Assistant Director – Phoenix Campus

Saavi; Phoenix, Northern (AZ, KY); Hybrid; USD 65,000 - 75,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

401(k) employer match

Paid time off

Flexible holidays

Professional development

Job summary

Saavi Services for the Blind in Phoenix seeks a dedicated Assistant Director to lead rehabilitation services for students, oversee training and logistics, and supervise staff. The role emphasizes nonvisual instruction, positive philosophy, and collaboration with a leadership team to advance program outcomes.

The position requires supervision experience in blindness rehab, advanced degrees, and relevant certifications.

Qualifications

• Master’s degree in Rehabilitation Counseling, Orientation & Mobility, Rehabilitation Teaching, or related field.
• Five years supervisory experience in a blindness rehabilitation program preferred.
• NBPCB or ACVREP certifications encouraged.

Responsibilities

• Provide supervision and support to assigned staff as program needs require.
• Oversee individualized program plans designed to support student success.
• Coordinate with the Center Director for consistent program and logistics.
• Serve as backup to the Center Director during their absence.
• Lead leadership meetings; provide student and program perspectives.
• Monitor student progress through advising and staffing.
• Coordinate with Vocational Rehabilitation to maintain referral files.
• Ensure schedules follow IPEs and SAAVI service plans.
• Represent SAAVI at professional events and community functions.

Skills

Leadership

Problem-solving

Communication

Team-building

Time management

Advocacy

Education

Master’s degree in Rehabilitation Counseling or related field

Bachelor’s degree in Rehabilitation Teaching or related field

Job description

Saavi Services for the Blind is seeking a dedicated and mission-driven Phoenix Assistant Director to provide leadership, organization, and oversight of services and logistical processes for rehabilitation students at the Phoenix campus. This position is responsible for overseeing student training plans, supervising assigned staff, and providing philosophical and operational guidance to support program success.

This role contributes directly to Saavi Services for the Blind’s mission to cultivate growth and opportunity for blind individuals through nonvisual skills training, empowering students to recognize that challenges have solutions while fostering self-efficacy, confidence, and independence. The Phoenix Assistant Director is expected to uphold and model a positive philosophy of blindness and contribute to the success of every student.

Through a strong partnership with the National Federation of the Blind (NFB), Saavi provides nationally recognized training grounded in a positive philosophy of blindness and the principles of Structured Discovery.

Position Overview

Based in Phoenix, the Assistant Director provides leadership, operational oversight, and administrative support to ensure high-quality services and successful program outcomes. The position assists with staff supervision, program implementation, student support, community engagement, and strategic initiatives while helping maintain a positive and productive organizational culture.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide supervision and support to assigned staff as program needs require.
• Oversee individualized program plans designed to support student success.
• Coordinate closely with the Center Director to ensure a consistent programmatic and logistical approach.
• Serve as the backup to the Center Director and provide leadership support during their absence.
• Participate as a member of the leadership team and provide student and program perspectives.
• Monitor and maintain individualized support for student progress through advising sessions and internal staffings.
• Ensure intake information provided by Vocational Rehabilitation counselors is collected and maintained in student referral files.
• Compile SAAVI assessment data and coordinate with scheduling staff to incorporate recommendations into student schedules.
• Ensure student services are scheduled consistently and in accordance with Individualized Plans for Employment (IPEs) and SAAVI service plans.
• Oversee the accurate and timely processing of recommended adaptive equipment for student distribution.
• Serve as a liaison with Vocational Rehabilitation counselors and facilitate regular staffing meetings.
• Coordinate communication and information sharing across rehabilitation center programs.
• Maintain an integrative approach that reflects SAAVI’s mission, philosophy, and organizational goals.
• Work collaboratively with staff to support student achievement and agency success.
• Serve as a positive role model in the use of nonvisual techniques, problem-solving, and self-advocacy.
• Demonstrate respect, professionalism, and inclusion in all interactions.
• Meet established deadlines and develop alternative plans when necessary to ensure successful completion of responsibilities.
• Support student learning through the integration of braille, assistive technology, cane travel, and independent living skills across all SAAVI environments.
• Ensure proper use of learning shades and canes during SAAVI training activities, as appropriate.
• Represent SAAVI at professional development opportunities, community events, and special functions.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

• Master’s degree in Rehabilitation Counseling, Orientation & Mobility, Rehabilitation Teaching, or related field; or Bachelor’s degree in Rehabilitation Teaching, Rehabilitation Services, or another blindness-related field. Minimum of five years of supervisory experience within a comprehensive blindness rehabilitation program preferred. Candidates with significant leadership and rehabilitation experience demonstrating comparable knowledge and competencies are encouraged to apply.
• NBPCB certification (NOMC, NCRTB, NCATB) or ACVREP certification in Orientation & Mobility or Rehabilitation Teaching highly encouraged.
• Excellent problem-solving and critical-thinking skills.
• Strong written and verbal communication abilities.
• Demonstrated leadership and team-building experience.
• Ability to utilize a creative and flexible approach to problem-solving.
• Demonstrated commitment to a positive philosophy of blindness and inclusive practices.
• Strong emotional intelligence and interpersonal communication skills.
• Experience advocating for individuals and promoting self-advocacy.
• Strong relationship-building and negotiation skills.
• Ability to work effectively within a collaborative team environment.
• Ability to independently initiate, prioritize, and complete job responsibilities.
• Experience with nonvisual instruction techniques.
• Strong organizational and time-management skills.
• Ability to professionally represent SAAVI at meetings, conferences, and community events.

Conditions of Employment

• Ability to work evenings and weekends as needed.
• Demonstrated commitment to a positive philosophy of blindness.
• Successful completion of SAAVI’s internal blindness immersion training.
• Ability to pass a Rehabilitation Services Administration (RSA) background check.
• Ability to obtain and maintain an approved DPS Fingerprint Clearance Card.
• If driving on behalf of SAAVI, possession of a valid Arizona Driver’s License and an acceptable driving record approved by SAAVI’s insurance carrier.

Compensation & Professional Development

The salary range for this position is $65,000-$75,000 annually, with placement within the range based on qualifications, experience, and demonstrated competencies.

SAAVI offers a comprehensive benefits package, including health, dental, and vision insurance; a 401(k) retirement plan with employer match; generous paid time off; flexible holidays; and ongoing professional development opportunities.