Director, Accessibility Resource Center

UDC College of Arts & Sciences; Campus (IL); On-site; USD 88,000 - 102,000; Full time

Job summary

UDC College of Arts & Sciences seeks a Director for the Accessibility Resource Center to provide strategic leadership and ensure inclusive access across university campuses.

You will oversee accommodations, manage staff and budgets, and collaborate with leaders to advance equity and student success in disability services and learning environments.

Qualifications

• Master's degree in Rehabilitation Counseling, Counseling, Higher Education Administration, Student Affairs, Disability Studies, Psychology, Social Work, Special Education, or a related field.
• Professional licensure or certification (e.g., CRC, LPC, LCPC, LSW, or comparable credential) preferred or required where applicable.
• A minimum of five (5) years of progressively responsible professional experience in higher education disability services, accessibility services, ADA compliance, or related areas, including supervisory experience.
• Excellent communication (oral and written) and presentation skills.
• Excellent interpersonal skills with demonstrated ability to interact effectively with students, faculty, staff, and university stakeholders of diverse backgrounds.
• Excellent judgment and problem‑solving abilities in complex contexts.

Responsibilities

• Provide strategic leadership and administrative oversight for the Accessibility Resource Center by establishing departmental priorities, directing daily operations, developing policies and procedures, managing fiscal and personnel resources, and continuously evaluating programs to ensure high-quality, student-centered accessibility services.
• Oversees the interactive process for determining reasonable accommodations, reviews complex accommodation requests, resolves accommodation disputes, and provides consultation regarding disability-related matters.
• Lead assessment, planning, and continuous improvement initiatives by establishing performance measures, evaluating program effectiveness, analyzing emerging student needs and accessibility trends, and implementing strategic improvements that enhance service delivery and support institutional goals.
• Ensures compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), ADA Amendments Act (ADAAA), Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act, FERPA, applicable OCR guidance, District of Columbia regulations, and University policies.
• Develop and maintain collaborative partnerships with University leadership, academic and administrative departments, community organizations, and external stakeholders to identify and remove barriers to accessibility, coordinate campus-wide accessibility initiatives, and promote an inclusive educational environment.

Skills

Communication skills

Interpersonal skills

Judgment & problem solving

Strategic planning

Public speaking

Education

Master's degree in Rehabilitation Counseling or related field

Professional licensure/certification (CRC, LPC, LCPC, LSW)

Tools

Assistive technologies

Job description

Number of Vacancies:

1

Area of Consideration:

Open to the Public

Position Status:

Full-Time, Regular

Salary Range:

$88,2297.07 - $102,249.91

Closing Date:

Best consideration by August 24, 2026

Location:

4200 Connecticut Ave NW

Brief Description of Duties

The Director, Accessibility Resource Center supports the Division of Student Development and Success by providing strategic leadership for the University's accessibility and disability services programs. This position directs the delivery of accommodations and accessibility initiatives, oversees departmental operations and compliance with applicable laws, and collaborates with University leadership, faculty, staff, students, and external partners to foster an inclusive learning environment. As part of Student Development and Success, the role advances UDC's commitment to equity, student success, and full access to educational opportunities for students with disabilities. The incumbent leads the Accessibility Resource Center (ARC), ensuring the provision of disability accommodations on all University campuses, effective management of staff and budget, and all aspects of ARC operations. The incumbent must be able to work at a maximum level of efficiency while ensuring that all students are served as effectively as possible. The incumbent evaluates emerging trends and student needs and interfaces with other university and community stakeholders as an advocate for accessibility for students. The incumbent should remain abreast of the state-of-the-art techniques and disability services principles and practices. The incumbent also oversees faculty and staff training on accessibility issues and writes reports and delivers oral presentations to foster an accessible learning environment.

