Director of Deaf Services

The Lighthouse for the Blind in New Orleans; New Orleans (LA); On-site; USD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

The Lighthouse for the Blind in New Orleans seeks a Director of Deaf Services to provide strategic leadership for Deaf Services across Louisiana. You will supervise staff, manage budgets, ensure ADA compliance, and uphold program quality, including training, outreach, and education for Deaf, DeafBlind, and Hard of Hearing communities.

You will develop curricula, deliver community presentations, and collaborate with partners to expand accessibility awareness.

Qualifications

• Education requirements include degrees in Deaf Studies or Deaf Education.
• Fluency in ASL and knowledge of Deaf culture, history, and rights laws (ADA/IDEA).
• Minimum 3 years in Deaf advocacy/community education and 2+ years in leadership.
• Strong communication across Deaf and hearing audiences; ability to lead diverse partnerships.
• Proof of driving license preferred; willingness to travel regionally for education and outreach.
• Office duties with regional travel; occasional evening/weekend commitments.
• Background checks, drug testing, and motor vehicle records required.

Responsibilities

• Provide strategic leadership and administrative oversight of Deaf Services.
• Supervise DS staff, manage hiring, onboarding, and performance reviews.
• Ensure compliance with ADA, state, and federal disability laws; maintain confidentiality.
• Manage monthly, quarterly, annual reporting and invoicing.
• Develop public workshops, materials, and community presentations.
• Represent organization at events and with LCD leadership; travel required.
• Collaborate with partners to deliver tours and outreach for DS programs.
• Maintain adherence to SOPs and Lighthouse policies across regions.

Skills

ASL fluency

Deaf culture & history

ADA/IDEA knowledge

Public speaking

Community partnerships

Curriculum development

Leadership & supervision

Education

Bachelor’s in Deaf Studies

Bachelor’s or Master’s in Deaf Education

Master’s in Deaf Education or related field

Equivalent experience with ASL fluency

Job description

Description

JOB SUMMARY

The Director of Deaf Services (DDS) provides strategic leadership, supervision, and administrative oversight of the Deaf Services team and programs that support the Louisiana Commission for the Deaf (LCD) contract. The DDS oversees program operations, staff performance, budget management, compliance, and service quality to ensure exceptional outcomes, serving as a key advocate for accessibility and inclusion by increasing public awareness, understanding, and support for the rights of people who are Deaf, DeafBlind, and Hard of Hearing (DHH). This position develops and delivers training, community presentations, outreach initiatives, and educational resources grounded in Deaf culture, accessibility laws, and industry best practices.

The Director of Deaf Services will be responsible for the following core job duties:

1. Public Education & Training:

A. Develop public workshops on Deaf rights, accessibility, ADA compliance, and inclusive communication.

B. Create training materials including presentations, handouts, and digital content for schools, agencies, businesses, and community partners.

C. Deliver community presentations that promote Deaf culture, communication equity, and best practices for accessibility.

D. Serve as a subject matter expert on Deaf rights, ASL access, and communication accommodations.

2. Community Engagement & Outreach:

A. Collaborate with Deaf organizations, advocacy groups, and service providers to strengthen community partnerships.

B. Conduct outreach campaigns to raise awareness of Deaf culture, accessibility, and equity issues.

C. Represent the organization at community events, conferences, and stakeholder meetings. Responsibilities include community travel, occasional evening/weekend presentations, and collaboration with both Deaf and Hearing Stakeholders.

D. Collaborate with the Development and Communications team to provide top quality tours and presentations to community partners and guests that showcase DS programs.

3. Program Oversight & Administration:

A. Continuously monitor and evaluate DS programming using an outcome-based model to ensure deliverables and key performance indicators are met.

B. Provide leadership and administration of all DS programs in the New Orleans and St. Tammany regions. Responsible for monitoring the continued implementation of Lighthouse operational policies (LOP) and standard operating procedures (SOPs) that govern the DS programs. Coordinate with all teams to ensure continuity of the provision of services across regions.

C. Provide direct supervision and support to DS staff, managing hiring, onboarding, and performance processes. Conduct ongoing time and performance reviews to ensure open communication and appropriate guidance are provided to all team members. Cultivate a team whose performance is rooted in dedication to serving others; guaranteed to follow best practices; measured to ensure accountability; and committed to support each other to success.

D. Maintain compliance with ADA, state, and federal disability laws; uphold confidentiality and documentation standards.

E. Manage monthly, quarterly, and annual reporting requirements, including monthly invoices.

F. Ensure accurate database entries in the Commission’s online consumer system.

G. Resolve complaints with a target of 90% resolution within 30 days.

H. Manage the program budget to ensure full adherence to expenditure and billing guidelines.

I. Serve as the Lighthouse liaison by meeting quarterly with LCD leadership and responding to monitoring activities.

J. All other duties as assigned by the Vice President of Services.

Requirements

JOB QUALIFICATIONS & REQUIREMENTS

1. Education: Candidate must hold one of the following degrees: Bachelor’s in Deaf Studies, Bachelor’s or Master’s in Deaf Education, Bachelor’s or Master’s in Special Education (DHH concentration), or a Master’s in Deaf Education or related field. Equivalent experience combined with ASL fluency may be considered.
2. Special Knowledge or Skills: Fluency in American Sign Language (ASL) required. Strong knowledge of Deaf culture, Deaf history, and community norms. Understanding of ADA, IDEA, and other disability rights laws. Excellent communication skills across Deaf and hearing audiences. Ability to build relationships with diverse community partners. Commitment to equity, accessibility, and culturally responsive practice. Familiarity with interpreting services, communication technologies, and accessibility tools. Skill for developing curriculum or training modules.
3. Experience: Minimum of 3 years’ experience working in Deaf advocacy, community education, or disability services or a related field, preferably interacting with the Deaf, DeafBlind and Hard of hearing community. Minimum 2 years of leadership experience supervising people. Experience collaborating with community organizations, educational institutions, government agencies, and advocacy groups. Experience delivering training or public presentations.
4. Supervisory Responsibilities: Provides leadership, direction, and oversight for the Deaf Services program and staff. Establishes performance expectations and supports professional development opportunities for team members. Meets all contract requirements. Conducts regular supervision meetings and annual performance evaluations.
5. Physical: High energy and stamina. Able to effectively perform the specified duties. Ability to travel throughout the regions to provide services.
6. Personality Traits: Passionate advocate for the Deaf community and accessibility initiatives. Empathetic, approachable, and relationship-oriented leader. Highly ethical with sound judgment and professional integrity. Collaborative team builder who fosters trust, accountability, and engagement. Self-motivated, organized, and capable of managing multiple priorities effectively.
7. Working Conditions: Office setting with regional travel for education, advocacy, and outreach events. Proof of insurance and a valid driver’s license required.
8. Office and Regional Travel Capability. Proof of insurance and a valid driver’s license required.
9. Work Schedule: Full-time, Monday through Friday, 40 hours per week. May require occasional evening and weekend work.
10. Background Check, Drug Testing, and Motor Vehicle Report Required: Employment is contingent upon satisfactory results. Must have a valid driver's license with a safe driving record. Must be able to drive long distances and maintain the necessary insurance coverage required for business travel and mileage reimbursement.

This job description does not imply that these are the only duties to be performed. The incumbent in this position will perform such other tasks as may be required for the effective operation of the Division/Department upon request by his/her supervisor.