Director, Student Access Services

Marymount University; United States; On-site; USD 80,000 - 84,000; Full time

Job summary

Marymount University in Arlington, Virginia, seeks a Director of Student Access Services to lead disability accommodations and ensure compliance with ADA, ADAAA, and Section 504. The role directs policy, reviews documentation, and partners with Academic Affairs, Human Resources, and General Counsel to promote equitable access and student success.

This leadership position requires a Master’s degree in a related field, at least five years of experience in disability services within higher

Qualifications

• Master's degree in a related discipline is required.
• Five years of professional experience in disability services within higher education.
• Experience interpreting disability documentation and determining reasonable accommodations.
• Experience supervising staff and managing departmental budget and operations.
• Extensive knowledge of ADA, ADAAA, Section 504, FERPA, OCR guidance.

Responsibilities

• Lead disability compliance and accommodation administration.
• Interpret disability laws and OCR guidance to ensure compliance.
• Oversee the review and evaluation of disability documentation for eligibility.
• Develop departmental policies and service delivery models promoting accessibility.
• Collaborate with Academic Affairs, Student Affairs, HR, General Counsel and others to remove barriers to access.

Skills

Analytical skills

Problem-solving

Decision-making

Verbal communication

Written communication

Interpersonal skills

Collaboration

Education

Master's degree in Psychology, Counseling, Higher Education, Rehabilitation Counseling, Education, Social Work, Disability Studies, or closely related discipline

Tools

Accommodation management software

Electronic records systems

Job description

Company Culture

At Marymount University, we believe meaningful work happens when talented people come together with shared purpose. We serve not only our students— but one another— creating a culture where teamwork, adaptability, and resilience are part of everyday practice, Located in Arlington, Virginia, just minutes from Washington, D.C., Marymount offers a dynamic and forward-looking environment where innovation is encouraged and flexibility is valued. We understand that higher education is evolving, and we embrace change with creativity, responsiveness, and a solutions-oriented mindset. Our faculty and staff thrive in a community that prioritizes communication, cross-functional collaboration, and service-driven leadership. Whether working directly with students or supporting them behind the scenes, every role contributes to a shared mission: helping students grow, succeed, and lead with purpose and confidence.