Essential Duties And Responsibilities

• Provide strategic leadership and administrative oversight for the Accessibility Resource Center by establishing departmental priorities, directing daily operations, developing policies and procedures, managing fiscal and personnel resources, and continuously evaluating programs to ensure high-quality, student-centered accessibility services.
• Oversees the interactive process for determining reasonable accommodations, reviews complex accommodation requests, resolves accommodation disputes, and provides consultation regarding disability-related matters.
• Lead assessment, planning, and continuous improvement initiatives by establishing performance measures, evaluating program effectiveness, analyzing emerging student needs and accessibility trends, and implementing strategic improvements that enhance service delivery and support institutional goals.
• Ensures compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), ADA Amendments Act (ADAAA), Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act, FERPA, applicable Office for Civil Rights (OCR) guidance, District of Columbia regulations, and University policies.
• Develop and maintain collaborative partnerships with University leadership, academic and administrative departments, community organizations, and external stakeholders to identify and remove barriers to accessibility, coordinate campus-wide accessibility initiatives, and promote an inclusive educational environment.
• Collaborates with Information Technology, Academic Affairs, and Procurement to promote digital accessibility and compliance with accessibility standards for instructional materials, learning technologies, websites, and electronic information resources.
• Lead campus education and outreach efforts by developing and delivering accessibility training, communicating policies and best practices, supporting orientation and transition initiatives, and regularly engaging faculty, staff, students, and campus partners to increase awareness of disability resources and inclusive learning practices.
• Manage departmental resources and operational effectiveness by developing and administering the department budget, overseeing expenditures related to accessibility services and assistive technologies, supervising staff performance and professional development, and ensuring efficient, high-quality service delivery.
• Represent the Accessibility Resource Center on University committees and interdisciplinary teams, including the Behavioral Intervention Team (BIT), and regularly contribute professional expertise to institutional initiatives that support student well‑being, accessibility, and success.
• Perform other duties as assigned in support of the mission and operational needs of the Division of Student Development and Success and the University.

Minimum Job Requirements

• Master's degree in Rehabilitation Counseling, Counseling, Higher Education Administration, Student Affairs, Disability Studies, Psychology, Social Work, Special Education, or a related field.
• Professional licensure or certification (e.g., CRC, LPC, LCPC, LSW, or comparable credential) preferred or required where applicable.
• A minimum of five (5) years of progressively responsible professional experience in higher education disability services, accessibility services, ADA compliance, or related areas, including supervisory experience.
• Excellent communication (oral and written) and presentation skills.
• Excellent interpersonal skills with demonstrated ability to interact effectively with students, faculty, staff, and university stakeholders of diverse cultural, social, political, and religious backgrounds, various ages, genders, sexual orientations, and abilities.
• Excellent judgment and problem‑solving abilities in complex contexts with competing interests and strong stakeholder viewpoints.
• Ability to effectively identify and implement process improvements.
• Ability to develop and implement short and long‑range plans to meet center needs.
• Demonstrated ability to collaborate effectively and build relationships with colleagues in a highly consultative environment and to lead groups of people toward a common mission.
• Excellent knowledge of and experience with assistive/adaptive and instructional technologies and recent developments in disability access frameworks.

Preferred Qualifications

• Doctoral degree (Ed.D., Ph.D., or other terminal degree) in Higher Education, Rehabilitation Counseling, Student Affairs, Counseling, Disability Studies, or a related field.
• Seven (7) or more years of progressively responsible leadership experience in a college or university Accessibility Resource Center or Disability Services Office, including supervisory and budget management responsibilities.
• Demonstrated experience serving as the institutional subject matter expert on the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act, ADA Amendments Act (ADAAA), and related federal accessibility regulations.
• Experience overseeing the interactive process for determining reasonable accommodations and resolving complex accommodation requests, appeals, and disability-related concerns.
• Experience implementing Universal Design for Learning (UDL), digital accessibility initiatives, and inclusive instructional practices in collaboration with faculty and campus partners.
• Experience supervising professional staff and managing departmental budgets, strategic planning, assessment, and continuous improvement initiatives.
• Experience with assistive technologies, accessibility software, alternative format production, captioning, and electronic accessibility standards.
• Demonstrated success developing and delivering university-wide training on disability inclusion, accessibility, and legal compliance.
• Active participation in professional organizations such as the Association on Higher Education and Disability (AHEAD) or the National Rehabilitation Association (NRA).
• Demonstrated commitment to fostering an inclusive, equitable, and student‑centered campus environment through innovative accessibility initiatives and collaborative leadership.

