Associate Director SAEO

Summary:

At VCU, we Make it Real through learning, research, creativity, service and discovery — the hallmarks of the VCU experience. 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.

Position Primary Purpose and General Duties:

VCU is pleased to invite applications for the position of Associate Director for Student Accessibility and Educational Opportunity (SAEO). This is a leadership role that promotes inclusion and access by working in collaboration within our office, the Division of Student Affairs, and across the university community to provide resources, support, and accommodations for students with accessibility- and disability-related needs. Supporting the Director of SAEO, the Associate Director assists in leading and managing the office’s Case Management operations; oversees all functions of the SAEO Scholars (first-year transition) program; supervises professional staff; facilitates and teaches sections of an SAEO-led student success course; and oversees our Learning Support program.

VCU is seeking a dynamic, experienced, and responsive Associate Director to work strategically and cooperatively within a dedicated team environment committed to principles of social justice, access, inclusion, and fostering a sense of belonging. Successful candidates will have demonstrated experience managing accommodations in a higher education setting; a proven ability to evaluate and interpret disability documentation to implement reasonable accommodations; experience managing complex student support programs; a strong understanding of the legal and technological changes and developing best practices in the field; an excellent track record of establishing and managing effective work relationships with students, parents, faculty, staff, and community resources; the ability to manage multiple projects in a fast-paced environment; and a deep knowledge of, and appreciation for, the strategies needed for success in promoting equity and inclusion supporting a diverse student population.

Duties include:

• Provides leadership and oversight for various aspects of the SAEO office, supporting the operational and
  strategic goals of the department.
• Hires, supervises, and manages the workload of Access Specialists portfolios; provides appropriate staff
  and student employee development opportunities; and establishes job standards and expectations
• Oversee operations of key SAEO-led programs including the SAEO Scholars (first-year transition)
  program, Learning Support program, and several sections of a 1-credit student success course (to
  include teaching 1-2 sections per year).
• Manages a small caseload of students in the SAEO Scholars program, including conducting intake
  interviews; determining eligibility for reasonable accommodations; and facilitating the implementation of
  accommodations with staff and campus partners.
• Conducts trainings for campus stakeholders and staff to provide education about disability rights and
  inclusion.
• Work collaboratively with faculty and staff to promote inclusive learning environments and ensure compliance with federal and state regulations, as pertains to in accordance with best practices and state and federal regulations.
• Engage in ongoing evidence-based assessment and improvement of supports to students with disabilities/learning differences. Collect and analyze data relevant to advising for periodic reporting.
• Support other areas of SAEO and collaborate as part of SAEO team.
• Participate in ongoing professional development, including attendance at conferences and meetings relevant to job responsibilities.
• Serve on VCU committees, as appropriate to role.
• Complete other projects as assigned by the Director in support of unit/divisional goals and initiatives.

Minimum Hiring Standards:

• Master’s Degree from an accredited institution of higher education in a field such as psychology,
  counseling, special education, etc.
• 4+ years of direct experience working with a disabled student population in an educational or clinical
  setting.
• Demonstrated ability to provide supervision and training for entry-level staff and/or student workers.
• In-depth knowledge and/or field experience interpreting and applying the Americans with Disabilities Act
  and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act in a university setting.
• Demonstrated ability to determine eligibility for services and reasonable accommodations in an academic setting.
• Demonstrated experience working in and fostering a diverse faculty, staff, and student environment or
  commitment to do so as a faculty member at VCU.
• Excellent interpersonal, written, and oral communication skills, including public speaking and
  presentations.

Preferred Hiring Standards:

• 3+ years of direct experience working with students with physical, sensory, learning, psychological and/or other disabilities specifically in a higher education setting.
• Experience providing academic coaching and learning/social skills supports for individuals with a broad range of disabilities.
• Familiarity with transitional issues and programming related to students with disabilities and higher education

Application Deadline: March 1, 2023

Anticipated Start Date: June 1, 2023

University slotting: Associate Dir 1 SS 35334Y; State Role 29134

Salary Range: $70,000 - $74,000 (with potential for relocation bonus)



Position Details:

Department: Division of Student Affairs - Student Accessibility and Educational Opportunity
Employment Type: UF - University Employee FT
Restricted Status: No
FTE: 100
Exemption Status: Exempt



Contact Information:

Contact Name: Ian Kunkes

Contact Email: ibkunkes@vcu.edu