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SCHOOL PRINCIPAL - SPECIAL EDUCATION

Villa Esperanza Services

Pasadena, CA · Posted October 22, 2026

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About the job

Job Summary Villa Esperanza Services is searching for a dedicated and experienced leader for their non-public school including oversight of ancillary services (Speech-Language Pathology, Behavioral Therapy, and Occupational Therapy). Serving students with special needs in Pasadena, CA, Villa’s school has a current enrollment of forty (40) students and is expected to grow and expand its enrollment in the next school year.

The selected leader will increase student enrollment and will manage and ensure effective educational and social programming for the school and ancillary services. They will ensure that all contract compliance, accreditation matters, and quality assurance requirements are met. The candidate will be responsible for the coordination and attendance (directly or through subordinates) at students’ Individualized Education Program (IEP) meetings, as well as the planning and implementation of school policies/procedures, staff supervision/management, and metrics. The candidate will possess extensive experience with compliance as it relates to managing a school and interpreting and adhering to related requirements from governing bodies (i.e., California Department of Education (CDE), School Districts, etc.).

Our school offers an educational program serving students from 5-22 years old (elementary, middle and high school classes) who have special needs associated with autism, cerebral palsy, Down syndrome, intellectual and other developmental disabilities.

Schedule: Monday – Friday, 8:30 AM to 5:00 PM; Exempt. Year-round position, must work periods when school is not in session, including spring break, summer break and winter break.

Compensation: $95k - $118k/year

Location: Onsite/in person position; 2116 E. Villa St. Pasadena, CA 91107 Requirements / Qualifications Requirements: -Graduate/Master’s degree issued by an accredited postsecondary institution in education, special education, psychology, counseling, behavioral analysis, social work, behavioral science, or rehabilitation. -At least five (5) years related experience in a similar role (managing a school). -At least five (5) years related experience managing staff and holding them accountable for outcomes and level of performance. -Ability to foster positive working relationships at all levels of the organization. -Excellent communication skills, management acumen, budget experience and be willing to roll up their sleeves to adopt a "hands-on" approach. -Ability to shift from visionary leadership to hands on leadership and vice versa. -Ability to delegate and follow up on tasks. -Working knowledge of state regulations as it pertains to students with intellectual/developmental disabilities. -Experience working with developmental disabilities preferred -Working knowledge of the California Department of Education (CDE) system. -Satisfactorily complete a fingerprinting clearance, physical & TB screenings.