Director of Access and Academic Support

Franklin W Olin College of Engineering•Needham, MA

77d•Onsite

About The Position

The Director of Access and Academic Support provides strategic leadership in advancing equity, accessibility, and academic achievement across Olin College. Reporting to the Assistant Dean of Student Affairs, the Director oversees Disability Services at Olin (DSO) and Academic Support, fostering an inclusive learning environment where all students can thrive. This role provides vision and leadership for campus-wide accessibility initiatives, tutoring and academic support services, and training programs focused on disability awareness and universal design. Central to the Director's work is building strong, trust-based relationships with students, faculty, and staff through authentic communication, creativity, and intellectual curiosity. The Director partners broadly across the College to ensure that Olin's academic and co-curricular environments not only meet the standards of disability law but also reflect the College's deep commitment to innovation, inclusion, and student success. This is a hands-on leadership role, combining strategic direction with direct service to students, faculty, and staff in the delivery of accessibility and academic support programs. This is an in-person/on-campus position based in Needham, MA.

Requirements

Master's degree in education, counseling, higher education administration, or a related field
At least seven years of progressive experience in accessibility services, disability resources, student success, or closely related areas, including a minimum of four years in leadership or management roles.
Demonstrated ability to provide both strategic leadership and direct program delivery in accessibility and student support services
Demonstrated expertise in the application of disability rights laws and FERPA within higher education contexts.
Proven ability to lead institution-wide initiatives, partner effectively across academic and administrative divisions, and cultivate shared ownership of accessibility and student success priorities.
Experience supervising and mentoring professional or student staff, with a collaborative, coaching-oriented leadership style that empowers others.
Strong skills in data-informed decision-making, program assessment, and continuous improvement, particularly in relation to student learning and well-being.
Exceptional written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills, with a demonstrated capacity for empathy, diplomacy, and influence across diverse constituencies.
A creative and strategic problem-solver who brings curiosity, flexibility, and a commitment to innovation in both process and practice.
Demonstrated understanding of and commitment to values of equity, access, and belonging as integral components of student learning and success.

Nice To Haves

Doctoral degree is preferred.
Experience leading accessibility and student success initiatives within a STEM-focused or highly collaborative academic environment is preferred.
Familiarity with assistive technologies, universal design for learning (UDL), and student information systems (e.g., Jenzabar, Banner) or related platforms is preferred.
Demonstrated ability to thrive in innovative, evolving, or experimental learning environments where creativity and adaptability are essential.

Responsibilities

Provide strategic and operational leadership for institutional accessibility, ensuring compliance with the ADA , Section 504, and other applicable regulations while proactively advancing inclusive practices.
Serve as Olin's subject-matter expert on student accessibility, maintaining current knowledge of legislation, Office for Civil Rights guidance, and emerging trends in higher education.
Partner closely with faculty to promote inclusive pedagogy and universal design, ensuring the effective implementation of academic accommodations and equitable learning environments.
Coordinate and lead the process for housing and dining accommodations in partnership with Residence Life and Dining Services, ensuring consistency, fairness, and timeliness in student support.
Establish and chair the Accommodation Review Committee, guiding a collaborative, student-centered process for complex accommodation determinations.
Champion the strategic adoption and campus-wide integration of assistive technologies that enhance accessibility and foster student success.
Engage with prospective students and families to communicate Olin's commitment to access, inclusion, and belonging throughout the admissions and onboarding process.
Collaborate with campus partners to ensure all events and programs are accessible to students.
Provide vision and leadership for Olin's academic support services, aligning tutoring, skill-building, and resilience initiatives with institutional goals and student needs.
Design, implement, and continually strengthen the peer tutoring program, cultivating a culture of learning, collaboration, and academic excellence.
Directly manage the Academic Resource Consultant (ARC) program, guiding peer-led initiatives that strengthen students' academic and executive function skills; directly supervise student staff supporting tutoring and ARC operations.
Partner with Student Affairs and Academic Affairs to integrate academic support efforts into broader student success strategies.
Lead ongoing assessment of academic support programs, using data and feedback to evaluate impact and drive improvement.
Lead the development and delivery of campus-wide education, workshops, and training on accessibility, equity, and universal design for learning.
Develop and share resources that normalize accessibility as a foundation of Olin's academic culture and community values.
Serve as a visible and trusted campus leader, advisor, and thought partner on issues of access, inclusion, and student success.
Serve as an active member of the CARE Team and other institutional committees addressing student well-being, retention, and academic progress.
Collaborate with senior leadership, faculty, and staff to implement institutional strategies that advance access, belonging, and academic achievement across the student experience.
Represent Olin in professional networks and external organizations, positioning the College as a leader and innovator in accessibility, inclusion, and student success.