Assistant Director, Disability Services

George Mason University•Fairfax, VA

37d•$70,000•Hybrid

About The Position

Reporting to the Associate Director, the Assistant Director of Disability Services plays a key role in promoting accessibility and equal opportunity across university programs and services. While directly supervising a team of Access Consultants and wage staff, this position provides guidance on accommodation processes, and works directly with students to determine reasonable accommodations under ADA and Section 504, with potential focus areas such as Law School and Housing accommodations. The Assistant Director collaborates with students, faculty, staff, parents, and community members; serves on relevant university committees, and engages in educational initiatives that advance campus accessibility, awareness, and an all-inclusive design.

Requirements

Master’s degree in related field or equivalent combination of education and experience;
Professional experience typically obtained in 3+ years in disability services or related student support roles;
Experience typically obtained in 1+ years providing leadership and/or supervision to professional staff, graduate assistants, or student employees;
Experience determining, coordinating, and/or implementing academic and/or housing accommodations for students with disabilities under ADA/Section 504, including reviewing disability documentation and engaging in interactive accommodation processes with students and faculty;
Experience maintaining confidential student records and using case management or accommodation tracking systems (e.g., AIM, Accommodate, ClockWork);
Knowledge of relevant disability laws such as Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act, the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA and ADAAA), the Fair Housing Act, and other relevant federal and state compliance requirements;
Knowledge about disability related assessments, accessibility-related issues/barriers and accommodation processes;
Ability to work collaboratively in a group and/or independently with various stakeholders;
Ability to analyze and evaluate information to support effective problem solving;
Ability to communicate clearly and professionally both verbally and in writing, including ability to maintain detailed records;
Ability to effectively prioritize, delegate, and meet deadlines when managing multiple priorities;
Demonstrated leadership and supervisory skills to effectively manage teams and promote professional development within the team; and
Ability to work occasional weekends and evenings to support accommodation processes and education/ outreach initiatives.

Nice To Haves

Progressive professional experience in disability services or related student support roles within a higher education setting;
Experience with assistive technology and digital accessibility tools;
Experience applying and/or training on Universal Design for Learning (UDL) or all-inclusive pedagogy principles;
Experience educating or training faculty, staff, or students on disability awareness, practices that reduce barriers or implementation of accommodations/accessibility compliance;
Experience with policy development, assessment, or program administration in higher education disability resources;
Demonstrated knowledge of assistive technology, including evaluating, implementing, and supporting tools that enhance accessibility for students with disabilities;
Ability to develop and deliver effective presentations to various campus stakeholders and community partners;
Understanding best practices for collaborating with disability services and accessibility resources in higher education; and
Adaptability to changing laws, institutional policies, and student needs.

Responsibilities

Leads the unit’s access and accommodation processes, ensuring consistent, high-quality service delivery;
Provides mentorship and support to the Access Consultant team to promote professional growth and effective student case management;
Advises and assists Access Consultants with complex accommodation determinations and serves as a secondary reviewer for challenging cases, ensuring students receive appropriate access while supporting staff development; and
Maintains an individual caseload as appropriate and ensures compliance with ADA, Section 504, and institutional policy.
Provides effective direct supervision to approximately 3-5 employees, including full-time Access Consultants and wage staff;
Sets clear performance expectations, goals and deadlines aligned with unit, divisional, and university strategic plans;
Communicates expectations effectively, monitors employee productivity and development, and provides continuous feedback and coaching to support staff growth and accountability;
Prepares and conducts timely performance evaluations, and maintains accurate records of employee performance, feedback, and disciplinary actions, ensuring adherence to legal and university policies and procedures;
Collaborates with UL divisional partners/stakeholders to address performance concerns; and
Encourages and supports ongoing professional development opportunities for staff, ensuring they have the tools and training needed to succeed in their roles.
Serves as a liaison and resource for faculty, staff, and campus partners on disability-related accommodations, access issues, and best practices; and
Collaborates with campus stakeholders to promote accessibility and resolve implementation barriers.
Develops and delivers training and outreach on disability accessibility, all-inclusive pedagogy, and compliance/legal responsibilities;
Outreach is provided to a range of internal stakeholders, such as academic departments, student organizations, student groups, and support units, as well as external partners, including high schools and community resources; and
Partners with stakeholders in the planning and implementation of campus events and professional development initiatives that enhance accessibility and create a sense of belonging for students with disabilities.
With unit leadership, oversees coordination of day-to-day office operations, implements procedures, and supports program assessment, data reporting, and service delivery improvements;
Supports Disability Services Testing Center operations to ensure implementation of test related accommodations;
Participates in strategic planning and departmental projects as appropriate;
Attends and actively participates in divisional all-staff meetings, trainings, and other mandatory events, including in-person events at the Fairfax Campus, Mason Square Campus, and SciTech Campus to stay informed, support professional development, and contribute to a cohesive and effective team environment across University Life; and
Performs additional tasks as directed by the Associate Director or Director to support the mission, compliance, and operation of Disability Services and/or University Life.