Special Education & Federal Programs Manager (March Start)

Morrison Education Group

Special Education & Federal Programs Manager

Location: Phoenix, Arizona (Central Office)

Employment Type: Full-Time, Exempt

Salary Range: $62,000 - $80,000 annually

HOW YOU WILL MAKE A DIFFERENCE AT MORRISON EDUCATION GROUP

As the Network Compliance Manager, you will provide systems-level compliance leadership across the network's three Arizona charter LEAs. In this critical role, you will ensure IDEA compliance and oversee federal program requirements while supporting campuses with consistent procedures, documentation systems, and training.

Reporting directly to the CEO (or designee), you will focus approximately 70% on Special Education compliance and 30% on Federal Programs compliance (Title II, Title III, Title IV). This is not a direct-instruction role and does not include fiscal drawdowns or budget coding responsibilities; those functions are managed by the finance team.

You will serve as the network's compliance lead-maintaining timelines, strengthening documentation quality, supporting audit readiness, and proactively mitigating compliance risk across campuses.

SPECIAL EDUCATION COMPLIANCE & PROGRAM COORDINATION (Approximately 70%)

• Maintain a network-wide compliance calendar for annual IEPs, initial evaluations, triennial reevaluations, transfer IEPs, and progress reporting timelines.
• Review IEPs and evaluation documentation for incoming and transferring students to ensure continuity of services and compliant documentation.
• Serve as the LEA representative at IEP meetings as needed, particularly for complex cases, placement decisions, or conflict prevention.
• Conduct routine internal file audits and provide clear corrective feedback to ensure high-quality IEPs, required notices/consents, service logs, and documentation are complete and timely.
• Support evaluation and reevaluation processes, coordinating with school psychologists, evaluators, and related service providers.
• Monitor service delivery fidelity, including minutes tracking, related services documentation, and progress reports; proactively flag compliance risks.
• Oversee contracted related services (e.g., speech-language services) to ensure timely service provision and alignment with IEP requirements.
• Develop and maintain network-wide procedures, templates, and compliance training to ensure consistency across campuses.
• Support discipline-related special education compliance, including manifestation determinations when applicable.
• Prepare the network for Arizona Department of Education Exceptional Student Services (ADE/ESS) monitoring and lead corrective action planning as needed.

FEDERAL PROGRAMS COMPLIANCE OVERSIGHT (Title II, Title III, Title IV - Approximately 30%)

• Maintain a federal programs compliance calendar (annual/semester/quarterly) for Title II, Title III, and Title IV planning, documentation, and evaluation requirements.
• Coordinate the annual program planning cycle in collaboration with school leaders and finance (e.g., needs assessment inputs, allowable activities documentation, program narratives).
• Ensure required stakeholder engagement and program documentation is completed and filed (e.g., professional development plans, language support plans, program goals and measures).
• Conduct periodic implementation checks to confirm activities and services align to approved plans and required documentation is maintained (time-and-effort documentation where applicable, vendor/service records, inventory/asset documentation as needed).
• Prepare federal programs documentation for audit and monitoring readiness; partner with finance on budget alignment and reporting without performing drawdowns or coding.
• Support network leaders and principals with training on compliance expectations tied to Title-funded activities.

ESSENTIAL SKILLS:

• Strong working knowledge of IDEA requirements, IEP development and implementation, and evaluation/reevaluation processes.
• Ability to manage multiple compliance deadlines across campuses with strong tracking systems. Skilled in conducting file reviews and translating findings into practical corrective action.
• Ability to facilitate meetings and communicate compliance expectations clearly and respectfully to families and staff.
• Working knowledge of federal programs compliance concepts (Title II/III/IV) and audit-readiness practices.
• High level of professionalism, discretion, and student-centered problem solving.
• Proficiency in Google Workspace or Microsoft Office and comfort learning student information and special education management systems.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bachelor's degree required (Master's degree preferred).
• Three (3) or more years of experience in special education case management, compliance, program coordination, or related leadership role.
• Demonstrated knowledge of special education laws and ability to serve as the LEA representative at IEP meetings.
• Experience developing or using compliance tracking systems and procedures.
• Ability to travel locally between campuses and attend occasional evening meetings.
• Excellent communication, leadership, and collaboration skills.
• Ability to analyze student data and use it to drive instructional decisions.
• Experience working in a charter school setting is a plus.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• Arizona certification in special education, administration, school psychology, or related field.
• Experience supporting charter schools and/or multi-site LEA environments.
• Experience preparing for or responding to ADE/ESS monitoring, corrective actions, or compliance reviews.
• Experience with federal programs compliance (Title II/III/IV) and maintaining audit-ready documentation.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

• Primarily office-based at the network office with regular local travel between campuses.
• Frequent computer use and extended periods of sitting and/or standing.
• Participation in meetings throughout the day, including occasional evening meetings as needed.
• Ability to move between office and campus environments regularly.

ABOUT US

Morrison Education Group (MEG) was founded with a non-negotiable belief: all children, regardless of zip code or background, are capable of extraordinary achievement. Our mission began in 2009 in south Phoenix, where Dr. Morrison opened an accelerated school to provide students of color with the same opportunities she saw in classrooms across the city.

Today, MEG supports over 1,400 Pre-K-8th grade scholars across three Sun Valley Academy campuses. We are committed to educating the whole child-focusing on academics, leadership development, community engagement, and social-emotional growth-all within a foundation of love. Through our Leader in Me approach, students learn and practice leadership principles from the earliest grades, growing into confident, capable leaders.

We celebrate diversity and inclusion, foster strong community partnerships, and champion sustainable practices that protect the world our scholars will inherit.

WHAT WE OFFER YOU

At Morrison Education Group, we provide a meaningful and supportive work environment where team members can make a real impact on scholars' lives. Our staff enjoy competitive compensation and comprehensive benefits, opportunities to lead after-school programs and enrichment initiatives, and professional growth that empowers them to develop their leadership skills. We prioritize collaboration, care, and a love-centered approach in everything we do, ensuring that every member of our team feels valued and supported as they help scholars reach their full potential.

NOTICE OF NON-DISCRIMINATION

Morrison Education Group provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants. We prohibit discrimination or harassment based on race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by law.

EMPLOYEE BENEFITS

We offer competitive salaries, comprehensive medical benefits, life insurance, and retirement plans. Our team thrives in a supportive, collaborative environment focused on giving students the very best education and nurturing experience.

BACKGROUND SCREENING PROCESS

To ensure the safety and well-being of all scholars, all staff members undergo background checks and may be fingerprinted prior to employment.

INTERESTED IN JOINING OUR TEAM?

Apply through the link below.https://sunvalleyacademy.isolvedhire.com/

ONLY THE MOST QUALIFIED CANDIDATES WILL BE CONTACTED FOR INTERVIEWS.