Assistant Superintendent, ACCESS Special Education and Connections

Assistant Superintendent, ACCESS Special Education and Connections at Orange County Department of Education Print Application Deadline 5/28/2026 11:59 PM Pacific Date Posted 5/15/2026 Contact Stephanie Thomas Number of Openings 1 Salary Pay Range $866.13 - 1055.26 Daily Add'l Salary Info Certificated Senior Management I, Range 46. Salary placement is based on education and years of experience. Length of Work Year 225 Days / 12 Months Employment Type Full Time About the Employer The Orange County Department of Education (OCDE) serves some of Orange County's most vulnerable student populations and provides support and mandated fiscal oversight to 28 school districts serving more than 600 schools and approximately 475,000 students. In addition to providing direct instruction to students through its own alternative and special education programs, OCDE administers an array of programs and services that are critical to the operations of local school districts and community colleges, facilitating professional development, legal guidance, payroll, career and technical education support, high-speed internet access, Local Control and Accountability Plan assistance and approval, resources for families, and student enrichment. OCDE's vision is that "Orange County students will lead the nation in college and career readiness and success." Department staff are working to achieve this goal in collaboration with educators at all levels of student development, from early childhood through higher education, and in partnership with families, businesses and community organizations. Job Summary Job Summary In this executive leadership role, you will lead and support a team of dedicated professionals committed to advancing inclusive practices, equitable opportunities, and positive outcomes for students with disabilities across Orange County. The Assistant Superintendent of ACCESS Special Education and Connections provides strategic vision and organizational leadership for division-wide programs and services, oversees budgets and operational effectiveness, supports compliance and continuous improvement efforts, and fosters collaborative partnerships with school districts, families, community agencies, and educational partners. The ideal candidate will be a visionary and collaborative leader with strong communication and relationship-building skills, extensive experience in educational leadership and special education administration, and a deep commitment to student success and inclusive education. View Job Description Requirements /

Qualifications Education and Experience:

Any combination of education and experience that would likely provide the required knowledge and abilities is qualifying. A typical way to obtain the knowledge and abilities would be: • A minimum of 6 years of experience in special education, including 3 years of administrative and supervisory experience or an equivalent combination of training and experience. • Master's degree in Education, including specialized training in Educational Administration and Special Education.

Licenses, Certificates, and Special Requirements:

• Valid California Credential authorizing instruction or service in a public school program. • Valid California Administrative Services Credential There are supplemental questions in the application. Please note that the EdJoin system will time-out after a 20-minute period of perceived inactivity. To assist you in the preparation of your application, the supplemental questions are listed here. Your responses should be thoughtful and thorough, and within the limit of 5,000 characters or less. We recommend that you prepare your responses in advance of beginning the application. 1. As an educational leader, how have you advanced inclusive practices and equitable outcomes for students with disabilities across an organization or multiple schools/districts? Include specific examples of strategic initiatives, partnerships, and measurable results. Notice to

Applicants:

If you require accommodation in the application process, please inform us. Requirements /

Qualifications Education and Experience:

Any combination of education and experience that would likely provide the required knowledge and abilities is qualifying. A typical way to obtain the knowledge and abilities would be: • A minimum of 6 years of experience in special education, including 3 years of administrative and supervisory experience or an equivalent combination of training and experience. • Master's degree in Education, including specialized training in Educational Administration and Special Education.

Licenses, Certificates, and Special Requirements:

• Valid California Credential authorizing instruction or service in a public school program. • Valid California Administrative Services Credential There are supplemental questions in the application. Please note that the EdJoin system will time-out after a 20-minute period of perceived inactivity. To assist you in the preparation of your application, the supplemental questions are listed here. Your responses should be thoughtful and thorough, and within the limit of 5,000 characters or less. We recommend that you prepare your responses in advance of beginning the application. 1. As an educational leader, how have you advanced inclusive practices and equitable outcomes for students with disabilities across an organization or multiple schools/districts? Include specific examples of strategic initiatives, partnerships, and measurable results. Notice to

Applicants:

If you require accommodation in the application process, please inform us. Comments and Other Information Resumes will not be accepted in lieu of the completed online application. Before receiving authorization to work in this position, the individual selected will be required to provide a current negative TB authorization, within the last 60 days, and submit fingerprints for the purpose of conducting a confidential background investigation and record check. The tests are arranged and paid for by OCDE. The Immigration Reform and Control Act of 1986 requires employers to verify the employability of all new employees. Before the Department will finalize an offer of employment, the candidate selected will be required to show original documents which establish both the individual's identity and employment authorization. The candidate must also sign a statement under penalty of perjury regarding his/her employability. We reserve the right to reopen, readvertise, or delay filling this position.

AA/EOE/ADA

Comments and Other Information Resumes will not be accepted in lieu of the completed online application. Before receiving authorization to work in this position, the individual selected will be required to provide a current negative TB authorization, within the last 60 days, and submit fingerprints for the purpose of conducting a confidential background investigation and record check. The tests are arranged and paid for by OCDE. The Immigration Reform and Control Act of 1986 requires employers to verify the employability of all new employees. Before the Department will finalize an offer of employment, the candidate selected will be required to show original documents which establish both the individual's identity and employment authorization. The candidate must also sign a statement under penalty of perjury regarding his/her employability. We reserve the right to reopen, readvertise, or delay filling this position.

AA/EOE/ADA

Links Related To This Job Application and Selection Procedure OCDE Human Resources Non-Discrimination Policy View Other Job Desc. / Ess. Elem. CalSTRS Links Not all postings qualify for CalSTRS. Informational Only. CalSTRS Info for New Educators

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