Director of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion for Accessibility Services

Hudson County Community College

Vacancy Notification

Director of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion for Accessibility Services

Posting date: May 8, 2023

About HCCC

Join Hudson County Community College (HCCC), an award-winning, comprehensive, urban community college serving one of the most historic and ethnically diverse areas of the United States! HCCC students were born in 119 countries and speak 29 different languages. The diversity and the multitude of our community’s cultures, life experiences, skills, and aspirations are the very values and traits that empower us to be productive and caring members of our society. HCCC embodies an unwavering commitment to student success and an intentional focus on diversity, equity, and inclusion. In 2019, the President’s Advisory Council on Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (PACDEI) was instituted to develop new levels of understanding and to champion and advance the College’s commitment to transparency and inclusion. We are proud of our differences, which are the foundation for the life-changing and transformational education we offer and the social mobility we provide to our communities. 

About Office of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion

  Welcome, you belong here! The mission of the Office of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion is to promote an institutional climate that embraces and celebrates differences while championing equitable and inclusive practices, policies, and procedures in all College activities. The Office leads and supports practices that foster safe, inclusive, and accessible facilities and activities for all community members. Learn more here: https://www.hccc.edu/abouthccc/dei/index.html.

About the Opportunity

The Director of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion for Accessibility Services, reporting to the Vice President for Diversity, Equity and Inclusion, oversees the development, implementation, supervision, and evaluation of all programs, activities, policies, and services related to accessibility services provided at Hudson County Community College (HCCC).

The Director serves as the College's first point of contact and accessibility subject matter expert to ensure compliance with the Rehabilitation Act (504 and 508), the Americans with Disabilities Act and its amendments, and other relevant statutes and agencies. The Director serves as the designated 504 Coordinator for HCCC and provides vision and strategic leadership to ensure that HCCC is inclusive and accessible for students, staff, and visitors with accessibility needs. A vital component of the Director's work is raising campus awareness of the importance of reducing systemic barriers and promoting awareness and a culture of accessibility.

Position Summary

• Manage and supervise the Office of Accessibility Services (OAS), including strategic planning and implementation; design and supervision of service delivery; policy and procedure development; writing and overseeing publications and web-based information related to the OAS; and managing of OAS budget.
• Direct all aspects of reasonable accommodation service delivery to students and employees with accessibility needs at all HCCC campuses, attendance centers, and those participating in online programs.
• Serve as the College’s ADA/Section 504 Coordinator.
• Meet with families, students, faculty, and staff to resolve issues related to accommodation provision, classroom behaviors, accessibility concerns, information about specific disabilities, and the rights and responsibilities of these constituencies relative to the mandates of disability law.
• Provide guidance and assistance to colleagues in interpreting and analyzing the various types of documentation provided to the OAS by students and employees requesting special accommodations.
• Work with and support Enrollment Services on student outreach efforts ensuring prospective students are informed of all accessibility services offered at the College.
• Participate in enrollment events such as Open Houses, Orientations, and other student and employee events as required.
• Participate in diversity, equity and inclusion efforts on campus by advocating the needs of students, employees, and members of the campus community related to access and equity.
• Remain current regarding laws, regulations, and best practices in accessibility by engaging in ongoing professional development and sharing those best practices with students, employees, and the greater HCCC community. 
• Assess and evaluate the College’s facilities, programs, technology (hardware and software), activities, and systems to ascertain their accessibility to all students with disabilities; identify outside resources for referral, when applicable.
• Develop workshops and other training and professional development opportunities for faculty and staff to help them better understand people with disabilities and how to work with various populations within this community.
• Represent the College by serving on and participating in groups and organizations that serve and champion disability-related issues.
• Execute other duties as may be assigned.

Position Requirements

Minimum of a Master’s degree in Rehabilitation Counseling, Special Education, Psychology, or a related field; Juris Doctorate preferred. At least four (4) years of work experience with psychological, physical, and learning disabilities, preferably within postsecondary education; four (4) years of work experience in disability resource provision; and two (2) years of supervisory experience. A strong working knowledge of section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act, the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), and amendments to the ADA.

Preferred Requirements

Experience working as an ADA/504 Coordinator and/or in an EEO capacity, serving a culturally and socioeconomically diverse college population, is highly desirable. Proficiency with various computer software programs, including Microsoft Office, project management tools, student success platforms (e.g., EAB Navigate), and student information systems (e.g., Ellucian-Colleague). Experience writing and administering grants preferred. Experience with adaptive, assistive technology, employment accommodations, working with students at the developmental level, and knowledge of deaf and hearing-impaired community and culture preferred.

Classification Grade: 119

HCCC Employee Benefits: We value and appreciate all employees and acknowledge the importance of a comprehensive benefits program. For a comprehensive list of HCCC benefits, perks, and discounts offered to all employees follow this link: https://www.hccc.edu/administration/hr/benefits-pensions.html.

TO APPLY: 

Send a letter of application, resume, salary requirements, and a list of three professional references to:

Office of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion

71 Sip Avenue, 6th Floor

Jersey City, NJ 07306

E-mail: DEI@hccc.edu

More About HCCC

HCCC has three locations just minutes from Manhattan: the Journal Square campus in Jersey City and North Hudson Campus in Union City are adjacent to vital transportation hubs; the Secaucus Center has abundant parking. Fully accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education, the College offers courses and classes in a wide variety of disciplines to the people and businesses of Hudson County, one of the most ethnically diverse areas of the United States. The College was recently recognized with the 2021 Association of Community College Trustees (ACCT) Northeast Regional Equity Award, and the 2022 INSIGHT Into Diversity’s Higher Education Excellence in Diversity (HEED) Award. In 2016, the Gabert Library was one of three academic libraries in the United States to receive the Excellence in Academic Libraries Award from the Association of College and Research Libraries (ACRL), and in 2019 the HCCC Tutoring Center received the Frank L. Christ Outstanding Learning Center Award for Two-Year Institutions. In 2019, the College joined Achieving the Dream, a network of high achieving community colleges, and was recently designated as an ATD Leader College.

HCCC has partnerships with every major four-year college and university in the greater New Jersey-New York area and beyond, accommodating seamless transfer of credits for further undergraduate and graduate education. Hudson County Community College is proud of its culture of care and invites applications from those wishing to join a community dedicated to promoting student success in all forms.  

NEW JERSEY FIRST ACT: As a New Jersey First Act Employer, new employees must establish a primary residence in New Jersey within one year of appointment unless an exemption applies.

HCCC is an equal opportunity and affirmative action employer. We are committed to ensuring a diverse and inclusive learning and working environment. Decisions on employment are made on the basis of the qualifications of an individual for the particular position being filled. Women, veterans and minorities are encouraged to apply. 

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