Director for Student Disability Services and Accessibility

NEIU • Chicago, IL

23d • $85,000 - $90,000

About The Position

The Director of Student Disability Services and Accessibility serves as the designated senior administrator for this department and reports to the Vice President for Student Affairs and Dean of Students. The Director leads the University in developing a seamless, accessible curricular and co‑curricular environment for students with disabilities while ensuring compliance with federal and state statutes (ADA/ADAAA, Section 504, Section 508) and University policies. The Director develops programs and services based on needs assessment and evaluation; supervises a staff engaged in direct service provision; and promotes universally designed physical, programmatic, policy, and attitudinal environments through consultation and collaboration. The Director acts as an advisory contact and collaborator to the university community in achieving curricular access, considering reasonable accommodations, and identifying academic policies that may negatively impact disabled students; the Director is actively involved in training, problem‑solving, and consultation with Academic Affairs, Colleges, and faculty. As a Student Affairs Leadership Team member, the Director represents Student Affairs and the University with a wide range of off‑campus professional and community organizations (e.g., AHEAD, state/federal agencies, community advocacy partners). The Director provides strategic vision for SDS aligned with the Division of Student Affairs and the University's strategic plan, establishes measurable outcomes, and reports on progress to institutional stakeholders (e.g., accreditation, compliance, President’s strategic initiatives).

Requirements

• Master’s or doctorate in a field related to disability, teaching/education, curricular design, human services, counseling, higher education/student affairs, or related fields.
• Minimum five (5) years of experience working with individuals with disabilities in secondary or post‑secondary settings and five (5) years of progressively responsible administrative/management experience.
• Knowledge of federal and state laws regarding access for people with disabilities; familiarity with models of disability, UDL, and inclusive educational design.
• Experience with organizational planning, assessment, and using data (dashboards/KPIs) to improve services; ability to partner with Institutional Research for analysis and reporting.
• Demonstrated experience recruiting, supervising, and evaluating professional and student staff.
• Understanding of budget development and management from diverse funding sources; experience writing and administering grants.
• Strong oral and written communication skills and demonstrated commitment to equity, inclusion, and a diverse campus community.
• Proficiency with relevant technology (e.g., accommodation/case‑management systems, assistive technology, learning management systems).

Nice To Haves

• Experience in an urban university context preferred.
• Minimum eight (8) years of experience working with individuals with disabilities in secondary or post‑secondary settings and eight (8) years of progressively responsible administrative/management experience.
• Strong modification and accommodation experiences as a resource for university or college faculty, staff, and students.

Responsibilities

• Strategic Planning & Assessment
• Program & Resource Management
• Curricular Integration, Training & Programming
• Campus & Community Partnerships
• Student & Faculty Services
• Leadership & Supervision
• Housing Modifications and Accommodations
• Other Duties Perform additional responsibilities as assigned to support the Division and the University.

Benefits

• University employees may be eligible for a variety of State of Illinois benefits.
• These benefits are administered through the Illinois Department of Central Management Service (CMS).
• Please visit our Employee Benefits page to learn more about our comprehensive benefits package including health, dental, and vision benefits, sick and vacation days, and participation in the State Universities Retirement System.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Director