Sr Director, Education Advisory

Public Consulting Group LLC (PCG) is a leading public sector solutions implementation and operations improvement firm that partners with health, education, and human services agencies to improve lives. Founded in 1986, PCG employs approximately 2,000 professionals throughout the U.S.—all committed to delivering solutions that change lives for the better. The firm is a member of a family of companies with experience in all 50 states, and clients in three Canadian provinces and Europe. PCG offers clients a multidisciplinary approach to meet challenges, pursue opportunities, and serve constituents across the public sector. To learn more, visit www.publicconsultinggroup.com.

Our Education team offers consulting services and technology solutions to help schools, school districts, and state education agencies/ministries of education promote student success, improve programs and processes, and optimize financial resources. We work with clients to ensure all students have what they need to succeed.

Services:

• Teaching

• Learning Solutions

• Data Systems

• IT Solutions

• Financial Solutions

• Equity in Education

• Equitable Education

• Recovery Services

PCG is seeking a highly experienced former state special education leader to join their Education practice as Director, Special Education Improvement Services. This role is central to expanding PCG’s special education consulting and technology solutions at the state level.
The Director, Special Education Improvement Services will build and sustain strategic partnerships with senior decision makers across state education agencies and will position PCG as the trusted partner for transformative special education solutions that drive system improvement. You will leverage your leadership experience to help shape and grow services that make a meaningful difference for students with disabilities and the agencies that serve them. This position will play a vital role in driving solutions for their clients that support improved outcomes for all students, including those with disabilities. You bring experience in grant and/or proposal writing and are able to vision solutions and respond to client requests, either through requirements gathering conversations or request for proposals.
The ideal candidate currently is, or has been, a senior leader in a state department of education or federal/regional technical assistance center with deep expertise in special education, IDEA compliance, and Medicaid-financed services. They bring a strong track record of leading statewide initiatives, navigating inter-agency collaboration, and driving systemic improvements in special education. Known for their strategic mindset, political savvy, and collaborative approach, they are trusted across the field as a credible, mission-driven advisor. This candidate has national visibility, a strong professional network, and the ability to translate policy into actionable solutions that support inclusive, student-centered outcomes.

Key Responsibilities:

• Guide agencies in balancing IDEA compliance with forward-thinking practices that promote inclusion, equity, and measurable outcomes.
• Provide strategic input on workforce development challenges, including the recruitment, training, and retention of special education professionals.
• Support internal talent development by mentoring PCG staff on state-level special education systems, funding streams, and cross-agency collaboration.
• Serve as a special education subject matter expert to support PCG’s ability to help our state-level client move from a compliance mindset to a continuous improvement mindset.
• Cultivate and maintain strong relationships with senior special education leaders, policymakers, and stakeholders to deeply understand their challenges and priorities.
• Forge key external partnerships with professional associations, partners, potential acquisitions, and other relevant stakeholders to inform PCG’s strategy and maximize client value.
• Work closely with PCG’s project teams to ensure alignment between service offerings and client needs for successful project delivery.
• Represent PCG at national and regional conferences, stakeholder forums, and industry events to enhance brand visibility and credibility in the special education sector.
• Provide thought leadership grounded in your state special education leadership experience to guide PCG’s service development and client engagement.
• Monitor legislative trends, funding changes, and market opportunities related to special education to identify new business avenues.
• Collaborate effectively with senior managers on cross-functional initiatives to advance PCG’s broader education practice goals.

Skills, Competencies, & Qualifications:

• Experience as a senior leader in state special education leadership (e.g., State Director of Special Education, Deputy Superintendent, or equivalent) or federal/regional technical assistance center.
• Deep knowledge of special education policy, federal and state compliance, funding, and program implementation.
• Understanding of federal and state funding streams and how to maximize financial resources.
• Demonstrated success in building and sustaining relationships with state education agencies and other education sector leaders.
• Strong skills in communication, presentation, negotiation, and translating complex challenges into actionable consulting and technology solutions.
• Strategic, innovative thinker with a passion for advancing special education through consulting and technology.
• Bachelor’s degree required; advanced degree in education, special education, business/public administration, or related field strongly preferred.
• Willingness and ability to travel across the U.S. to engage with clients and represent PCG at key events.

Preferred Experience

• Experience in consulting, business development, or client relationship management highly preferred.

Compensation:

Compensation for roles at Public Consulting Group varies depending on a wide array of factors including, but not limited to, the specific office location, role, skill set, and level of experience.  As required by applicable law, PCG provides the following reasonable range of compensation for this role below. In addition, PCG provides a range of benefits for this role, including medical and dental care benefits, 401k, PTO, parental leave, bereavement leave.

As required by applicable law, PCG provides the following reasonable range of compensation for this role: $160,000-$179,900. In addition, PCG provides a range of benefits for this role, including medical and dental care benefits, 401k, PTO, parental leave, bereavement leave.

EEO Statement:

Public Consulting Group is an Equal Opportunity Employer dedicated to celebrating diversity and intentionally creating a culture of inclusion. We believe that we work best when our employees feel empowered and accepted, and that starts by honoring each of our unique life experiences. At PCG, all aspects of employment regarding recruitment, hiring, training, promotion, compensation, benefits, transfers, layoffs, return from layoff, company-sponsored training, education, and social and recreational programs are based on merit, business needs, job requirements, and individual qualifications. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion or belief, national, social, or ethnic origin, sex, gender identity and/or expression, age, physical, mental, or sensory disability, sexual orientation, marital, civil union, or domestic partnership status, past or present military service, citizenship status, family medical history or genetic information, family or parental status, or any other status protected under federal, state, or local law. PCG will not tolerate discrimination or harassment based on any of these characteristics. PCG believes in health, equality, and prosperity for everyone so we can succeed in changing the ways the public sector, including health, education, technology and human services industries, work.