Director, Elizabeth Lee Black School
: Job Details :

The Director of Children & Youth at the Barber National Institute (BNI) is a strategic leadership role responsible for overseeing a comprehensive portfolio of services that support children and youth with autism, intellectual disabilities, and behavioral health challenges. This individual will lead program development, ensure regulatory compliance, and drive innovation across educational and therapeutic services. With a strong focus on quality assurance and staff development, the Director will work closely with senior leadership to align initiatives with organizational goals and uphold the highest standards of care and education.

This role requires a dynamic leader who can build collaborative relationships across departments and with external stakeholders, including school districts, funding agencies, and community partners. The ideal candidate will bring deep expertise in special education, a strong understanding of Pennsylvania Department of Education (PDE) regulations, and a passion for empowering students and families. Financial acumen, advocacy skills, and a commitment to continuous improvement are essential to ensuring the long-term success and sustainability of BNI's Children & Youth Programs. This is an onsite position in Erie, PA.

What you'll bring:

• Strong self-initiation and high-level decision-making skills
• Excellent critical thinking, problem-solving, and data analysis abilities
• Exceptional communication and interpersonal skills
• Ability to adapt to the diverse needs of students, families, and staff

What you'll have:

• Master's degree in Special Education
• Valid PA K-12 Principal Certificate and/or Supervisor of Special Education Certificate
• Minimum of 5 years of relevant teaching and supervisory experience
• Strong knowledge of PDE regulations and special education standards
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office and telecommunication technologies

A typical day-to-day may include:

• Leading and empowering program supervisors to meet departmental goals.
• Overseeing staff recruitment, training, and performance management.
• Developing strategic plans, budgets, and program forecasts.
• Ensuring compliance with PDE and other regulatory standards.
• Leading program development, grant proposals, and contract renewals.
• Representing the organization in professional forums on a state and national level.
• Managing financial performance and supporting fundraising efforts.
• Coordinating with educational, clinical, and therapeutic teams.
• Collaborating with local education agencies to ensure an appropriate program for each student.

Perks with a Purpose Our benefits are created with YOU in mind.

Healthcare • Highmark Medical and Mental Health • Free Delta Dental Coverage • Free Davis Vision Coverage • Short & Long-Term Disability Insurance • Healthcare Flexible Spending Account

• Teladoc Virtual Health Financial Well-being • 401K Retirement Savings option • On-Demand Pay • Employee Referral Bonus program • Student Loan Forgiveness • College Scholarship & Tuition Discounts • Employee Discounts Life & Family Support • Free Life Insurance • Dependent Care Flexible Spending Account • LifeSolutions Employee Assistance Program • Erie Campus*- discounted on-site weekday childcare • Employee discounts for select events and services

Who is Barber National Institute?

The Barber National Institute is a non-profit committed to its mission of providing the highest quality services for children and adults with autism, intellectual disabilities, or behavioral health challenges and their families. Since our founding in 1952, we have evolved into a multi-faceted organization serving more than 6,200 individuals annually with a wide range of educational, vocational, residential, and behavioral health programs.

We are an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, ancestry, age, sexual orientation, protected veteran status, disability or any other legally protected status. If you need an accommodation to apply, please contact HR. EOE