.

The successful candidate will demonstrate strong leadership skills, extensive knowledge in ISBE and nonpublic special education processes, professionalism, strong written and verbal communication skills, sound judgment, organizational ability, and a commitment to Little Friends’ philosophy, mission, and program objectives.

Essential Responsibilities

Leadership & Supervision

• Hire, supervise, and evaluate assigned school program staff.
• Provide guidance, support, and consultation to Associate Directors and other direct reports through regular meetings.
• When necessary, participate in staff termination decisions in consultation with Human Resources and the COO.
• Ensure that program staff understand and consistently follow agency policies and procedures.
• Oversee the development and implementation of staff orientation and ongoing in-service training programs.
• Participate in administrative staff meetings to promote collaboration, address challenges, and remain informed of agency priorities and goals.

Program Operations & Compliance

• Ensure all school programs maintain records required by the Illinois State Board of Education, Department of Mental Health, Department of Children and Family Services, North Central Association, and other applicable regulatory, licensing, and      accrediting bodies.
• Remain current on laws, regulations, standards, and requirements affecting school program operations and implement necessary changes.
• Ensure timely completion of required reports, including Monthly Program Reports, Program Evaluations, and other reports requested by the CEO.
• Develop and maintain complete and current policies and procedures for the school programs.
• Remain knowledgeable about current standards and best practices applicable to all school programs.

Strategic Planning & Program Development

• Support the development of agency policies by providing thoughtful and meaningful feedback.
• Contribute to agency budget development by making recommendations regarding staffing, salary increases, program needs, and resources.
• Identify and communicate program needs, concerns, and opportunities to the COO.
• Oversee the development and implementation of innovative programs and program components that support the continued viability and effectiveness of school programs.
• Maintain enrollment at 98% of budgeted capacity during each academic year.
• Develop and implement strategies that increase awareness of Little Friends’ academic programs throughout the educational and mental health communities.

Community & School District Relations

• Maintain effective communication with public school districts to understand their needs, priorities, and activities.
• Keep school districts and other appropriate partners informed of Little Friends’ programs, plans, activities, and relevant developments.
• Represent Little Friends in appropriate professional and community groups related to school programs.
• Build and maintain positive relationships with educational, mental health, and community partners.

Requirements

Candidates should possess the education, professional experience, leadership skills, and knowledge necessary to effectively oversee school-based programs serving children and families. 

Hold a Professional Educator License (PEL) with one of the following:  

1) Learning Behavior Specialist 1 (LBS1), 

2) Teacher of Students who are Blind or Visually Impaired, or 

3) Teacher of Students who are Deaf or Hard of Hearing endorsement.

Have a principal, director of special education, or general administrative endorsement. 

Successful candidates will demonstrate:

• Leadership and supervisory experience.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Strong organizational and time-management abilities.
• Knowledge of regulatory and licensing requirements affecting school programs.
• Ability to develop and maintain effective relationships with school districts and community partners.
• Ability to analyze program needs and develop practical solutions.
• Experience with staff development, training, and performance management.
• Strong administrative, documentation, and reporting skills.
• Commitment to professionalism, collaboration, and the mission of Little Friends.
• Ability to sit, stand, and move throughout the school environment for extended periods.
• Ability to lift and carry materials up to 75 pounds occasionally.