Exceptional Student Program Manager in Atmore, Alabama at Poarch Band of Creek Indians

Exceptional Student Program Manager
Department: Education
Position Status: Regular Full-Time
Supervisor Role: Yes
Closing Date: Open Until Filled

Join Our Mission:
The Poarch Creek Indians place a high value on individuals who share our commitment to community, tradition, and progress. As Alabama's only Federally Recognized Native American Tribe, we take pride in a history that spans generations and is deeply rooted in resilience and cultural heritage. Our mission is to uplift the lives of our Tribal Members, preserve our traditions, and drive innovation for a thriving future. If you are passionate about serving with purpose and authenticity while fostering trust, unity, and growth, we welcome you to join us on this meaningful journey.

About the Role:
The Exceptional Student Program Manager leads the Tribe’s special education program, including tutoring, Kowepet (dyslexia academic therapy), and staff supervision. Duties may expand as needed to support program and departmental goals.

This position reflects PCI’s core values of Perseverance, Opportunity, Accountability, Respect, Culture, and Honesty.

Key Responsibilities:

• Supervises staff, including hiring, evaluation, and disciplinary actions.
• Manages daily operations of Kowepet and the tutoring program, ensuring effective student support, scheduling, and staff engagement.
• Provides direct support to students with IEPs, including participation in IEP meetings as needed, and delivers dyslexia therapy through Kowepet.
• Serves as a resource and advocate for students, parents, and Tribal staff regarding special education (ESE) services and supports.
• Coordinates student eligibility, service plans, and communication with families, school personnel, and service providers.
• Provides training and professional development for staff and partners and supports the development of student goals and behavior expectations.
• Maintains documentation of student services and interactions, and performs other duties as assigned.

Core Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in education required.
• Must possess a valid Professional Educator Certificate P-12.
• Certification in Special Education (Collaborative Teacher K-6, 6-12, or P-12) required.
• Three (3) years of employment experience working with special needs students required.
• Five (5) years of teaching experience required.
• Must possess certification of “Mandatory Reporter Training” or obtain during the first week of employment.
• Must possess and maintain First Aid/CPR certification or obtain within the first ninety (90) days of employment.
• Ability to work odd and irregular hours, as needed.
• Must successfully pass the required criminal and character background check.
• Ability to travel and participate in required training, leadership development, and other events.
• Ability to perform all duties and responsibilities of this position adequately and successfully

Essential Competencies:

• Strong leadership skills with the ability to effectively manage staff, support students, and build high-performing teams.
• Excellent organization, time management, problem-solving, and communication skills, with the ability to prioritize multiple responsibilities.
• Compassionate and relationship-focused, with the ability to build trust with students, families, staff, and community partners.
• Self-motivated, adaptable, and accountable, with a commitment to improving processes, practices, and outcomes.

Total Rewards Package:
We offer a comprehensive and competitive benefits program including:

• Medical, dental, vision, life insurance and voluntary benefits
• Paid time off and paid holidays
• Employee Assistance Programs (EAP)
• 401(k) with employer match
• Performance bonuses and COLA increases

Preference will be given in accordance with Title 33 (Tribal Employment Rights) of the Tribal Code/DFWP.

INDIAN PREFERENCE, SPOUSAL PREFERENCE, OR FIRST GENERATION:

In the event more than one applicant meets the requirements, as stated in a job description, preference shall be given in the following order: (1) Tribal Member (2) First Generation Descendant of a Tribal Member (3) Spouse of Tribal Member (4) Indian (5) Non-Indian

In the event that a position of employment is funded in whole or in part my any federal grant and/or contract or other public funding, preference shall be given in the following order: (1) Indian (2) Non-Indian

In order to receive preference, the appropriate documentation must be submitted.