Position Summary
The Head of Admissions & Legal Operations is a strategic and relational leader responsible for overseeing Gersh Academy・・s legal advocacy operations function while driving growth. This dual-role position ensures the organization is well-positioned in both the legal and referral ecosystems・・maintaining strong external partnerships with advocates and professionals, while ensuring operational excellence in contract, documentation management, and Admissions Software Management. The role plays a critical role in supporting the mission of placing students in the least restrictive and most supportive educational environment.
Key Responsibilities
Legal & Advocacy Oversight
- Ensure the strength and viability of each placement case by coordinating thorough internal case review and documentation prior to impartial hearings or district engagement.
- Maintain and nurture strong relationships with external advocacy attorneys, ensuring Gersh remains a preferred placement referral for complex special education cases.
- Oversee the intake and collection of all required legal and clinical documentation necessary to initiate and sustain student placement.
- Supervise contract execution and documentation processes related to each student・・s placement, ensuring timely and compliant file completion.
- Partner with admissions and operations staff to streamline workflows that support legal onboarding and contract readiness.
- Oversee the accuracy and completeness of student records in Finalsite CRM, including timely upload of all remaining documents and ongoing data validation to support compliant and efficient admissions processing.
- Monitor case timelines and proactively follow up with attorneys, families, and internal teams to ensure timely submission of documentation and to accelerate case closure and enrollment decisions
Admissions Growth & Partnerships
- Identify and cultivate new and existing referral sources, including developmental pediatricians, neuropsychologists, advocates, attorneys, and independent evaluators.
- Develop and maintain strong, ongoing relationships with public school districts and special education directors to position Gersh Academy as a trusted out-of-district placement partner.
- Represent Gersh Academy at professional events, conferences, and within key networks in the special education legal and clinical communities.
- Work closely with the marketing and admissions teams to coordinate messaging and outreach strategies for various referral segments.
Leadership & Collaboration
- Report regularly on legal trends, referral activity, pipeline development, and case quality.
- Provide support and training to internal teams delivered by our attorneys regarding special education law, impartial hearing readiness, and document preparation.
- Collaborate with education, clinical, and administrative leaders to ensure a seamless experience for families during the admissions and legal advocacy process.
- Oversee the collaboration of the placement of the student with the local school campus leaders.
Qualifications
- Advanced degree in business, public policy, or special education preferred; significant experience in operations, special education advocacy or law required.
- Minimum of 7 years' experience working within operations, the special education legal system, advocacy space, or within a non-public placement environment.
- Deep knowledge of IDEA, FAPE, IEP processes, impartial hearings, and CSE meetings.
- Demonstrated success in building referral relationships with attorneys, districts, or evaluators.
- Highly organized with strong follow-through on documentation, contract workflows, and compliance.
- Proven process improvement in operations.
- Willingness and ability to travel regularly for meetings, events, and outreach opportunities.
- Prior work in a special education school or therapeutic setting.
Location: Remote with frequent travel
Benefits
Gersh Autism offers a competitive compensation package, including comprehensive health and retirement benefits, professional development opportunities, and a supportive work environment committed to your personal and professional growth.
- Health Care Plan (Medical, Dental & Vision)
- Retirement Plan (401k matching)
- Life Insurance (Basic, Voluntary & AD&D)
- Family Leave (Maternity, Paternity)
- Short-Term & Long-Term Disability
- Training & Development
The pay range for this role is $90,000-$120,000, which includes KRA bonus