Position Overview

The Director of Student Access Services (SAS) provides strategic leadership, operational oversight, and institutional expertise for the University's disability access and accommodation program. Reporting to the Vice Provost, Academic Affairs, the Director ensures that the University complies with applicable federal and state disability laws, including the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), the ADA Amendments Act (ADAAA), and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act. The Director serves as the University's primary subject matter expert on student disability accommodations, providing leadership in the interpretation and application of disability law, evaluating complex accommodation requests, overseeing disability documentation review, and ensuring consistent implementation of reasonable accommodations across the institution. The Director collaborates extensively with Academic Affairs, Student Affairs, Human Resources, General Counsel, faculty, and campus partners to promote equitable access, remove barriers to student participation, and foster an inclusive learning environment. The Director is responsible for departmental leadership, supervision of professional staff, policy development, assessment, compliance, and continuous improvement of disability services in support of student success and institutional effectiveness.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Disability Compliance and Accommodation Administration
  • Serve as the University's lead authority on student disability accommodations and accessibility under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), ADA Amendments Act (ADAAA), Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act, the Fair Housing Act, and other applicable federal and state laws and regulations.
  • Interpret and apply disability laws, regulations, Office for Civil Rights (OCR) guidance, and higher education best practices to ensure institutional compliance and equitable access.
  • Oversee the review, interpretation, and evaluation of disability documentation to determine eligibility for accommodations and ensure legally sound, individualized accommodation decisions.
  • Provide consultation and guidance to Accessibility Coordinators regarding complex disability documentation, accommodation requests, appeals, and student situations requiring advanced legal or clinical analysis.
  • Ensure accommodations are implemented consistently, appropriately, and in accordance with applicable legal requirements while maintaining the integrity of the University's academic programs.
  • Monitor evolving legal requirements, case law, regulatory guidance, and professional standards related to disability services and recommend changes to institutional policies, procedures, and practices.
• Leadership and Administration
  • Provide strategic leadership and administrative oversight for Student Access Services.
  • Collaborate with the Vice Provost, Academic Affairs to establish departmental goals, strategic priorities, operational plans, and annual objectives that align with institutional and Academic Affairs strategic plans.
  • Develop, implement, and evaluate departmental policies, procedures, and service delivery models that promote accessibility, compliance, and student success.
  • Lead departmental planning, assessment, benchmarking, and continuous quality improvement initiatives.
  • Manage departmental resources and ensure effective delivery of disability support services.
• Supervision and Staff Development
  • Supervise, mentor, evaluate, and support professional and graduate staff within Student Access Services.
  • Promote consistent application of disability laws, accommodation practices, and departmental procedures across all staff members.
  • Provide ongoing professional development related to disability law, documentation review, accommodation implementation, emerging disabilities, assistive technology, and best practices.
• Campus Collaboration and Consultation
  • Serve as the primary institutional resource for faculty, administrators, and staff regarding disability accommodations, accessibility, and compliance obligations.
  • Consult with faculty regarding implementation of academic accommodations while preserving essential course and program requirements.
  • Collaborate with Academic Affairs, Student Affairs, Enrollment Management, Residence Life, Information Technology, Human Resources, and other departments to remove barriers to student access and participation.
  • Partner with the Office of General Counsel on complex accommodation matters, disability-related complaints, and regulatory compliance issues.
  • Represent Student Access Services on University committees, including the CARE Team and other institutional committees as assigned.
  • Collaborate with Career Services on transition plans as necessary for students with accommodations to internships and workforce.
• Education, Training, and Outreach
  • Develop and deliver training programs for faculty, staff, and campus partners on disability law, accommodation processes, accessibility, inclusive instructional practices, and Universal Design for Learning (UDL).
  • Promote awareness of disability inclusion and accessibility across the University community.
  • Provide consultation on emerging accessibility initiatives and institutional best practices.
• Assessment and Continuous Improvement
  • Lead assessment initiatives that evaluate the effectiveness, efficiency, and compliance of Student Access Services.
  • Analyze data, identify trends, and recommend improvements to enhance service delivery and student outcomes.
  • Conduct annual review and revision of departmental policies, procedures, forms, and documentation standards.
• Other Duties
  • Participate in cross-divisional initiatives supporting institutional priorities.
  • Perform other duties as assigned.

Required Qualifications

• Education
  • Master's degree in Psychology, Counseling, Higher Education, Rehabilitation Counseling, Education, Social Work, Disability Studies, or a closely related discipline.
• Experience
  • Minimum of five (5) years of progressively responsible professional experience in disability services, accessibility, or accommodations within higher education.
  • Demonstrated experience interpreting disability documentation and determining reasonable accommodations.
  • Experience supervising professional staff and managing departmental budget and operations.
• Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
  • Extensive knowledge of: Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA); ADA Amendments Act (ADAAA); Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act; Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA); Applicable Office for Civil Rights (OCR) guidance; Relevant federal and state disability regulations.
  • Demonstrated expertise in the interactive accommodation process, individualized assessment, documentation review, and determination of reasonable accommodations.
  • Ability to balance legal compliance, academic integrity, and student access in complex accommodation decisions.
  • Knowledge of physical, psychological, learning, neurodevelopmental, sensory, and chronic health disabilities.
  • Ability to interpret clinical and psychoeducational documentation and translate findings into appropriate accommodations.
  • Strong analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making skills.
  • Excellent verbal, written, and interpersonal communication skills.
  • Demonstrated ability to develop collaborative relationships across diverse constituencies.
  • Ability to maintain confidentiality while exercising sound professional judgment.
  • Commitment to creating a culture of belonging, accessibility, and student success.
• Preferred Qualifications
  • Doctoral degree in Psychology, Counseling, Education, Higher Education, Rehabilitation Counseling, or related field.
  • Professional licensure or eligibility for licensure in Virginia.
  • Seven or more years of progressive leadership experience in disability services within higher education.
  • Experience managing ADA and Section 504 compliance programs.
  • Experience responding to Office for Civil Rights (OCR) investigations or disability-related grievances.
  • Knowledge of assistive technology and digital accessibility standards.
  • Experience with accommodation management software and electronic record systems.
  • Demonstrated experience designing and delivering professional development programs related to disability access and inclusion.
  • Supervisory Responsibilities – Directly supervises professional staff and graduate assistants assigned to Student Access Services. Responsible for performance management, coaching, professional development, hiring recommendations, and workload management.
  • Decision-Making Authority – The Director exercises independent judgment in administering disability accommodations, interpreting disability documentation, applying relevant laws and regulations, supervising departmental operations, and making operational decisions within established University policies.
• Physical Requirements
  • Work is primarily performed in a standard office environment and requires prolonged periods of sitting, standing, computer use, communication with others, and occasional movement throughout campus to attend meetings, trainings, and events.

