Manager of Special Education Programs

Role Summary 

The Manager of Special Education Programs owns both the design and integrity of Fusion’s SOLA program, as well as the quality, consistency, and compliance of special education practices across the FEG national network. 

This role sits at the intersection of system leadership and program innovation. 

It is responsible for shaping an experience where students with learning differences receive support that is not only compliant, but deeply personalized, consistent, and built to scale. 

Through SOLA, the Manager of Special Education Programs will build and refine the model. Through national leadership, they will partner with campuses to deliver consistent, high-quality, and deeply personalized support for students with learning differences across our entire network of Fusion schools. 

This role serves as both a builder and a standard-setter — translating regulatory requirements and instructional best practices into consistent, human-centered experiences that drive meaningful student outcomes. 

What You'll Do 

SOLA Program Leadership (Design, Execution, Scale) 

• Collaborate with FEG departments to maintain the SOLA program model, including: 

• Instructional structure 

• Staffing models 

• Service delivery expectations 

• Work in partnership to define what a high-quality SOLA experience looks like and ensure it is: 

• Clear 

• Repeatable 

• Scalable 

• Lead readiness for new SOLA launches, including: 

• State applications and approvals 

• Program infrastructure 

• Staffing and service alignment 

• Ensure consistency across SOLA program across campuses while adapting to state-specific requirements 

• Use SOLA as a learning lab to refine and strengthen Fusion’s broader SpEd practices 

• Compliance and Regulatory Oversight 

• Work with the NSO team on state approvals and renewals.  Direct the application process and ensuring successful approval. 

• Serve as the program-level owner for special education compliance across Sola campuses. 

• Ensure schools meet all applicable state, district, and contractual requirements related to  EP implementation, service minutes, staff credentials, documentation and monitoring 

• In partnership with Ops - oversee corrective actions and audits related to Sola 

National Special Education Leadership (Systems, Standards, Compliance) 

• Define and operationalize what “excellent special education” looks like at FEG (all schools and programs) 

• Establish national frameworks for: 

• IEP implementation 

• Accommodations and modifications 

• Documentation and compliance practices 

• Service delivery expectations 

• Ensure compliance across all campuses with: 

• State 

• District or contractual requirements 

• Lead system-wide readiness for SpEd instructional practices  

• Build scalable systems that allow campuses to deliver consistent, high-quality support 

Program Performance & Continuous Improvement 
 

Define and monitor key performance indicators across SOLA and national SpEd: 

• Compliance health 

• Service delivery integrity 

• Enrollment alignment 

• Staffing efficiency 

• Alongside national School Quality - conduct program and network-level reviews to assess: 

• Quality 

• Consistency 

• Risk 

• Identify trends and lead continuous improvement efforts 

• Ensure programs support both student outcomes and sustainable growth 

 Training, Guidance & Field Support 

Develop clear guidance and resources for campus leaders (HOS, DOE, DSLs) 

• Partner with T&L to design and deliver training on: 

• Special education best practices 

• Compliance requirements 

• Service delivery expectations 

• Serve as a thought partner and escalation point for complex student situations 

• Translate complexity into clarity for the field 

Cross-Functional & External Partnerships 

• Serve as a liaison with: 

• District partners 

• External providers 

• Regulatory agencies (as needed) 

• Partner internally with: 

• New School Development 

• Education 

• Operations 

• Finance 

• Admissions/Sales 

• Support enrollment decisions related to student appropriateness and program fit 

• Ensure alignment between program design, financial sustainability, and student needs 

What We're Looking For 

Master's degree in special education (required); Current Special Education certification

• 7+ years of leadership experience in special education, including:
  • Supporting multi-site and multi-state school operations 
  • District, network, NPS, or therapeutic school environments
  • Creating programming, structure, and operations for a new site opening
  • Leading large scale professional development efforts 
• Experience leading:
  • State approval processes
• Deep expertise in:
  • IDEA and state compliance
  • IEP implementation and service delivery
• Competencies include:
  • Strong systems thinker with the ability to scale programs across multiple locations
  • Ability to balance compliance rigor with a human-centered approach to student support
  • Ability to lead with a developmental approach 

Florida residents require level 2 background screening through https://info.flclearinghouse.com/.

Why Fusion?  

At Fusion, we do school differently. Our 1-to-1 teaching model creates space for personalized learning, and our campuses are vibrant communities where every student is seen, heard, and celebrated. As a Fusion Leader, you’ll have the unique opportunity to lead a team that transforms education and changes lives every day. Learn more about Fusion Academy HERE. 

Benefits:  

We offer a package for full-time employees which generally includes:   

• Medical, dental, and vision plans  

• Vacation time (for certain positions) in accordance with company policy and state law  

• Accident and life insurance as well as short- and long-term disability   

In addition to the above items, full-time and part-time employees can generally participate in the following benefits:  

• Sick time and paid holidays in accordance with company policy  

• 401(k) plan with company match, based on eligibility   

• Tax-advantaged commuter benefits  

• Employee assistance program   

This position may also be eligible to receive a variable bonus based on company, team, and/or individual performance results in accordance with company policy. If a bonus applies, more information will be given at offer.    

Work Authorization:

Employment is contingent upon authorization to work in the United States. We do not provide visa sponsorship for this role.

 All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, race, creed, color, national origin, ancestry, marital status, affectional or sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, disability, nationality or sex.  Qualified applicants who have access to or contact with students or the public, who are responsible for the safeguarding of others’ well-being, and who work with little supervision in close proximity to others will be required to complete a criminal history check once a contingent offer of employment is made. Applicants with arrest or conviction records will be considered for employment in accordance with local law. The nature and gravity of an offense, the length of time since the conviction, and the nature of the job in question are all considered, and criminal convictions do not automatically disqualify employment. Any discussion of criminal history will occur only after the background check is completed and a copy is provided to the applicant.