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Department:
Time Type:
Full time
Job Type:
FLSA Status:
ExemptWork Modality:
Union:
Job Description:
Summary:
The Senior Director in the Office of Student Disability Support oversees the provision of disability services for all students at American University including undergraduate, graduate, law school and non-degree students. The Senior Director has responsibility for overseeing services and accommodations for students with disabilities in compliance with 504/ADA/Fair Housing Act regulations. These services ensure 504/ADA/Fair Housing Act compliance and support student recruitment and retention strategies.
The Senior Director provides overarching guidance to comprehensive student disability support at American University and advocates for universal design principles to facilitate equitable access in all aspects of the student experience.
The Senior Director regularly collaborates with campus partners in all parts of the university, including, but not limited to, Dean of Student’s Office, Office of Campus Life, Office of Inclusive Excellence, Office of Student Affairs at WCL, Title IX & Equity Office, Housing & Residential Life, Dining & One Card, Counseling Center, and all academic advising units and academic departments.
This position works under minimal supervision and is expected to exercise sound judgment. The position acts as the lead student disability and student accommodations expert at the University.
Essential Functions:
1.) Operations Management
Represent the office on student issues related to disability support. Lead the collection and organization of data using the office’s case management system. Develop and revise office procedures related to accommodation provision. Work with the Associate and Assistant Directors and other leaders to monitor classroom accommodations, housing and dining accommodations, assistive technology and test and note-taking accommodations. Collaborate with Coordinator, Learning Services Program, to review program applications and to oversee the budget for the program. Though the supervision of the office staff, provides oversight of front desk and administrative functions supporting disability functions including hiring, training, and supervising student assistants. Ensures confidentiality of files and data.
2.) Consultation/Outreach
Consult with faculty members, advisors, and administrators on issues of 504/ADA/Fair Housing Act compliance for students with disabilities. Consult with health professionals in the Counseling Center, the Student Health Center, and in the community. Draft internal and university-wide policies relevant to disability compliance; consult on the effects of university policies and procedures on students with disabilities. Consult with General Counsel on high-level accommodation decisions and support the University in legal matters pertaining to student accommodations. Consult with Employee Relations to work towards consistency in accommodation decision-making. Advocate for inclusive campus access in concert with university architect and risk management staff. Advocate for increased use of universal design principles in instruction in collaboration with the Center for Faculty Excellence and individual faculty.
3.) People Management
Hire, train, onboard, and manage staff. This includes providing ongoing feedback, coaching, mentoring and evaluating performance. Identify and encourage participation in professional development and skill building opportunities for staff related to disability support. Conduct team meetings and individual supervision meetings. Ensure consistency between main campus and WCL disability operations.
4.) Direct Student Service
Decision maker with the most complex student cases regarding disability including, but not limited to, accommodations related to Title IX and Student Conduct investigations and students with multiple complex disability profiles. Responsible for reviewing student Accommodation Reconsideration requests using ADA/504/Fair Housing Act regulations. Consult with relevant University offices/colleagues to determine accommodation reasonability.
5.) Other Duties as Assigned
Stays abreast of disability trends and changing regulations. Participates in relevant professional development and provides Disability Team with new guidance/updates.
Supervisory Responsibility:
The Senior Director supervises the following: two Associate Director, Disability Support, one Assistant Director, Disability Support & Assistive Technology, and Coordinator, Learning Services Program.
Competencies:
Acting Ethically and With Integrity.
Building and Supporting Teams.
Championing Customer Needs.
Developing Plans.
Evaluating and Implementing Ideas.
Making Accurate Judgments and Decisions.
Managing Talent.
Supporting a Diverse and Inclusive Community.
Position Type/Expected Hours of Work:
Full-time.
35 hours per week.
Salary Range:
$105,000.00 - $110,000.00 annually.
Required Education and Experience:
Master's degree.
8 - 10 years of relevant experience.
Preferred Education and Experience:
10+ years of relevant experience.
Additional Eligibility Qualifications:
1.) Training and/or Experience:
8 - 10 years experience in disability support programs and with ADA/504/Fair Housing Act compliance.
Experience reviewing disability documentation and providing disability accommodations at the postsecondary level.
Demonstrated expertise in accommodating students with disabilities, as well as in academic skill development and counseling.
Demonstrated public speaking ability and excellent verbal and written communication skills.
Previous supervisory experience.
Knowledge of developmental issues for college students and adults in postsecondary settings, transition and retention factors, mental health issues that affect college students, and diagnostic procedures for learning disabilities and ADHD.
Other Duties:
Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities and activities may change at any time with or without notice.
Benefits
AU offers a competitive benefits package. Click here to learn about American University's unique benefit options.
Other Details
Hiring offers for this position are contingent on successful completion of a background check.
Employees in staff positions at American University must deliver their services to the university from either the District of Columbia, Maryland, or Virginia, or perform work on-site at the university.
Please note this job announcement is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time with or without notice.
American University is an E-Verify employer.
Current American University Employees
American University current employees must apply through their employee Workday account. If you are a current employee at American University, please log into Workday and select the Find Jobs report which will take you to our internal career listings.
Contact Us
For more information or assistance with the American University careers site, email theworkline@american.edu.
American University is an equal opportunity, affirmative action institution that operates in compliance with applicable laws and regulations. The university does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, religion, sex (including pregnancy), age, sexual orientation, disability, marital status, personal appearance, gender identity and expression, family responsibilities, political affiliation, source of income, veteran status, an individual’s genetic information or any other bases under federal or local laws (collectively "Protected Bases") in its programs and activities.