Disclaimer

This job description is intended to describe the general nature and level of work performed by employees assigned to this position. It is not intended to be an exhaustive list of all duties, responsibilities, or qualifications. The University reserves the right to revise or assign additional responsibilities consistent with business needs.

Compensation & Benefits

The salary range for this position is $80,000 - $84,000/year. It is competitive, market-based, and aligned with the University’s financial framework, ensuring your skills and experience are recognized and rewarded. But your total compensation goes well beyond your salary. As a valued member of our team, you’ll enjoy a comprehensive benefits package designed to support your health, financial security, and work-life balance. This includes medical, dental, and vision coverage; FSA or HSA; employee assistance program; life insurance; short- and long-term disability; contributions to the University’s 403(b) retirement plan; financial planning; identity theft protection; pet insurance; credit union and more. Interested in continuing your education? Our tuition remission program supports your professional growth and lifelong learning, and is also open to covered dependents. On top of that, our generous paid time off plan gives you the flexibility to recharge and maintain balance in your personal and professional life.

Background Checks

Pre-employment, post-offer background investigations are required for all new hires as a condition of employment. Employment is contingent upon successful completion of a background investigation.

Equal Employment Opportunity & Nondiscrimination

Marymount University is an equal opportunity employer. Marymount University does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, age, disability, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, marital status, pregnancy, veteran status or any other protected bases under applicable federal and local laws and regulations in any of its programs or its activities, including employment and admission. The university also expressly prohibits any form of sex discrimination and sexual misconduct including sexual harassment, dating and domestic violence, rape, sexual assault, sexual exploitation and stalking in any of its programs or activities, including employment and admission. For more information, please visit: https://marymount.edu/student-life/health-wellness/title-ix-2/ Marymount University is an E-Verify employer.

About Marymount

Marymount University is a nationally recognized Catholic institution rooted in the traditions of the Religious of the Sacred Heart of Mary. The University fosters intellectual curiosity, service, and global perspectives, serving more than 4,000 undergraduate and graduate students. Located in suburban Arlington, Virginia, Marymount offers convenient access to the academic, cultural, and international opportunities of the nation’s capital. Marymount University is an Equal Opportunity employer. We seek service-oriented professionals who are committed to a student-centered learning community that values diversity and supports the education of the whole person. The University is dedicated to attracting and retaining talented, diverse faculty and staff who share these values. Marymount University is also an E-Verify employer. Marymount offers a comprehensive and flexible benefits program designed to support the health, well-being, and work-life balance of our benefit-eligible faculty, staff, and their eligible dependents. The University’s retirement plan includes a diversified portfolio of investment options, with a University match of up to 3% of employee pretax contributions for full-time employees. In addition to competitive health and welfare benefits, Marymount offers flexible and hybrid work arrangements for eligible positions, allowing up to two remote workdays per week.

Contact & References

Employee Benefits: https://marymount.edu/faculty-and-staff/human-resource-services/benefits-2/
Annual Campus Safety Report: https://marymount.edu/student-life/health-wellness/campus-safety/campus-safety-report/
National Ranking – Points of Pride: https://marymount.edu/about-mu/points-of-pride/
Click here to learn more about E-Verify.

Additional Resources

https://marymount.edu/faculty-and-staff/human-resource-services/human-resources-policies/non-discrimination-and-anti-harassment-policy/