Assistant Director of Accessible Education

Assistant Director of Accessible Education

Williams College invites applications for an Assistant Director in our Office of Accessible Education (OAE). As part of a dynamic and supportive team, the Assistant Director plays a vital role in fostering an accessible and inclusive environment at one of the nation’s premier liberal arts colleges. Under the supervision of the Director of Accessible Education, the Assistant Director coordinates all facets of the interactive process to determine and implement reasonable accommodations for students with disabilities, collaborating with partners across campus and beyond (students, faculty, staff, and healthcare providers). This position also provides ongoing one-on-one support to students, contributes to broader campus outreach and programming efforts, and helps manage the daily operations of our office.

We are looking for applicants who are advocates for equity and who can represent and serve the diverse constituencies that make up the Williams College community. We value applicants who demonstrate a sensitivity to and understanding of the intersection of identities and experiences that inform our expression of ability. The successful candidate will excel at working in a community that is broadly diverse with regard to race, ethnicity, socioeconomic status, gender, nationality, sexual orientation, and religion.

Responsibilities

The Assistant Director is responsible for supporting our ongoing compliance with all relevant disability rights laws, including the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and its 2008 amendments (ADAAA), Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act, and related state laws. They serve as a key point of contact for students seeking academic and non-academic disability accommodations, guiding them through an individualized assessment of their needs and working with campus partners to determine and implement needed supports. With the mentorship of experienced OAE staff, the Assistant Director conducts intake interviews, reviews documentation, consults with staff and faculty, and generates effective approaches to reducing or removing disability-related barriers. Much of this work requires a warm and responsive curiosity about students’ experiences, keen critical reading and writing skills, and the ability to make well-reasoned judgments about complex cases in collaboration with a wide array of campus partners.

In the course of their work, the Assistant Director will deepen their understanding of accessibility at Williams and become a campus leader in the effort to create programs and policies that enhance equitable access and inclusion. To this end, they will work on student programming, mentor student Accessibility Coordinators, assist with trainings, help revise office policies and procedures, and contribute to departmental assessments and reports.

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor’s Degree and 1-2 years of experience working with students and/or faculty in secondary or higher education to support complex needs. 

• Experience working with and advocating for diverse student populations and a strong commitment to equity and inclusion.

• Ability to maintain a high level of discretion and confidentiality with sensitive materials.

• Strong organizational and problem-solving skills with a proven ability to manage multiple competing demands in a sometimes stressful environment.

• Flexibility to work both independently and with others, with the reflective capacity to determine when situations necessitate additional help, consultation, and/or referral to the Director. 

• Ability to communicate effectively in speech and writing, balancing professionalism, efficiency, and compassion.

• Excellent interpersonal skills and ability to work collaboratively with a diverse group of students, faculty, staff, and service providers.

• High level of responsibility and attention to detail.

• Commitment to developing skills and knowledge within student accessibility services.

Preferred Qualifications

• Master’s Degree with a focus in disability studies, education, counseling, or a related field, and 2-5 years of experience working with students in a post-secondary setting. 

• Knowledge of the ADA, ADAAA, Section 504, WCAG 2.1AA, and current assistive technologies. 

• Experience working with people with disabilities, interpreting clinical documentation, and determining reasonable accommodations in a residential liberal arts college environment