Executive Dean, Access and Disability Support

Austin Community College•Austin, TX

5d•Onsite

About The Position

The Executive Dean provides districtwide leadership, strategic planning, and administrative oversight for Austin Community College’s Access and Disability Support (ADS) programs. The role sets the vision, priorities, and budget for centralized student access and disability support services; ensures compliance with the ADA, Section 504, and institutional policies; and represents ADS to college leadership, faculty, and the community. The Executive Dean leads and holds the ADS leadership team accountable and serves as the final decision-maker on policy and escalated cases. The role oversees data-driven accommodation services and program improvements intended to remove systemic barriers and support student retention and academic success. It manages department resources, staff development, compliance audits, and corrective actions, and partners with the ADA/504 coordinator or director to promote districtwide physical, digital, and instructional accessibility. The position also works with college divisions, committees, and community partners and serves as an information and referral resource on accessibility and disability support services. The position is based on-site at an assigned campus, with no remote option. Travel between campuses and other locations is required, as are in-person events and workshops that may occur some evenings or weekends. The work environment includes extended computer work and in-person communication. Physical demands include standing, walking, sitting, and occasional lifting of up to 10 pounds. Salary is commensurate with experience.

Requirements

Master’s degree.
Five years of related work experience, including management and supervisory experience in a higher education setting.
Knowledge of accessibility and universal design principles and best practices for policies, practices, and services for individuals with disabilities.
Knowledge of laws, rules, and regulations concerning students with disabilities, including the ADA and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act.
Knowledge of accessible, high-impact student support program design and implementation across student populations.
Knowledge of supervisory principles and methods for department and staff oversight.
Knowledge of data gathering and statistical reporting.
Knowledge of advanced institutional budget management and fiscal accountability.
Knowledge of institutional policy development and higher education governance structures.
Ability to use interpersonal and communication skills, tact, and diplomacy when collaborating with executive leadership and on inter-divisional decision-making bodies.
Ability to design, coordinate, and facilitate professional development for audiences with varied backgrounds and skill sets.
Strong organizational and planning skills, attention to detail, and follow-through.
Ability to maintain confidentiality of work-related information and materials.
Ability to monitor, direct, and support programs and staff working in person and remotely.
Ability to maintain an established work schedule.
Ability to travel between campuses and other locations and attend in-person events and workshops, including some evenings or weekends.
Ability to meet the physical demands of standing, walking, sitting, and occasionally lifting up to 10 pounds.

Nice To Haves

Master’s degree in Disability Studies, Vocational Rehabilitation, Rehabilitation Counseling, Human Development with an emphasis on disabilities, Accessibility Studies, Social Work, Higher Education Administration, or a closely related field.

Responsibilities

Direct districtwide strategic planning, program assessment, and operational oversight for Access and Disability Support in alignment with institutional goals.
Lead and hold accountable the Directors of Accommodations, Operations and Technology, and Sign Language Interpreting and Communication Access.
Manage department budget development and financial allocation, ensuring efficient use of resources within college guidelines.
Direct ongoing data collection, analysis, and reporting to improve program quality and operations.
Ensure ADS programs and services comply with the ADA, Section 504, and institutional policies.
Conduct at least bi-annual audits of representative student accommodation files to verify timely interactive processes, appropriate documentation, individualized accommodations, appeal notices, and secure recordkeeping.
Report audit findings to senior leadership within 30 days and implement corrective action plans, policy updates, and targeted staff training.
Partner with the ADA/504 coordinator or director to maintain districtwide physical, digital, and instructional accessibility.
Manage staff recruitment, hiring, training, performance evaluation, goal-setting, and progressive discipline in accordance with HR policies and employment law.
Develop a collaborative team environment and provide coaching and professional support.
Lead professional development and training for ADS staff, proctoring personnel, and faculty in coordination with Academic Affairs.
Assess training needs and maintain expertise in accessibility practices, assistive technology, Universal Design, and Universal Design for Learning.
Serve as a key liaison to the ADS Executive Advisory Committee and collaborate with Student Affairs, Academic Affairs, and Business Affairs leadership.
Represent ADS on college-wide committees and councils and participate in districtwide strategic initiatives, convocation, and commencement events.
Develop and support strategic collaborations with community partners.
Provide information and referrals to students, faculty, staff, and community members concerning student accessibility and disability support programs and services.
Maintain an established work schedule; monitor, direct, and support programs and staff working in person and remotely; facilitate professional development; apply organizational and planning skills; and maintain confidentiality.
Use spreadsheet, word processing, database, and presentation software.