ADA/504 Coordinator

Santa Clara University; Hall (IN); On-site; USD 103,000 - 129,000; Full time

Job summary

Santa Clara University seeks an ADA/504 Coordinator to serve as the institution's primary compliance officer for disability access under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act, and related laws. The role drives governance and policy across the university and its affiliates.

The position leads education, training, grievance processes, data reporting, and risk management while coordinating with IT, Facilities, HR, and academic affairs to advance

Qualifications

• Comprehensive understanding of the ADA, ADAAA, Sections 503, 504 and 508, and related provisions.
• Knowledge of higher education structures, program delivery, and shared governance.
• Familiarity with WCAG and universal design principles.
• Familiarity with professional conduct standards for various professional programs.

Responsibilities

• Serve as the University’s designated ADA/504 Coordinator, ensuring compliance with all applicable laws.
• Provide leadership for the Deputy ADA Coordinator for Digital Accessibility.
• Develop, implement, and maintain university-wide policies for equal access to programs and services.
• Oversee accommodation processes and ensure consistency across OAE and HR ADA teams.
• Lead self-evaluations, transition plans, and audits for accessibility.
• Monitor updates in disability law and disseminate compliance information.

Skills

Analytical skills

Communication

Writing abilities

Training program leadership

Data analysis

Confidentiality

Education

Master’s or graduate degree

Job description

Position Title:

ADA/504 Coordinator

Position Type:

Regular

Hiring Range:

$102,800 - $128,560 / annual; Compensation will be based on education, experience, skills relevant to the role, and internal equity.

Pay Frequency:

Annual

POSITION PURPOSE

This position is designated to serve as the ADA/504 Coordinator for the University and its affiliates where the University has an employment or program interest. The ADA/504 Coordinator serves as the institution’s primary compliance officer for disability access under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act, and related state and federal laws. This position reports to the Vice President for Inclusive Excellence.

The primary purpose of this position is to ensure that the appropriate policies, processes, and resources are in place across the University and its affiliates to support full accessibility and equitable accommodation in all university information, services, programs, and activities. This includes monitoring and oversight of accessibility related to physical environments, technologies, web pages, learning management systems, employment practices, and programmatic access. The role ensures institutional compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 (“ADA”), the Americans with Disabilities Amendments Act of 2008 (“ADAAA”), Sections 503, 504, and 508 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, the 2010 ADA Standards for Accessible Design, Access Board Standards, the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG), and relevant California state laws, including those under the Fair Employment and Housing Act (FEHA), Cal. Gov. Code § 12900 et seq., and Title 2 of the California Code of Regulations (CCR) §§ 11065–11098.

As the University’s primary authority on accessibility, the ADA/504 Coordinator develops and implements education and training programs, tracks compliance data, prepares institutional reports, leads accessibility workgroups, participates on university committees, and advises leadership on systemic accessibility improvements and risk management strategies.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

I. ADA/504 Governance and Compliance Oversight

• Serve as the University’s designated ADA/504 Coordinator, ensuring institutional compliance with all applicable federal and state disability access laws and regulations.

• Provide leadership and supervision for the Deputy ADA Coordinator for Digital Accessibility

• Develop, implement, and maintain University-wide policies that support equal access to programs, services, and activities for individuals with disabilities.

• Ensure alignment and oversight of student and employee accommodation processes, maintaining consistency in standards across the Office of Accessible Education (OAE) and Human Resources ADA Team.

• Lead or coordinate institutional self-evaluations and transition plans required under federal and state law, including audits of facilities, technology, and programs for accessibility.

• Monitor and interpret updates in federal and state disability law and disseminate information to ensure institutional awareness and compliance readiness.

II. ADA/504 Grievance Process Oversight and Risk Management

• Oversee the University’s ADA/504 grievance process, ensuring disability-related complaints and appeals are managed promptly, impartially, consistently, and in accordance with applicable federal and state law, University policy, and established grievance procedures. Manage and resolve grievance matters elevated to the ADA/504 Coordinator, exercising independent judgment to investigate concerns, facilitate equitable resolutions, coordinate institutional responses, and mitigate legal, operational, and reputational risk.

