Interim Academic Director

Position Summary

The Academic Director of Secondary Education provides leadership, oversight, and strategic direction for The Helix School’s High School and Transition Programs. This role ensures the delivery of high-quality, evidence-based educational programming that prepares students for meaningful post-secondary outcomes, including employment, community participation, independent living, and continuing education. The Academic Director collaborates closely with clinical staff, teachers, families, districts, and community partners to support student success while maintaining compliance with IEPs and educational best practices.

Responsibilities

Academic Leadership

• Provide instructional leadership and coaching to High School and Transition Program
  teachers.
• Ensure curriculum alignment with state standards, transition goals, and individualized
  student needs.
• Support implementation of evidence-based instructional practices for autistic learners.
• Monitor student progress and use data to guide instructional decision-making.
• Lead curriculum development and implementation for secondary and transition-aged students.

Transition Program Oversight

• Oversee development and implementation of transition programming for students ages
  14–22.
• Ensure compliance with IDEA transition planning requirements.
• Support vocational, community-based, and independent living instruction.
• Develop partnerships with community organizations, employers, and vocational agencies.
• Promote meaningful post-secondary outcomes in employment, education, and independent living.
  
  

IEP and District Collaboration

• Lead and participate in IEP meetings in collaboration with the Clinical Director and
  educational team.
• Support staff in writing goals, progress reports, and transition plans.
• Ensure academic and transition services are aligned with student IEPs.
• Maintain positive relationships with school districts and outside agencies.
  
  

Staff Development & Supervision

• Train, mentor, and evaluate teachers and instructional staff.
• Facilitate collaboration among teachers, aides, clinicians, and related service providers.
• Conduct regular classroom observations and provide feedback and coaching.
• Support recruitment, hiring, onboarding, and retention of educational staff.
• Coordinate professional development opportunities focused on secondary and transition programming.
  
  

Family & Community Engagement

• Develop strong collaborative relationships with families.
• Coordinate professional development opportunities focused on secondary and transition programming.
• Support ongoing communication regarding student progress and transition planning.
• Facilitate family education regarding post-secondary opportunities and resources.
• Represent The Helix School in community and professional partnerships.
  
  

Program Management

• Assist with staffing decisions and scheduling needs.
• Support budget planning related to curriculum, instructional materials, and transition resources.
• Monitor program effectiveness and identify opportunities for growth and improvement.
• Collaborate with school leadership on strategic planning initiatives.

Qualifications

• Master’s Degree in Special Education, Educational Leadership, or related field preferred
• California Education Specialist Credential or equivalent preferred.
• Minimum 5 years of experience working with autistic students and/or students with developmental disabilities.
• Minimum 3 years of educational leadership or supervisory experience.
• Knowledge of transition planning, vocational programming, and IDEA requirements.
• Strong communication, collaboration, and organizational skills.
• Experience leading IEP meetings and collaborating with districts and families.
• Commitment to relationship-based, neurodiversity-affirming educational practices.