Information to Applicant

Regular contacts are made with students, staff members, faculty, administrators and the general public, and staff of institutions that are University partners.

Physical Exertion & Mobility: Must be able to remain in a stationary position for extended periods and occasionally move about the office to access files, supplies, or equipment. Occasionally lifts and moves parcels or packages. Work is performed in a professional office environment.

Employee must be able to travel to campus locations.

Collective Bargaining Unit (Union)

This position is not part of the collective bargaining unit.

Employment Benefits

Selectee will be eligible for health and life insurance, annual (vacation) and sick leave and will be covered under the University of the District of Columbia' s retirement plan (TIAA).

Equal Opportunity Employer

The District of Columbia Government is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified candidates will receive consideration without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, sex, age, marital status, personal appearance, sexual orientation, family responsibilities, matriculation, physical handicap, or political affiliation.

Notice of Non-Discrimination

In accordance with the D.C. Human Rights Act of 1977, as amended, D.C. Official Code, Section 2-1401.01 et. seq., (Act) the University of the District of Columbia does not discriminate on the basis of actual or perceived actual race, color, religion, national origin, sex, age, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, family responsibilities, matriculation, political affiliation, marital status, personal appearance, genetic information, familial status, source of income, status as a victim of an intrafamily offense, place of residence or business, or status as a covered veteran, as provided for and to the extent required by District and Federal statutes and regulations. Sexual harassment is a form of sex discrimination which is also prohibited by the Act. In addition, harassment based on any of the above protected categories is prohibited by the Act. Discrimination in violation of the Act will not be tolerated. Violators will be subject to disciplinary action.

Veterans Preference

Applicants claiming veterans preference must submit official proof at the time of application.

Visa Sponsorship

At this time, the University of the District of Columbia does not provide sponsorship for visas (e.g. H-1B). This position is also ineligible for Optional Practical Training (OPT).

Residency Preference

A person applying for a position who is a bona fide District resident at the time of application for the position, may be awarded a 10-point residency preference over non-District applicants, unless the person declines the preference points. If selected, the person shall be required to present no less than 8 proofs of bona fide District residency on or before the effective date of the appointment and maintain such residency for 7 consecutive years from the effective date of the appointment. Failure to maintain bona fide District residency for the 7-year period will result in forfeiture of employment.

Drug-Free Workplace

Pursuant to the requirements of the Drug-Free Workplace Act of 1988, the individual selected to fill this position will, as a condition of employment, be required to notify his/her immediate supervisor, in writing, not later than five (5) days after conviction of any criminal drug statute occurring in the workplace.

Background Investigation

Employment with the University of the District of Columbia is contingent upon a satisfactory background investigation. The determination of a "satisfactory background investigation" is made at the sole discretion of the University of the District of Columbia. The University may refuse to hire a finalist, rescind an offer of employment to a finalist or review and may terminate the employment of a current employee based on the results of a background investigation.

Disposition of Resume

Resumes received outside the area of consideration and/or after the closing date will not be given consideration. You must resubmit your resume to receive consideration for any subsequent advertised position vacancies. For the purpose of employment, resumes are not considered job applications. Therefore, if selected for employment a UDC application will be required.

Job Offers

Official Job Offers are made by the University of the District of Columbia, Office of Human Resources only.

Contact Information

All inquiries related to employment and job applications should be directed to UDC Office of Human Resources at [phone].