Executive Director, Disability Services

Mount Holyoke College

4d•Onsite

About The Position

Mount Holyoke College seeks a visionary and student-centered Executive Director (ED) of Disability Services to lead efforts in fostering an inclusive, accessible, and equitable campus environment. This role reports to the Vice President of Student Life and Dean of Students, and is pivotal in supporting the College’s commitment to diversity, equity, and belonging, ensuring that disabled students are empowered to thrive academically and personally through being afforded equal opportunity for participation in services, programs, and activities offered by MHC. The Executive Director will oversee the Office of Disability Services, collaborate across departments, and advocate for inclusive practices and accessibility in all aspects of campus life. The ED will serve on the Student Life Leadership Team. This position leads to the development, implementation, and continuous improvement of programs that support student learning and co-curricular experiences. The ED serves as the campus expert for matters involving disability access issues that relate to students. The Division of Student Life of Mount Holyoke College, co-creates a vibrant and inclusive co-curricular campus life that enhances tradition, provides innovative community programming, ensures effective implementation of campus-wide programs, and encourages student leadership and involvement.

Requirements

Master’s degree in Rehabilitation Counseling, Educational Psychology, Higher Education Administration, Social Work, or a related field.
Minimum of 7 years of progressive experience in accessibility or disability resources, specifically within a higher education setting.
Proven track record in hiring, supervising, and training staff, along with strong fiscal management skills.
Deep understanding of disability law and the interactive process for determining reasonable accommodations.
Expertise in service delivery for accommodated testing, interpreting/captioning, alternative formats, and assistive technology.
Proficiency with case management and accommodations coordination software.
Exceptional interpersonal skills with the ability to navigate complex situations with empathy, discretion, and professional judgment.
A demonstrated passion for supporting diverse populations, including first-generation, LGBTQ+, and international students.
Demonstrated understanding of issues unique to the lived experience of disabled students in higher education.
Demonstrated commitment to equity, inclusion, and social justice.

Nice To Haves

Experience facilitating accommodations for Blind/Low Vision and Deaf/Hard of Hearing students is a plus.

Responsibilities

Strategic Leadership Develop and implement a comprehensive vision for disability services aligned with Mount Holyoke’s mission and values.
Oversee and coordinate a range of services, programs, resources, and procedures that support disabled students. This includes identifying student needs, interpreting relevant requirements, and ensuring appropriate accommodations are provided without compromising academic standards or requiring significant changes to academic programs.
Provide administrative direction and oversight for disability related resources (i.e., establishing department priorities, fiscal management, policy development, oversight of the application review and interactive process, supervision of educational and direct service activities for Disability Services staff).
Lead campus-wide initiatives to promote accessibility and inclusive practices, in collaboration with the Assistant Vice President of Compliance and Director of Civil Rights.
Program Management Full supervisory responsibility for direct reports including training, evaluating, and recommending pay, promotional or other employment decisions; act on personnel issues, and address grievances.
Manage the office’s budget, funding allocations, and record-keeping processes.
Oversee the determination and delivery of accommodations, services, and auxiliary aids for disabled students.
Compliance & Policy Ensure compliance with ADA, Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act, the Fair Housing Act, FERPA, and other relevant federal and state regulations along with MHC policies, as they relate to student academics and co-curricular activities.
Maintain confidential records and documentation in accordance with legal and ethical standards.
Oversee the preparation of departmental publications, statistical reports, and annual reports.
Serve as a College resource for interpretation and application of legal guidance relevant to disabled students.
Campus and Community Collaboration Partner with faculty, academic support services, residential life, and facilities to ensure accessibility in curricular and co-curricular spaces.
Provide training and consultation on disability-related topics, inclusive pedagogy, and effective accommodations implementation.
Actively participate in committees designed to facilitate access to programs, services, built environments, and digital environments.
Maintains cooperative relationships with vocational rehabilitation agencies, the Commission for the Blind, and other local, State and Federal agencies that work with disabled persons.
Student Support Advocate for access to participation for disabled students.
Oversee the facilitation of services and the coordination for ongoing support to students.
Responsible for responding to the concerns of disabled students per the DS grievance/appeals procedures.
Mediate disability-related academic issues between faculty and students.
Professional Engagement Represent Mount Holyoke in professional organizations and conferences.
Stay informed on emerging trends and best practices in disability resources and higher education.
Other duties as assigned.