Director of Colorado Partnerships & Future Campus Leadership

The Austin Centers for Exceptional Students is a multifaceted special education program, designed specifically for students with emotional disabilities, autism, intellectual disabilities, specific learning disabilities or other educational challenges. Austin Centers currently serves over a thousand students per year from more than 100 school districts and charter schools on all our campuses. Our Vision: To ignite a brighter tomorrow for every child and youth, regardless of their struggles, by providing unwavering support, world-class education, and a nurturing environment.

Director of Colorado Partnerships & Future Campus Leadership 

Location: Denver, Colorado 
Start Date: 2026–2027 School Year 

Do you get excited about building trusted relationships with school districts, state agencies, and educational partners? 
Do you enjoy navigating complex education systems while helping schools remain student-centered and compliant? 
Do you love balancing strategic leadership with hands-on operational problem-solving? 
Do you thrive when creating structure, trust, and momentum during periods of growth and change? 
Do you have experience working in the Special Education system in Colorado? 

The Austin Centers for Exceptional Students is looking for a Director of Colorado Partnerships & Future Campus Leadership to join our leadership team and help strengthen our Colorado operations while preparing for future expansion across the state. 

About The Austin Centers for Exceptional Students (ACES) 

The ACES serves students with autism spectrum disorders, emotional disabilities, intellectual disabilities, and related learning needs through highly specialized educational programming built around individualized support, therapeutic collaboration, and strong family partnerships. Our campuses are designed to provide safe, structured, and affirming environments where students can grow academically, socially, and emotionally. 

As we continue to expand across Colorado, we are intentionally investing in thoughtful, sustainable growth. This role is being created at an important moment for our organization: strengthening operational systems, deepening relationships with the Colorado Department of Education and partner districts, and laying the groundwork for the successful launch of a future second Colorado campus. You will join a collaborative leadership team focused on long-term impact, student outcomes, and responsible expansion. 

Role and Responsibilities 

What does it look like to help shape the future of specialized education services in Colorado? In this role, you serve as a strategic leader connecting campus operations, state compliance, district partnerships, and future school development efforts. During the first phase of the role, your primary focus will be strengthening relationships with the Colorado Department of Education (CDE), supporting operational compliance, and serving as a trusted liaison between The ACES and the districts we serve. 

You will partner closely with executive leadership, special education teams, program directors, and campus administrators to ensure Colorado operations remain compliant, collaborative, and growth-ready. As expansion plans progress, this individual is expected to transition into leadership of the future second Colorado campus. 

Key responsibilities include: 

• Serve as the primary liaison between The ACES, the Colorado Department of Education, and partner school districts 

• Support compliance with Colorado and federal special education laws, licensing requirements, reporting obligations, and program standards 

• Build and maintain strong professional relationships with district leaders, state representatives, and community stakeholders 

• Assist in reviewing operational systems, policies, student programming, and compliance processes across Colorado campuses 

• Support future campus planning, staffing strategy, enrollment growth, and operational readiness for expansion initiatives 

• Partner with leadership teams to strengthen school culture, student outcomes, and staff accountability systems 

• Provide leadership coaching and operational guidance to campus teams as needed 

Who You Are 

What kind of leader succeeds in this role? You combine operational credibility, strong relationship-building skills, and deep knowledge of Colorado education systems with a genuine commitment to students and staff. 

You likely bring experience leading specialized education programs, navigating state compliance processes, and collaborating directly with districts or regulatory agencies. You understand how to balance accountability with partnership and know how to lead through growth and organizational change. 

You bring: 

• Minimum 5 years of leadership experience in K-12 special education or related educational administration 

• Strong working knowledge of Colorado Department of Education regulations, special education compliance requirements, and district partnership structures 

• Valid administrative licensure or certification aligned with Colorado state requirements 

• Master’s degree in Education, Special Education, Educational Leadership, or related field preferred  

• Excellent communication, conflict resolution, organizational leadership, and relationship management skills 

Preferred qualifications include experience opening or expanding educational programs, working within multi-campus organizations, and supporting operational scaling initiatives. 

We Offer 

What makes this opportunity meaningful? This role offers the chance to help shape the future direction of specialized education services across Colorado while building systems and partnerships that directly impact students and families. 

Benefits include: 

• Competitive salary and comprehensive benefits package 

• 401(k) 

• Health, dental, and vision insurance 

• Health savings account 

• Employee assistance program 

• Life insurance 

• Paid time off 

• Referral program 

• Relocation assistance 

• Opportunities for long-term executive and campus leadership growth 

• A collaborative, mission-driven leadership environment focused on meaningful student outcomes 

This is a full-time, in-person leadership role based in Colorado with regular travel between campuses, districts, and partner meetings as needed. 

Apply 

If you are energized by building strong educational partnerships, navigating complex systems thoughtfully, and helping shape the future of specialized education in Colorado, we would love to hear from you. 

The ACES is committed to building an inclusive workplace where diverse perspectives, experiences, and leadership styles are valued. We encourage qualified candidates from all backgrounds to apply. Hiring for this role is underway for the 2026–2027 school year. 

#IND2

Joining our team means that you are part of a passionate team of professionals dedicated to meeting the needs of our exceptional students. Austin Centers is committed to diversity, inclusion, and belonging. We strive to create an environment where everyone feels valued and supported, regardless of their background or identity.

Come help us empower bright futures: transforming lives, one student at a time!