Associate Director of Compliance, Special Services

About the Opportunity Democracy Prep Public Schools seeks an Associate Director of Special Services – Compliance & Operations to ensure the strong execution of compliance systems and operational processes across the network. This role serves as a key member of the Special Services Team and is responsible for building, maintaining, and monitoring the systems that ensure all schools meet legal and regulatory requirements for Students with Disabilities (SWDs) and Multilingual Learners (MLLs). The Associate Director partners closely with school-based Special Services Managers to ensure that compliance expectations are clearly understood, consistently implemented, and sustained over time. Through weekly and bi-weekly partnership with schools, this role provides hands-on support, guidance, and accountability around case management, documentation, and service delivery systems. In addition, the Associate Director owns critical network-wide compliance processes, including audits, data systems oversight, and coordination with NYC DOE systems and requirements. This role does not directly manage staff but exercises leadership through expertise, systems ownership, and strong partnership with school-based leaders. Who You Are: A mission-driven professional committed to Democracy Prep’s mission of college success and authentic civic engagement for all scholars. A deep expert in IDEA, Section 504, NYSED regulations, and NYC DOE/CSE processes, including management of school-based functions to support those processes (E.g. billing and compliance). An experienced Special Services leader with a strong track record of ensuring compliance and operational excellence. A highly organized systems thinker who can manage complex processes across multiple schools. A proactive problem-solver who identifies risks early and ensures strong execution. A strong communicator who can translate complex compliance requirements into clear, actionable guidance. A collaborative partner who builds trust with school leaders and holds a high bar for execution. Detail-oriented and precise, with a strong commitment to accuracy and audit readiness. What You'll Do Support School-Based Compliance Execution Provide regular (weekly or bi-weekly) support to school-based Special Services Managers to ensure strong implementation of compliance systems. Review case management practices, documentation, and service tracking to ensure alignment with legal and network expectations. Identify compliance risks at the school level and partner with leaders to address issues quickly and effectively. Support schools in preparing for audits, reviews, and compliance monitoring processes. Oversee DOE/CSE Processes and Case Management Systems Ensure strong execution of all DOE/CSE processes, including evaluations, timelines, and legally mandated meetings. Provide guidance and oversight on case management practices to ensure accuracy, timeliness, and compliance. Develop and maintain clear protocols for IEP development, documentation, and service tracking. Manage Network Compliance Systems and Data Platforms Oversee the use and integrity of key DOE and internal systems, including SESIS, ATS, Galaxy, and related platforms. Ensure that data across systems is accurate, up to date, and aligned with compliance requirements. Develop and maintain documentation systems that support network-wide compliance and audit readiness. Lead Network-Wide Compliance Audits and Processes Design and execute regular compliance audits across schools. Monitor compliance trends and identify systemic areas of risk or inconsistency. Ensure that schools meet all documentation and reporting requirements. Partner with Special Services leadership to strengthen systems based on audit findings. Coordinate Special Services Operations Oversee key operational processes, including: Special Education Per Pupil invoicing across all schools 504 and OHS coordination ORS and related service coordination OPT and transportation coordination En