We currently have an exciting career opportunity available to join the HKNC team as an Administrative Coordinator and DeafBlind CoNavigator.
The Administrative Coordinator & DeafBlind Co-Navigator provides high-level executive and communication access support to the Associate Executive Director (AED). This role is a dedicated, position‑specific support function that integrates executive coordination with specialized DeafBlind access services to ensure immediate, reliable, and effective communication access for leadership, decision‑making, and organizational responsibilities. The incumbent operates within a Co‑Navigator model, facilitating access to information, environments, and communication while supporting the AED’s autonomy, informed decision‑making, and full participation.
This is a full‑time position based out of our training building in Sands point, NY.
Salary: $75‑$85k annually.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
Executive Communication Access (PRIMARY FUNCTION)
- Provide real‑time communication access for the Associate Executive Director across all leadership, operational, and external engagements.
- Facilitate communication using preferred methods, including tactile ASL, ProTactile, close vision, or other modalities.
- Ensure immediate access to support executive decision‑making, leadership meetings, crisis response situations, and external stakeholder engagement.
- Convey complex environmental and visual information through Protactile/Haptics, including meeting dynamics, speaker identification, group interactions, visual/environmental/spatial context, and written or digital materials such as emails, reports, and presentations.
- Ensure materials are in an accessible format such as braille, PDF or Word document.
- Assist in synthesizing and organizing information to support executive‑level preparation, participation, decision‑making, and follow‑up.
Administrative Coordination
- Manage the AED’s calendar, scheduling, and prioritization of meetings.
- Coordinate national and high‑level meetings, including advisory committees and stakeholder engagements.
- Prepare and organize reports, presentations, briefing materials, and related documentation.
- Support documentation for federal/state reporting and funding initiatives.
- Assist with travel planning, logistics, and meeting preparation.
- Support professional communications on behalf of the AED, including drafting, coordinating, and tracking timely follow‑up with internal and external stakeholders.
Co‑Navigation, Engagement & Travel Support
- Support navigation and mobility as needed using appropriate human guiding techniques.
- Provide co‑navigation and communication facilitation support during external engagements, conferences, federal/state meetings, workshops, advisory forums, stakeholder meetings, and national travel.
- Coordinate in advance with event organizers, local agencies, service providers, and accessibility teams to support accommodations, access arrangements, travel logistics, and participation needs.
- Assist with external engagement logistics, including scheduling, travel coordination, materials preparation, and meeting access.
- Support post‑engagement follow‑up by helping organize key takeaways, action items, and communication outputs.
- Maintain flexibility to travel nationally with the AED.
- Maintain neutrality, accuracy, discretion, and confidentiality at all times.
Performs other duties as assigned by immediate supervisor or other levels of Administration.
REQUIRED EDUCATION and/or EXPERIENCE
- Bachelor’s degree required; Master’s degree preferred in a related field (e.g., rehabilitation counseling, Deaf studies, human services, public administration, or related discipline)
- Minimum of 3–5 years of experience supporting individuals who are DeafBlind, preferably in professional, organizational, or administrative environments
- Demonstrated experience facilitating complex communication in dynamic, multi‑stakeholder settings
- Proficiency in ASL and/or Protactile communication methods required.
- Advanced proficiency with Microsoft 365 applications, including Word, Excel, Outlook, and Teams required.
- Strong organizational, coordination, and communication skills
- Ability to manage sensitive and confidential information
At HKS we strive to provide a healthy work‑life balance for our employees. We offer generous paid time off and comprehensive benefit package including:
- Medical Insurance
- Vision Insurance
- Paid vacation
- Paid Personal Days
- 11 Paid Holidays Off Annually
- Life Insurance
- Short/Long Term Disability
- 403b Program w/Employer Match
- Flexible Spending/Healthcare Savings Accounts
- Voluntary Ancillary Plans
- Employee Assistance Program
HKS is committed to providing reasonable workplace accommodations to individuals with illness, injury, or disability to complete the essential functions of their job.