• Serve as the University’s lead subject matter expert for complex ADA/504 determinations including analyses involving fundamental alteration, essential requirements/functions, undue burden, equally effective alternatives, and other high-risk compliance matters. Consult with University leadership, General Counsel, and subject matter experts, as appropriate.

• Provide proactive consultation and early intervention to resolve disability-related concerns before they elevate into formal grievances, investigations, or external complaints.

• Maintain confidential grievance records; analyze grievance trends, outcomes, and recurring issues; and recommend policy, procedural, and training improvements that strengthen institutional compliance, reduce institutional risk, and enhance accessibility across the University.

III. Consultation, Advisory, and Institutional Partnership

• Provide expert consultation and guidance to senior leadership, deans, managers, and supervisors on ADA/504 compliance, accommodation disputes, and systemic accessibility improvements.

• Collaborate with key partners—including Facilities, IT, Procurement, HR, Academic Affairs, and Student Life—to proactively identify and remove digital, physical, and procedural barriers.

• Advise and assist units in integrating accessibility and universal design principles into institutional planning, facilities projects, and technology procurement.

• Partner with internal stakeholders and, as appropriate, support senior leadership in engagements with external agencies (e.g., Office for Civil Rights) on ADA/504 compliance matters and related investigations.

IV. Education, Training, and Awareness

• Develop and deliver training for faculty, staff, and administrators on disability law, reasonable accommodation, digital accessibility, and inclusive practices.

• Create and distribute educational materials that clarify ADA/504 obligations and promote understanding of accessibility as part of institutional inclusion.

• Plan and implement awareness initiatives and educational events to advance a culture of accessibility and inclusion across the University.

V. Data, Reporting, and Continuous Improvement

• Collect, track, and analyze data regarding accommodation requests, grievances, and accessibility initiatives to identify systemic trends and compliance risks.

• Prepare annual and ad hoc reports on ADA/504 compliance, institutional progress, and identified risk areas for University leadership.

• Use findings from data analyses and grievance outcomes to recommend continuous improvements in accessibility practices, policy, and infrastructure.

VI. Representation and Institutional Engagement

• Represent the University on internal and external committees, task forces, and working groups focused on accessibility, compliance, belonging, equity, and inclusion.

• Build partnerships and maintain effective relationships with peer institutions, professional organizations, and agencies to enhance institutional practice and awareness.

VII. Additional Responsibilities

• Perform other duties as assigned to ensure full institutional compliance with ADA/504 obligations and to promote a culture of access, equity, and inclusion.

GENERAL GUIDELINES

• Recommends initiatives and implements changes to improve quality and services

• Identifies and determines the cause(s) of problems; develops and presents recommendations for improvement of established processes and practices

• Maintains contact with students and solicits feedback for improved services

• Works evenings and weekends to meet student availability and needs

• Maximizes productivity through use of appropriate tools, planned training, and performance initiatives

• Researches and develops resources that create a timely and efficient workflow

• Prepares progress reports; informs the supervisor of project status and deviation from goals

• Ensures completeness, accuracy, and timeliness of all operational functions

QUALIFICATIONS

KNOWLEDGE

• Comprehensive understanding of the ADA, ADAAA, Sections 503, 504, and 508 of the Rehabilitation Act, and relevant California FEHA provisions.
• Knowledge of higher education organizational structures, program delivery, and shared governance systems.
• Familiarity with digital accessibility standards (WCAG) and universal design principles.
• Familiarity with technical or professional conduct standards for a variety of technical and professional academic programs (including social work, law, education, and health professional programs)
• Familiarity with department of labor standards for workplace essential functions, specifically within the industry of post-secondary institutions
• Knowledge of best practices in case management, policy implementation, and systemic compliance assessment.

