Executive Director, Alternative Education at Orange County Department of Education
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
The Orange County Department of Education (OCDE) is seeking a visionary and results-driven leader to serve as the Executive Director of Alternative Education (ACCESS). This individual will direct, manage, and provide leadership for programs serving at-promise and special education students, ensuring innovative and effective educational services. The Executive Director will oversee staff performance, program operations, fiscal management, and compliance, while building strong partnerships with schools, districts, agencies, and the community to support student success.
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 education experience, including work with special education, delinquent, and/or at-promise students. • MA Degree win Education, Educational Administration, Special Education, Behavioral Management, or related field. Licenses, Certificates, and Special Requirements: • Valid California teaching or service credential and valid California Administrative Services Credential required.
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. Please describe your leadership philosophy when working with at-promise and special education student populations. How have you ensured equity and access to high-quality educational opportunities in your previous roles? 2. This position requires overseeing program design, fiscal management, and staff development across a large and complex division. Please provide an example of a time when you successfully led a strategic initiative that improved student outcomes or program effectiveness. What steps did you take, and what was the impact? 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 education experience, including work with special education, delinquent, and/or at-promise students. • MA Degree win Education, Educational Administration, Special Education, Behavioral Management, or related field. Licenses, Certificates, and Special Requirements: • Valid California teaching or service credential and valid California Administrative Services Credential required.
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. Please describe your leadership philosophy when working with at-promise and special education student populations. How have you ensured equity and access to high-quality educational opportunities in your previous roles? 2. This position requires overseeing program design, fiscal management, and staff development across a large and complex division. Please provide an example of a time when you successfully led a strategic initiative that improved student outcomes or program effectiveness. What steps did you take, and what was the impact? 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
Application Deadline
9/12/2025 11:59 PM Pacific
Date Posted
8/28/2025
Contact
Number of Openings
1
Salary
Pay Range
$809.70 - $986.62 Daily
$809.70 - $986.62 Daily
Add'l Salary Info
Certificated Senior Management I, $809.70 - $986.62 daily. Placement based on education and years of experience.
Length of Work Year
225 Days
Employment Type
Full Time
Benefits
We provide a safe, caring, courteous, and professional environment that fosters collaborative work and individual development for employees. OCDE offers generous, comprehensive, tax-free insurance benefits options to full-time members of the staff. Benefits may be prorated for employees working fewer than 12 months per year or less than full-time. Benefits packages include medical, dental, and vision care insurance for employees and their eligible dependents, and life insurance for employees.