Associate Director - Student Services

About Ascend

Ascend is Brooklyn’s premier K–12 public charter network, committed to graduating high-achieving students who have access to boundless choice in their futures—not only through college acceptance, but through meaningful preparation for career readiness and thriving adult lives.

Across our schools, we pair rigorous academics with strong systems, supportive adult culture, and a deep belief in students’ brilliance and potential. Our work is grounded in the understanding that preparing students for long-term success requires excellence in instruction, intentional culture-building, and disciplined execution at every level of the organization.

At Ascend, we hold adults to high standards because our students deserve nothing less. How we teach, lead, collaborate, and make decisions every day directly shapes the opportunities our students will have tomorrow.

Join us in shaping learning environments where curiosity is nurtured, excellence is the norm, and every student is prepared for a lifetime of boundless choice.

About the Role

The Student Services team is responsible for ensuring that all students have access to high-quality special education services, effective intervention systems, and the resources necessary to achieve academic success. The team establishes and monitors network-wide systems that ensure compliance with federal, state, and local regulations while strengthening school-based practices and student outcomes.

The Associate Director of Student Services partners with the Managing Director of Student Support Services to lead the implementation and continuous improvement of student services systems across Ascend schools. This role oversees special education compliance, IEP case management systems, and Multi-Tiered Systems of Support (MTSS) programming while building the capacity of school-based leaders to execute with consistency and accountability. The Associate Director analyzes student services data, identifies areas for improvement, and develops strategic solutions to strengthen systems, mitigate compliance risks, and ensure all students receive the services and support necessary to succeed.

Key Responsibilities

Student Services Strategy & Network-Wide Systems

Lead the implementation and continuous improvement of network-wide student services systems, policies, and procedures to ensure consistency across all schools.

Partner with the Managing Director of Student Support Services to establish strategic priorities, performance goals, and accountability measures for student services.

Develop and maintain standardized systems for monitoring special education compliance, IEP case management, and MTSS programming.

Analyze student services data to identify trends, evaluate effectiveness, and develop action plans to strengthen school-level practices and student outcomes.

Establish network-wide protocols, templates, and resources to support consistent implementation of student services practices.

Collaborate with school and network leadership to ensure student services priorities align with broader organizational goals.

Special Education Compliance & Accountability

Oversee network-wide special education compliance systems to ensure adherence to federal, state, and local regulations.

Establish and monitor systems for auditing special education files, IEP documentation, service delivery, billing, and other compliance requirements.

Analyze compliance data to identify risks, address gaps, and develop corrective action plans.

Monitor school-level implementation of Individualized Education Programs (IEPs), Section 504 Plans, and Multi-Tiered Systems of Support (MTSS).

Partner with school leaders to proactively resolve compliance concerns and strengthen systems that prevent recurring issues.

Maintain current knowledge of special education laws, Committee on Special Education (CSE) requirements, and evolving policies to ensure network-wide compliance.

School Leadership Development & Capacity Building

Provide coaching and development to Principals and Assistant Principals of Student Services to strengthen leadership and execution of student services practices.

Partner with Principals to establish clear expectations and accountability measures for school-based student services teams.

Design and facilitate professional development aligned with network-wide priorities, compliance requirements, and identified areas of need.

Conduct regular school visits to assess implementation, identify strong practices, and provide targeted support.

Build the capacity of school-based leaders to independently manage student services systems, resolve challenges, and drive continuous improvement.

Identify effective school-level practices and develop opportunities to replicate successful systems across the network.

Cross-Functional Collaboration & Student Support

Partner with school leadership and network teams to address complex student services challenges and implement effective solutions.

Collaborate with Academic, Operations, and school-based teams to ensure student services systems support student achievement and access to high-quality instruction.

Establish and maintain partnerships with the Committee on Special Education (CSE), external service providers, and community organizations to support student needs.

Provide guidance to school leaders on escalated compliance concerns, complex student services matters, and family-related issues.

Strengthen systems for connecting students and families with appropriate community resources and support services.

Support the Managing Director of Student Support Services with strategic initiatives and network-wide priorities.

Qualifications

Bachelor's degree required; master's degree in Special Education, Educational Leadership, or a related field preferred.

5+ years of professional experience in special education, student services, or a related field, including school-based leadership or network-level support.

3+ years of experience leading, coaching, or developing school-based teams, preferably in an urban school setting.

Demonstrated experience developing, implementing, and monitoring special education compliance systems, IEP case management, and MTSS programming.

Strong knowledge of federal, state, and local special education regulations, including IDEA, Section 504, and New York State special education requirements.

Proven ability to analyze data, identify trends, and implement strategic solutions to improve school-level practices and student outcomes.

Experience designing and facilitating professional development for school leaders and student services teams.

Demonstrated ability to lead cross-functional initiatives and drive consistent implementation of systems across multiple schools.

Strong leadership, analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making skills.

Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to coach and collaborate with stakeholders at all levels.

Exceptional organization, project management, attention to detail, and follow-through.

Demonstrated commitment to educational equity and ensuring all students receive the services and support necessary to succeed.

Staff and Reporting Relationships

The Associate Director of Student Services reports directly to the Managing Director of Student Services. This role requires frequent collaboration with Principals, Assistant Principals of Student Services, school-based Student Services teams, and network leadership to ensure consistent implementation of student services systems, compliance standards, and practices across Ascend schools.

Compensation and Benefits

Salary offers for this position range from $90,000–$115,000. Salaries are determined using an equitable compensation scale that accounts for years of experience and attained education levels.

Location & Work Arrangement

Based in our Brooklyn, NY office

Hybrid work schedule requiring in-office presence at least three days per week

Occasional professional conference travel



In-person work expectations include network office time, stakeholder meetings, school visits, special events, and other role-specific responsibilities as determined by management.

This is a full-time, exempt position that offers a comprehensive benefits package including:

Medical, dental, and vision insurance

403(b) retirement plan with employer matching

Generous paid time off and additional employee benefits