Director, Universal Design for Learning & Accessibility Services

Job Description

The Director of Universal Design for Learning & Accessibility Services, part of Accessible Technologies (AT), reports to the Senior Director of Universal Design and Accessible Technologies and is responsible for supporting and promoting the efforts of Technology-enhanced Learning and Online Strategies (TLOS) to create inclusive, universally designed, and accessible learning experiences and technology support. This position will work directly with instructional design, instructional technology, and professional development staff by consulting on course development and TLOS projects to ensure UDL principles are implemented and materials are accessible. Additionally, the director will provide leadership to administration, faculty, and staff by collaboratively establishing strategic action plans for UDL implementation across VT academic units, faculty and staff professional development, and student life. The director will also facilitate development of a UDL community of practice to foster growth in UDL expansion across the university. This position will develop workshops for and with faculty, staff, and graduate students to teach and promote inclusive design and development best practices. The director will work closely with the senior director on strategic plans for scaled implementation of universal design for learning and accessibility services.

Responsibilities:
- Create a strategic, community-driven approach to scaling implementation of the Universal Design for Learning framework and accessible educational materials across the university.
- Guide and support VT administrators, faculty, staff, and graduate students in the application of UDL principles to course design/development.
- Serve as product owner and provide support for enterprise-wide accessibility and UDL software (e.g., Glean, Read&Write, EquatIO, PREP).
- Develop and communicate a consistent message regarding the intersection of accessibility, instructional design, inclusivity, and UDL throughout the campus by way of UDL & accessibility related workshops, webinars, consultations, virtual office hours, and other communication strategies.
- Engage with campus partners (e.g., Services for Students with Disabilities, the Office of Equity and Accessibility, Human Resources) to understand current perspectives from students and employees with disabilities to help create more inclusive learning experiences and environments.
- Expand the implementation of microbadging campaigns around Universal Design for Learning and accessibility.
- Participate in the continued development and refinement of TLOS AT operations.
- Remain current with best practices and new developments in UDL and accessible technologies by participating in conferences, workshops, or webinars for continuing professional development.

Required Qualifications

- Master’s degree in educational technology, inclusive education, assistive technology, instructional design, or a related field, or equivalent related work experience.
- Strong working knowledge of, and skills related to, instructional development, leadership, collaboration, accessibility, and Universal Design for Learning.
- Teaching experience, either as full-time instructor or in a professional development training role.
- Experience applying the Universal Design for Learning framework in educational settings.
- Experience in the creation of accessible educational materials.
- Knowledge of usability and accessibility best practices for developing online content.
- Experience training, scheduling, and leading teams.
- Excellent communication, teamwork, and time management skills.
- Ability to research and apply new aspects of both information technology and assistive technology to teaching and learning.

Preferred Qualifications

- Demonstrated ability to communicate with faculty, staff, and students of all ranks, and collaborate with professional and student staff to research and develop solutions to learning barriers.
- Experience in a leadership role within higher education.
- Leadership experience with UDL implementation.
- UDL Level 1&2 credentials through CAST.
- Experience with academic research.

Appointment Type

Regular

Salary Information

$65,000 - $75,000

Review Date

3/9/2022

Additional Information

The successful candidate will be required to have a criminal conviction check.

About Virginia Tech

Dedicated to its motto, Ut Prosim (That I May Serve), Virginia Tech pushes the boundaries of knowledge by taking a hands-on, transdisciplinary approach to preparing scholars to be leaders and problem-solvers. A comprehensive land-grant institution that enhances the quality of life in Virginia and throughout the world, Virginia Tech is an inclusive community dedicated to knowledge, discovery, and creativity. The university offers more than 280 majors to a diverse enrollment of more than 36,000 undergraduate, graduate, and professional students in eight undergraduate colleges , a school of medicine , a veterinary medicine college, Graduate School , and Honors College . The university has a significant presence across Virginia, including the Innovation Campus in Northern Virginia; the Health Sciences and Technology Campus in Roanoke; sites in Newport News and Richmond; and numerous Extension offices and research centers . A leading global research institution, Virginia Tech conducts more than $500 million in research annually.

Virginia Tech does not discriminate against employees, students, or applicants on the basis of age, color, disability, sex (including pregnancy), gender, gender identity, gender expression, genetic information, national origin, political affiliation, race, religion, sexual orientation, or military status, or otherwise discriminate against employees or applicants who inquire about, discuss, or disclose their compensation or the compensation of other employees or applicants, or on any other basis protected by law.

If you are an individual with a disability and desire an accommodation, please contact Brittany Kessler at bmlester@vt.edu during regular business hours at least 10 business days prior to the event.

Advertised: February 23, 2022
Applications close: