POSITION TITLE: Assistant CDS State Director
REPORTS TO: CDS State Director
SALARY RANGE: $81,224 - $114,837
This is a 40 hour per week, calendar year position at our CDS State Office in Augusta. Statewide travel may be required.
SUMMARY DESCRIPTION
The Assistant CDS State Director supports the CDS State Director in overseeing, developing, implementing, evaluating, and administering policies and procedures for Child Development Services (CDS). This role includes operational support, strategic planning, and acting as a cultural broker to ensure inclusive and accessible early intervention (EI) and early childhood special education (ECSE) programs that meet federal and state requirements. The Assistant CDS State Director collaborates closely with the Office of Special Services & Inclusive Education to foster high-quality services for children and families across the state.
Supervisory Responsibilities:
- Assist in managing CDS employee workflow, ensuring compliance with state and federal requirements and timely completion of tasks.
- Support the CDS State Director in conducting performance evaluations and coordinating professional development opportunities that enhance employee performance and promote compliance.
- Oversee assigned CDS programs and special purpose preschools, coordinating operations within CDS facilities, leased spaces, and through SAU collaborations.
- Support the fiscal operations and workflow to ensure audit controls, contract requirements, and resource alignment with strategic goals.
- Assist in human resource management functions, including recruitment, performance evaluations, and employee relations.
- Foster collaboration and communication across CDS regional sites to build unity, support strategic goals, and enhance organizational culture.
Duties/Responsibilities:
- Collaborate with the CDS State Director on strategic planning to set program objectives, align resources, and meet long-term goals.
- Act as a cultural broker, working to build inclusive, accessible services that reflect the diverse backgrounds and needs of children, families, and communities.
- Support partnerships with agencies, SAUs, and other entities to expand resources and ensure culturally relevant service delivery.
- Regularly meet with the CDS State Director to discuss program initiatives, emerging issues, and alignment with strategic goals.
- Assist in responding to inquiries from parents, staff, clients, schools, and other stakeholders with professional guidance and support.
- Remain informed on relevant practices, regulations, and research developments from the Department of Education and other resources to guide CDS operations.
- Contribute to developing and updating operational standards, quality improvement strategies, and accountability measures.
- Provide guidance on special education requirements to school administrators and agency personnel.
- Assist in preparing reports, including the CDS Annual Report and other legislative and regulatory documents.
- Help manage Due Process and Dispute Resolution processes for children within CDS programs.
- Support the transition of Child Find and Free Appropriate Public Education (FAPE) services for preschool-aged children to SAUs.
- Participate in drafting proposals, contracts, and MOUs to fulfill procurement and agreement requirements.
- Ensure timely federal reporting and compliance with regulatory requirements in assigned areas.
- Perform additional duties as assigned by the CDS State Director to support operational and strategic goals.
Required Skills/Abilities:
- Strong knowledge of EI and ECSE programs, policies, and state and federal regulations.
- Familiarity with accounting, budgetary, and strategic planning practices in educational settings.
- Understanding of CDS data collection, documentation, and reporting processes.
- Proficiency with contracts, MOUs, and other administrative documents related to special education services.
- Ability to work as a cultural broker, fostering inclusive practices and culturally responsive services.
- Excellent project management and organizational skills, with the ability to prioritize multiple timelines and resources.
- Strong interpersonal, communication, and teamwork skills.
- Proficiency in policy interpretation, strategic planning, and implementation.
Education and Experience:
- Minimum five (5) years’ experience in EI, ECSE, or as an Assistant/Director in Special Education.
- Holds relevant Department of Education certification or licensure:
- 030: Administrator of Special Education
- 035: Assistant Administrator of Special Education
- 040: Building Administrator
- 045: Assistant Building Administrator
- 079: Educational Consultant,
- or other relevant professional license (e.g., OT, PT, SLP)
- Successful completion of background, criminal records, fingerprinting, and reference checks.
Veterans’ Preference: Maine law provides a preference to qualified veterans and gold star spouses by ensuring they are offered an interview. If you are a veteran or a gold star spouse and wish to take advantage of this preference, please complete our employment application. Documentation is required. For more information, visit: https://www.maine.gov/bhr/state-jobs/veterans-preference-in-job-applications.
Please send resume and completed CDS Employment Application (on CDS website) to:
Mindy Gervais, Director of Operations
CDS State IEU
146 State House Station
Augusta, ME 04333
Fax: 207-624-6623
Child Development Services serves the early intervention and special education needs of Maine's children birth to age five. We have over 350 employees, a large network of contracted providers and currently serve over 3,500 children ages 0 to 5 years.
CDS consist of 10 principal sites throughout Maine with several satellite offices.
This posting is being offered by an equal opportunity employer.