Description
Starting Salary: $46,000 - $49,000 /year based on experience
Ombudsman Educational Services, a growing, dynamic organization with a social mission to offer hope, is seeking a Center Director to join our award-winning Alternative Education team for the 2026-2027 School Year and perform meaningful work in a culture that welcomes innovation, encourages creative expression and offers limitless potential for personal and professional satisfaction!
If you thrive in a dynamic, student-centered, and results-driven environment, are inspired by the mission of alternative education, and bring strategic leadership, resilience, and a collaborative spirit — We Should Talk!
As the Center Director, you are responsible for fostering an environment where every student has the opportunity to reach their full potential. You will lead program operations with a focus on instructional excellence, staff development, student success, and strong community partnerships. By ensuring safe, effective, and innovative learning environments, you will drive achievement and promote positive outcomes for both students and staff.
Responsibilities include:
* Provide vision and leadership to support student achievement and effective site operations by supervising staff, implementing performance management systems, and promoting professional growth.
* Participate in recruitment and hiring processes to build and sustain a high-performing site team.
* Provide staff supervision by coaching, mentoring, and developing employees while monitoring performance and fostering continuous improvement.
* Ensure a safe and supportive learning environment by monitoring site operations, addressing/reporting incidents, and enforcing safety protocols.
* Maintain compliance with state, district, and contractual requirements, and ensure all staff are fully knowledgeable of success criteria and regulations.
* Represent the program at community, district, and local levels to strengthen partnerships and promote the organization’s mission.
* Instruct, monitor, and evaluate teachers and students in the use of curriculum, instructional strategies, and learning tools to ensure fidelity and effectiveness.
* Guide teachers in the development of classroom schedules, student data systems, and transition plans to align with individual student goals.
* Consult with and support teachers in building student skills in social development, problem-solving, and conflict resolution.
* Maintain accurate and complete records of student progress in compliance with legal, company, and district policies.
* Compile and analyze assessment data to monitor student growth, inform instructional practices, and drive targeted interventions.
* Model and promote instructional strategies that facilitate active learning experiences and align with the organization’s educational vision.
* Promote positive student behavior by implementing consistent practices, applying policies fairly, and supporting restorative or disciplinary interventions when necessary.
* Provide counseling, encouragement, and guidance to students experiencing academic or personal challenges.
* Participate in accreditation and quality assurance processes to ensure the site consistently meets or exceeds performance standards.
* Keep current with research-based practices and organization-wide initiatives, including professional development in behavior management and instructional best practices.
* Perform additional duties as assigned to support the overall success of students, staff, and the program.
Qualifications Required:
* Bachelor’s degree or higher in education or a closely related field of study.
* Master’s degree or higher in educational leadership or a closely related field of study preferred.
* Licensed currently or in the process of obtaining an IL state professional educator (PEL) credential.
* Licensed currently or in the process of obtaining an IL state administrator’s endorsement preferred.
* Ability to obtain and maintain certification in company approved crisis management training.
* Minimum 1 year prior educational leadership experience, preferably in an alternative, special education and/or behavioral health program setting.
* Prior experience and/or knowledge in alternative educational services for at-risk students with diverse needs at various levels.
* Effective management skills and comprehensive knowledge of administrative and school operations, functions, and compliance requirements.
* Prior experience and highly knowledgeable in the development, assessment, and management of curriculum, content areas and instruction.
* Prior experience and highly knowledgeable in working with students with individualized education plans (IEP’s).
* Proficiency in providing motivation and having critical conversations with students that help move them toward realistic goals.
* Proven ability to build effective relationships with students, parents, teachers and community and/or district partners.
* Advanced skill in providing training, professional development and/or coaching to teachers and education staff.
* In-depth knowledge of crisis management systems and intervention procedures.
* Advanced oral and written communication, organization, conflict resolution, multitasking, problem solving, and performance motivation ability.
* Knowledge of relevant technology including experience with instructional technology, Microsoft Office Suite, database entry and basic office equipment.
* Skilled leader who exhibits the characteristics of servant leadership, looking to the needs of the team and seeking to help solve problems and promote personal development.
Learn more about our history, our mission and the program services we provide by visiting the link below:
* https://bit.ly/m/WorkWithPurpose
At ChanceLight we believe in providing more than just a job. You’ll receive the opportunity to make meaningful impacts, the support needed to achieve success, and all the tools essential to reaching your personal & professional fulfillment. Your path to a truly rewarding career starts here – where growth, empowerment, and collaboration define our culture; and every day is a Chance to transform lives through education!
Perks and Benefits Include:
* Comprehensive Medical, Dental and Vision Plans
* Free Telehealth and Virtual Counseling Sessions
* Free Health Advocacy Services and 24/7 Nurse Line
* Company Paid Life & Disability Insurance
* Company Paid Employee Assistance Program
* Flexible Spending and Health Savings Accounts
* Personal Protection Insurance Plans
* Legal Services Insurance
* Pet Health Insurance
* Accrual-based Paid Time Off
* School Hours and Paid Holiday Schedule
* Extensive Personal and Life Event Paid Leave Policy
* 401k Retirement Saving Plan
* Perks at Work Employee Discount Program
* Opportunities for Growth & Development
* And So Much More!
If you’re ready to start making lasting impacts on the lives of students and contribute to the creation of a brighter future — This Is Your Chance!
Join us and together, we can empower students to overcome challenges, build confidence and unlock their full potential!
Commitment to Diversity and Inclusion
This employer is an Equal Opportunity Employer. This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws. For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.
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