Assistant Director of Special Education - Infinity Academy

Salary: $59,000-$70,000 annually, based on experience
Location: Springfield, MO
Job Type: Full-time, salaried/exempt
Schedule: Year-round school setting
Program: Private alternative school serving middle and high school students

Lead a school program designed for students who need something different.

The Arc of the Ozarks is seeking an Assistant Director of Special Education to help lead Infinity Academy, a private year-round school serving middle and high school students with autism spectrum disorder, giftedness, learning differences, and other developmental disabilities.

Infinity Academy provides an individualized learning environment where students can grow academically, socially, emotionally, and independently. Our students benefit from a supportive school model that blends academics, life skills, social communication, executive functioning, arts, career exploration, and individualized support.

This is a strong opportunity for a certified special education professional who is ready to step further into school leadership while staying closely connected to students, families, and staff development.

What You’ll Do

As the Assistant Director of Special Education, you will work closely with the Director of Educational Services to support the daily operations, student programming, staff supervision, family communication, and continued growth of Infinity Academy.

In this role, you will:

• Help lead daily school operations and educational programming
• Supervise, coach, train, and support Infinity Academy staff
• Assist with student enrollment, admissions, transitions, and discharge planning
• Partner with families, guardians, staff, and community partners to support student success
• Support individualized academic, social, emotional, behavioral, and life-skills planning
• Help maintain student records, documentation, attendance, reporting, and compliance standards
• Support positive behavior supports and intervention strategies
• Assist with parent conferences, school scheduling, staff schedules, and student activities
• Participate in staff recruitment, interviewing, onboarding, and training
• Help develop and evaluate programming that supports student growth and independence
• Model best practices in special education, student support, and team leadership

What Makes Infinity Academy Different

Infinity Academy is designed for students who may not thrive in a traditional school setting. Students work in a supportive, individualized environment that helps address academic needs while also building skills in resilience, self-reliance, emotional regulation, social communication, executive functioning, and independence.

Our program primarily supports students with autism spectrum disorder, gifted learners, and students with developmental disabilities or learning differences. The Assistant Director plays an important role in helping students, families, and staff feel supported, understood, and equipped for success.

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Special Education from an accredited college or university
• Current Missouri teaching certificate in Special Education and/or Learning Disabilities, such as ED and/or LD
• At least six years of professional experience working with individuals with autism spectrum disorder, gifted learners, or other developmental disabilities
• At least two years of supervisory, administrative, leadership, or management experience
• Direct experience supporting individuals with autism spectrum disorder
• Experience in educational or community-based services for individuals with developmental disabilities
• Licensed and insured driver with the ability to obtain a Missouri Class E Driver’s License

Preferred Qualifications

• Master’s degree in Special Education or a related field
• Certification or specialized training in Autism Spectrum Disorder, Gifted Education, or High Incidence Special Education
• Experience in an alternative education setting
• Experience with positive behavior supports, behavior intervention strategies, or cognitive behavior management techniques
• Experience supporting students with emotional regulation, sensory sensitivities, executive functioning needs, or social communication needs

Skills That Will Help You Succeed

The ideal candidate is a steady, compassionate leader who can build trust with students, families, and staff. Strong communication, organization, problem-solving, and follow-through are important in this role.

You’ll be successful in this position if you are able to:

• Lead and support a team with consistency and empathy
• Build strong relationships with students, families, staff, and community partners
• Communicate clearly and professionally
• Balance daily operations with long-term program goals
• Adapt in a fast-paced school environment
• Use good judgment when supporting student, family, or staff needs
• Stay current on special education, autism services, and positive behavior support practices
• Support the mission of helping individuals with disabilities grow in independence and dignity

Benefits

The Arc of the Ozarks offers a competitive benefits package, including:

• Medical, dental, vision, and life insurance eligibility after a 0-day waiting period
• Employer-paid life insurance and AD&D coverage
• 403(b) retirement plan eligibility immediately, with employer match up to 4% after one year of service
• Sick and vacation accrual
• 7 paid holidays per year
• Paid day off to celebrate your birthday

Why Join The Arc of the Ozarks?

At The Arc of the Ozarks, we believe every person deserves the opportunity to reach their fullest potential. Our educational services team is committed to creating a supportive, individualized school environment where students can build confidence, independence, and meaningful skills for the future.

If you are passionate about special education, student success, autism services, and leading a dedicated team, we encourage you to apply.

Apply today and help shape the future of Infinity Academy.