Program Director (Anticipated) Emotional Support Program 2026-2027 School Year

Position Overview Journey Academy is seeking a compassionate, organized, and highly collaborative leader to oversee a specialized educational program serving students with emotional and behavioral disabilities at a separate Journey Academy campus location. The Program Director will be responsible for the day-to-day leadership, operations, staffing, student programming, behavioral systems, and overall culture of the program while working under the supervision of the Founder & Director. This individual will help create a safe, structured, therapeutic, and relationship-centered learning environment designed to support student growth academically, socially, emotionally, and behaviorally. This position is ideal for an experienced educator or educational leader with strong knowledge of emotional disabilities, behavior supports, special education programming, trauma-informed practices, and staff leadership. Primary ResponsibilitiesProgram Leadership Oversee daily operations of the Emotional Support Program campus Maintain a safe, organized, and supportive learning environment Support implementation of Journey Academy's mission, culture, and educational philosophy Assist with student scheduling, staffing assignments, and campus logistics Ensure compliance with school policies, state requirements, and student support plans Collaborate with the Founder & Executive Director regarding program development and operational needs Student Support & Behavioral Programming Lead implementation of positive behavior intervention and support systems and therapeutic behavioral supports Support staff in responding to student behavioral, emotional, and crisis situations using trauma-informed and relationship-based approaches Monitor student behavioral and emotional progress Assist in developing and implementing individualized behavioral interventions and support plans Promote social-emotional learning, self-regulation, and positive peer interactions Help maintain a calm, respectful, and structured campus culture Staff Supervision & Leadership Supervise and support teachers, paraprofessionals, and support staff assigned to the campus Provide coaching, guidance, and constructive feedback to staff members Assist with onboarding and training new staff Conduct regular staff meetings and maintain clear communication among team members Foster a collaborative, solution-focused, and student-centered team environment Support accountability and professional growth among staff Special Education & Instructional Oversight Support implementation of IEPs, accommodations, modifications, and individualized instructional supports Collaborate with teachers and service providers to ensure appropriate student programming Assist staff with behavior management strategies, classroom supports, and differentiated instruction Monitor instructional consistency and classroom expectations across the program Support progress monitoring, documentation, and compliance requirements Family & Community Communication Maintain positive and professional communication with families Participate in parent meetings, conferences, and student support discussions Help families navigate student behavioral and emotional support needs Support a collaborative partnership between school and home Qualifications Bachelor's Degree required; Master's Degree preferred Valid Indiana teaching license required Special Education licensure or experience strongly preferred Administrative license preferred but not required Experience working with students with emotional disabilities, behavioral needs, autism, trauma, or mental health challenges Strong knowledge of trauma-informed practices, de-escalation strategies, and behavior intervention systems Strong leadership, communication, organizational, and problem-solving skills Ability to remain calm and solution-focused in high-stress situations Experience supervising or coaching staff preferred Preferred Experience Microschool, alternative education, therapeutic school, or special education leadership experience Experience managing crisis response and behavioral programming Knowledge of Indiana special education and compliance requirements Experience collaborating with outside providers and support services Salary & Benefits Salary range: approximately $60,000-$80,000 based on experience, licensure, and qualifications Non-Discrimination Statement Journey Academy is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate based on race, color, national origin, sex (including gender identity or sexual orientation), disability, age, religion, military status, ancestry, or genetic information.

Pay:

From $60,000.00 per year

Work Location:

In person