SKILLS

• Strong analytical and investigative skills, particularly in fundamental alteration and essential function analyses.
• Excellent communication and facilitation skills with diverse stakeholder groups.
• Strong writing and policy drafting abilities.
• Skill in developing and leading effective training programs.
• Proficiency in data analysis, tracking systems, and compliance documentation.
• Ability to build trust and maintain confidentiality in complex and sensitive matters

ABILITIES

• Exercise sound judgment and discretion in managing sensitive compliance issues.
• Interpret, apply, and communicate complex legal and regulatory concepts clearly.
• Build effective relationships and collaborate across academic, administrative, and operational units.
• Balance institutional compliance needs with a human-centered approach to access and inclusion.
• Lead projects and teams effectively in a dynamic university environment.

EDUCATION

Master’s or graduate professional degree in higher education administration, counseling, social work, public administration, law, or a closely related field required.

EXPERIENCE

Required:

• Minimum of 7 years of progressively responsible experience in accessibility, compliance, or disability services, or a combination of relevant experience and education
• Demonstrated experience leading or overseeing ADA/504 compliance programs, including policy development and grievance resolution.

Preferred:

• Professional experience in a relevant role in a University or College setting; and/or experience working closely with University's and Colleges.
• Supervisory experience.
• Licensure as a counselor, social worker, psychologist, or Certified Rehabilitation Counselor.
• Legal training and experience with disability law and regulations
• Prior Director/Senior level experience in ADA/504 program administration or related compliance roles.
• Familiarity with technical or professional conduct standards for professionally accredited and licensure-based academic programs (e.g., social work, education, health proficiencies).
• Experience with Department of Labor standards and workplace essential function analyses.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

The physical demands described below are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. In accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, as amended, the California Fair Employment & Housing Act, and all other applicable laws, SCU provides reasonable accommodations for qualified persons with disabilities. A qualified individual is a person who meets skill, experience, education, or other requirements of the position, and who can perform the essential functions of the position with or without reasonable accommodation.

• Considerable time is spent at a desk using a computer terminal.
• Requires some physical activity that could include lifting up to 10 lbs, moving tables and chairs, setting up food and other activities related to event implementation.
• May be required to travel to other buildings on the campus.
• May be required to attend conference and training sessions within Bay Area or in- or out-of-state locations.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

• Typical office environment
• Mostly an indoor office environment
• Periods of remote work possible based on operational needs

Telecommute

Santa Clara University is registered to do business in the following states: California, Nevada, Oregon, Washington, Arizona, and Illinois. Employees approved to telecommute are required to perform their work within one of these states.

EEO Statement

Equal Opportunity/Notice of Nondiscrimination

Santa Clara University is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants are encouraged to apply and will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, ethnicity, national origin, citizenship, ancestry, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender expression, gender identity, marital status, parental status, veteran or military status, physical or mental disability, medical conditions, pregnancy or related conditions, reproductive health decision making, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local laws. For a complete copy of Santa Clara University’s equal opportunity and nondiscrimination policies, please visit the Office of Equal Opportunity and Title IX website at https://www.scu.edu/title-ix/.

Clery Notice of Availability

Santa Clara University annually collects information about campus crimes and other reportable incidents in accordance with the federal Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act. To view the Santa Clara University report, please visit the Campus Safety Services website. To request a paper copy please call Campus Safety at [phone]. The report includes the type of crime, venue, and number of occurrences.

Americans with Disabilities Act

Consistent with its obligations under the law, Santa Clara University will provide reasonable accommodations to applicants and employees with disabilities. Applicants who wish to request a reasonable accommodation for any part of the application or hiring process should contact the Department of Human Resources ADA Team at [e-mail] or by phone at [phone]. Please note: This contact information is intended for accommodation requests only. Resumes or inquiries about application status sent to this inbox will not be reviewed or forwarded. For resumes or questions regarding application status, please contact [e-mail].