Director - Student Accessibility and Educational Opportunity (SAEO)

Virginia Commonwealth University   Richmond, VA   Full-time     Education
Posted on April 12, 2024
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About VCU
In a world of the common, we are the UNCOMMON. VCU is unlike any university you have ever seen. We bring curiosity, passion and an unrelenting drive to discover the ideas others can't. We envision a future that is unbound by tradition, that seeks to disrupt the way things have always been. A premier, urban, public research university nationally recognized as one of the best employers for diversity, VCU is a great place to work. It's a place of opportunity, where your success is supported and your career can thrive. VCU offers employees a generous leave package, career paths for advancement, competitive pay, and an opportunity to do mission-driven work.
About the Division of Student Affairs
Through our programs, services, and facilities, the Division of Student Affairs at Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU) champions holistic student development by fostering inclusive communities and providing dynamic, integrative learning experiences that prepare our students to be thoughtfully engaged contributors to the global community.
We believe all people are capable of great things. Complete alignment with all criteria is UNCOMMON, and we welcome interested candidates to apply and share their unique experiences and perspectives with us.
The selected candidate will find opportunities for professional growth and will play a significant role in shaping the future of the Division of Student Affairs(DSA), addressing the diverse needs of Virginia Commonwealth University's students. DSA is dedicated to fostering the growth and potential of its employees and is committed to building work environments that are equitable and representative. Studies indicate that women and individuals from underrepresented groups often apply only to roles where they meet all listed qualifications. However, job descriptions are aspirational; no applicant fulfills every requirement. We are most interested in finding the best candidate for the job. DSA strongly encourages individuals from diverse backgrounds and identities to apply, including but not limited to people of color, women, individuals with disabilities, immigrants, members of the LGBTQIA+ community, veterans, and those from low-income or working-class backgrounds.

Position Primary Purpose and General Responsibilities
Reporting to the Associate Vice President for Holistic Well-Being (AVP) and serving as a member of the Student Affairs Leadership Team, the Director - Student Accessibility and Educational Opportunity (SAEO) provides leadership and strategic direction for all student-facing disability resource and accessibility efforts on VCU's Monroe Park Campus (MPC) based programs. The Director will directly or indirectly supervise a team of 8 professionals and a number of student workers. The Director will provide comprehensive oversight and strategic leadership for the two main functional areas of the SAEO office with the respective associate directors.

Student Accessibility

Case management and accommodation (academic/housing/dining) support
The Assistive Technology Lab
Captioning and interpreting services
Alternative formatting

Educational Opportunity

Testing Access Center
SAEO Scholars First Year Experience Program
Learning Specialist Program
Faculty/Staff Outreach Initiative
Multiple sections of a UNIV 191 (1-credit student success course)

This Director will serve as VCU's resident expert on matters related to student access and accommodation. This entails regular meetings with colleges, university leadership, faculty, staff, parents, and community agencies. The Director is the primary author and frequent reviewer of institutional policies and procedures that impact accessibility and the provision of services for students. The university relies on the Director to ensure that VCU is an accessible and inclusive environment for the 3,000+ students registered with the SAEO office and also the university community at large. This position is expected to work on site and is not eligible for remote work.

University Slotting 25411/Director, LG, State Role Code 69037
Minimum Hiring Standards
Master's degree in higher education administration, special education, counseling, psychology, social work, or related areas.
Minimum of seven years full-time, professional, related experience in postsecondary disability resources and accessibility, of which at least three of which are in a progressive leadership (Assistant/Associate/Director-level) position.
Demonstrated ability to successfully work in a diverse, multi-cultural and complex environment, fostering diverse faculty, staff, and students as a staff member at VCU.
Ability to function independently and as a member of a team in a constantly changing environment.
Ability to remain current on Federal, State, and local legal updates related to accessibility, accommodations, and disability-related supports.
Excellent written and oral communication skills, interpersonal and public relations skills.
Demonstrated administrative skills and experience in: organizational skills with detailed and complex information and systems; planning, implementing and evaluating programs; budget development and fiscal/statistical management; organizational goals development and reporting.
Demonstrated customer service skills.
Strong communication and presentation skills, including listening, speaking and writing.
Ability to handle confidential matters.
Capacity to work creatively in both collaborative and independent context.
Preferred Hiring Standards
Terminal degree in higher education administration, special education, counseling, psychology, social work, or related areas.
Minimum of 10 years full-time, professional, related experience in postsecondary disability resources and accessibility, of which at least five of which are in a progressive leadership (Assistant/Associate/Director-level) position.

Salary Range: Commensurate with Experience

Position Details:

Department:
Employment Type: UF - University Employee FT
Restricted Status: No
FTE: 100
Exemption Status: Exempt


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