Director of Accessibility

Position Number: 999323

Unit/Department: Academic Services/Student Success

Salary: Commensurate with qualifications and experience

Department Summary:

The Office of Access & Success empowers Drake University students to thrive academically by providing comprehensive, student-centered support. Our team partners with students to build the skills, strategies, and confidence needed for success through academic coaching, accessibility services, tutoring, and individualized support. We are committed to fostering an inclusive and equitable learning environment by removing barriers, promoting self-advocacy, and collaborating with faculty and campus partners.

Job Summary:

The Director of Accessibility supports the mission of Access & Success by coordinating the delivery of disability-related accommodations and services that ensure equitable access for students. This role emphasizes the consistent application of best practices in accessibility services, focusing on the implementation, coordination, and day-to-day management of accommodations while collaborating closely with the Director of Access & Success and campus partners.

Minimum Qualifications:

Bachelor’s degree required; Master’s degree preferred in higher education, disability studies, counseling, social work, education, or a related field.

3+ years of progressively responsible experience in accessibility services, accessibility compliance, or related higher education functional area.

Demonstrated knowledge of applicable federal and state disability laws and regulations, including Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act and the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).

Demonstrated experience supervising staff and/or leading programs, services, or functional units.

Knowledge of accessibility practices in higher education, including academic accommodations and universal design for learning principles.

Demonstrated ability to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing, with diverse stakeholders including students, faculty, staff, and administrators.

Demonstrated ability to foster an environment that supports equitable access and inclusion for students with a wide range of experiences and identities.

Preferred Qualifications:

Master’s degree or higher in a related field.

Experience working in a college or university accessibility office.

Experience developing, implementing, and assessing policies, procedures, and services related to accessibility and accommodations.

Knowledge of accessibility technology, assistive technology, and digital accessibility standards.

Experience providing training, consultation, or outreach to faculty and staff on accessibility and inclusive instructional practices.

Experience with program administration, including budgeting, strategic planning, and/or assessment.

Job Duties:

• 30% - Accessibility Services Coordination & Implementation • Coordinate the intake, review, and implementation of approved accommodations in alignment with institutional policy, federal guidelines, and current best practices in accessibility services. • Apply consistent, equitable decision-making processes when reviewing documentation and determining reasonable accommodations. • Manage student documentation and accommodation requests in collaboration with Access & Success leadership. • Serve as a primary point of contact for students regarding accommodation logistics and processes. • Coordinate specialized accommodations (e.g., interpreters, assistive technology, alternative formats) in partnership with campus offices, ensuring timely and effective delivery. • Continuously evaluate accommodation processes to improve efficiency, consistency, and student experience. - (Essential)
• 30% - Student Support & Case Collaboration • Support students in understanding and effectively utilizing approved accommodations. • Reinforce student self-advocacy by coaching students on how to communicate accommodation needs with faculty and staff. • Collaborate with the Access & Success team on students of concern, referrals, and holistic support planning. • Apply a student-centered approach that balances access, independence, and accountability. - (Essential)
• 20% - Faculty & Campus Collaboration • Communicate accommodation information clearly, consistently, and in alignment with established practices. • Serve as a resource to faculty regarding accommodation implementation, interpretation, and best practices. • Promote consistency in how accommodations are implemented across courses and departments. • Partner with faculty to advance principles of Universal Design for Learning (UDL), supporting the development of inclusive course design that reduces the need for individual accommodations were possible. • Provide guidance and resources to faculty on proactive accessibility strategies, including accessible course materials, flexible instructional approaches, and inclusive assessment practices. • Collaborate with campus partners to ensure coordinated and effective accessibility support. - (Essential)
• 10% - Operations & Compliance Support • Maintain accurate, timely, and compliant records related to accessibility services. • Assist with data collection, tracking, and reporting to support assessment and continuous improvement. • Support the consistent implementation of policies and procedures related to accessibility services and accommodations. • Stay current on evolving regulations, guidance, and professional best practices to inform service delivery. - (Essential)
• 5% - Supervision & Coordination • Coordinate and provide day-to-day guidance to student workers or support staff as assigned. • Model and reinforce best practices in service delivery and professional conduct. • Participate in regular supervision, goal-setting, and performance review processes with the Director of Access & Success. - (Essential)
• 5% - Other duties as assigned. - (Essential)

Special Instructions to Applicants:

For consideration, you must apply online. Please include a resume and cover letter.

Review of Applications Begins:

A review of applications will begin immediately. This position will remain open until filled.

Salary and Benefits:

At Drake, we are proud to offer our employees, their spouses, and eligible dependents a comprehensive benefits package, which includes a wide range of core benefits, perks, and discounts.