Director of Special Education

The following describes the position of School Director in the School of Special Education, College of

Education and Behavioral Sciences (CEBS). This is a 12-month position that will be available August 2025.

Position Description:

The College seeks a visionary School Director with documented leadership and collaborative skills. The Director reports to the Dean of the College of Education and Behavioral Sciences and is the chief administrative and academic officer for the School with responsibilities for administration, budgetary coordination, faculty hiring and evaluations, professional development, community advancement, and securing and/or facilitating the acquisition of external funds through grants and contracts. Furthermore, this individual provides leadership in the development and oversight of instructional programs, research, and service commitments. The Director will provide a forward-looking vision and proactive leadership in the areas of accountability, transparency, and collaboration as well as principled administrative guidance and advocacy for shared governance and the mission of the School, College, and University. The Director is responsible to proactively move the School forward towards a more socially just, equitable, and diverse environment, which includes curriculum, hiring, and programmatic decisions. School Directors serve five year terms and may be reappointed for multiple terms, subject to UNC Board Policy: 3-3-1101.

Qualifications and Experience: The School Director must be a full-time tenured member of the faculty, preferably at the full professor rank. The Leadership Identity incorporates the tenets and characteristics of systems thinking, organizational commitment, shared governance, candor, civility, and commitment to on-going professional development.

Minimum Requirements-

- PhD/EdD in Special Education or closely related field

- Full or advanced Associate Professor status

Preferred Requirements-

- Strong record of leadership in a higher education setting

- Demonstrated excellence in research and teaching

- Commitment to and experience in working with diverse populations

- Proven record of facilitating community partnerships

- Experience with grant writing

Salary and Benefits:

Salary is commensurate with qualifications and experience. The compensation range for this position is $121,083-135,000. The successful candidate’s salary will be commensurate with their qualifications and experience in accord with institutional guidelines and procedures. Compensation for School Directors includes an annual administrative stipend based on filled faculty positions; this stipend varies from year to year, depending upon the number of full-time faculty within the school. The Director will accumulate vacation time at the rate of 16 hours per month. Benefits include health, life, and dental insurance, as well as a selection of several defined contribution retirement programs. 

Requested Start Date:

August 1, 2025

About UNC
The University of Northern Colorado is a public doctoral/research institution located in Greeley, Colorado. UNC’s commitment to education began in 1889 and continues to be a transformational force for our students. According to CollegeNet’s Social Mobility Index, UNC ranked #1 in social mobility (2022). UNC is also committed to providing our faculty and staff with the support they need to succeed as professionals, educators, and in life. Please visit UNC’s Career Hub,to learn more about UNC’s strategic plan, school programs, and employee benefits. Go Bears!

About the School of Special Education

The School of Special Education offers a comprehensive array of degrees, including seven graduate degree/licensure programs recognized by U.S. News & World Report as “best online graduate programs”, a nationally recognized Ph.D. program, two graduate certificate programs, and two undergraduate degree/licensure program.

Founded in 1954, UNC’s School of Special Education is committed to excellence in basic and advanced teacher preparation in special education. Our expert, experienced faculty work to develop educators who advocate for children and youth with exceptionalities and their families.

In keeping with UNC’s institutional values, the School of Special Education believes children and youth with exceptionalities, their families, and those who work to support them, inclusive of university faculty, are part of a larger diverse community. These views on diversity include race, ethnicity, culture, language, age, (dis)abilities, family status/composition, gender identity and expression, sexual orientation, socioeconomic status, religious and spiritual values, geographic location, country of origin and professional role (CEC, 2021).

AAEO Employer
The University of Northern Colorado is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity employer that is committed to a culturally diverse staff, faculty, and student body.