Licensed Substitute Administrator

Support Student Success. Lead When It Matters.

We're seeking Licensed Substitute Administrators to step in and lead when school and program leaders are away. This on-call role provides critical support to schools and programs that serve students with complex needs, including special education and alternative learning environments.

Help maintain continuity, safety, and strong staff support, and support students' experiences with consistent, high-quality services every day. If you're a licensed administrator with a commitment to equity and inclusion, we’d love to have you on our bench.

Title: Licensed Substitute Administrator

Department: As Assigned
Reports To: Program Administrator / Director
Classification: Administrative Licensed Substitute
Work Year: As Needed, At Will

Position Purpose

Serve as an on-call, licensed administrator to provide temporary leadership coverage during the absence of a site, program, or department administrator. Support program continuity, staff supervision, and student safety and wellbeing across MESD service areas. Assignments may vary in duration and scope based on operational need.

Essential Responsibilities

• Uphold MESD’s mission and core values in all administrative decisions and interactions.
• Serve as the acting administrator for assigned location(s), assuming responsibilities for:
• • Staff supervision and day-to-day operations
  • Student services coordination
  • Safety and emergency procedures
  • Parent and community communications
  • Implementation of IEPs, 504 plans, and behavior supports as needed
• Respond to staff and student issues, providing guidance and support within policy and program expectations.
• Collaborate with HR and central office departments on staffing, student incidents, and emergent concerns.
• Maintain clear communication with the absent administrator and other leadership as needed.
• Complete required documentation (e.g., incident reports, timesheets, daily notes).
• Follow MESD policies, procedures, and applicable collective bargaining agreements.

Required Qualifications

• Current Oregon Principal or administrative license issued by TSPC.
• Experience as a school or program administrator.
• Strong understanding of special education, alternative education, or related program models.
• Ability to make independent decisions under pressure while maintaining alignment with MESD values.
• Effective communicator with staff, students, families, and partners.
• Proficient in conflict resolution, de-escalation, and equity-centered leadership.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience in a service district, alternative education, special education, or health services setting.
• Bilingual or multilingual skills.
• Familiarity with Oregon public school systems, intergovernmental collaboration, and union environments.

Work Environment and Conditions

• Requires mobility between multiple program sites across MESD’s service area.
• Must be available on short notice.
• May involve working in settings with medically fragile students, high-needs behavioral programs, or juvenile justice sites.

Physical Requirements

This position may support programs that serve students with diverse and complex learning needs. Assignments may involve environments where students require behavioral or medical supports, including:

• Working in close proximity with students who may exhibit physical aggression or emotional dysregulation.
• Engaging in safety and de-escalation procedures, including physical intervention when trained and necessary.
• Standing, walking, and moving throughout a school or program site for extended periods.
• Responding quickly to emergencies or incidents requiring administrator support.

MESD provides training in physical intervention techniques and de-escalation strategies.