Americans with Disabilities Act Coordinator

The Office of Multicultural Affairs at South Dakota State University (SDSU) is seeking a talented and highly motivated individual to join our team as an Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) Coordinator. The ADA Coordinator will oversee the university’s compliance with and implementation of ADA standards and procedures. This position will also contribute to the university’s mission of providing access and opportunity by supporting the Office of Multicultural Affairs programming and development. This position reports to the Director of Office of Multicultural Affairs with an indirect reporting line to the Office of the President.

South Dakota State University promotes access to and opportunities for all to receive the benefit of and participate in education, research, and service and is especially interested in candidates that can contribute to this land-grant mission of access.

Must be authorized to work in the U.S. Sponsorship is not available or this position.

OVERVIEW OF RESPONSIBILITIES:

The ADA Coordinator will coordinate programs and responsibilities at SDSU to assure compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), Sections 503 and 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, and other federal and state laws and regulations pertaining to persons with disabilities.

Responsible for coordinating University policies and procedures relating to persons with disabilities, tracking university progress relating to its policies and procedures as well as state and federal laws relating to persons with disabilities, filing all necessary reports, and providing consultative services to institutional units and offices.

The scope of responsibilities includes faculty, staff, and student employment, as well as public and student access to educational and institutional programs and facilities.

SPECIFIC DUTIES:

Serves as a planning coordinator for University programs, policies, and procedures relating to University compliance and the promotion of University opportunities for persons with disabilities.

Ensures that appropriate processes are in place to provide for the prompt and equitable resolution of complaints and inquiries from University employees and students, as well as the public regarding compliance with the ADA and other applicable federal and state laws regarding discrimination on the basis of disability.

Maintains current information regarding state and federal laws and regulations as well as best practices relating to all of the University’s employment policies and procedures; facilities, programs and access protocols; and all issues concerning persons with disabilities and ways of providing reasonable accommodations to persons with disabilities while maintaining program performance standards.

Provides ADA program and facility interpretation, training, and recommendations on compliance to all sectors of the University community.

Develops and maintains written materials, presentations, and other informational pieces to broadly disseminate and make readily available information regarding the ADA and the University’s policies, services and procedures relating to individuals with disabilities.

Coordinates with a variety of other offices to ensure the timely filing of all required compliance reports.

Develops and implements internal measures and/or reports which inform the university’s administration of the status of ADA compliance and opportunities for people with disabilities.

Assists with the overall mission of the Office of Multicultural Affairs.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• Earned Bachelor’s Degree in a related field by start date;
• Minimum of two (2) years’ experience working directly with individuals with a broad range of disabilities;
• Demonstrated working knowledge of current state and federal laws and regulations (e.g., Sections 503 and 504 of the Rehabilitation Act and the Americans with Disabilities Amendments Act), institutional policies, practices, and procedures;
• Thorough knowledge of identified best practices and trends in the field of higher education, including but not limited to prevention and elimination of discrimination and harassment in compliance with ADA, Title VII, as amended, health and safety, financial aid, and other regulations;
• Understanding of, and sensitivity to, working with individuals and groups representing a wide range of academic, cultural, disability, ethnic, geographic and socioeconomic backgrounds;
• Strong oral, written, and interpersonal communication skills and knowledge of conflict resolution and mediation methods;
• Demonstrated organizational and analytical skills;
• Evidence of a commitment to teamwork and collaboration.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• Master’s degree in Counseling, Social Work, Rehabilitation Counseling, Special Education or Educational Psychology, or a Juris Doctorate.
• At least three years of experience working in the area of ADA Compliance;
• Knowledge of effective investigation techniques including skilled in compiling, analyzing, and reporting statistical data and ability to reach sound decisions and conclusions.

SALARY:

Commensurate with education, experience, and internal equity.

BENEFITS:

South Dakota State University offers a wide range of benefits including medical, dental, and flexible benefits, retirement plans, compensation packages, paid holidays, and vacation leave. Employees also have access to internal and state-sponsored training as well as reduced tuition for state-supported courses at all State of South Dakota academic institutions.

UNIVERSITY/COMMUNITY:

South Dakota State University is the state’s largest, most comprehensive university with more than 200 academic programs, an enrollment of approximately 12,000 students, and over $60 million annual research expenditures.

South Dakota State University offers a rich academic experience in an environment of inclusion and access through inspired, student-centered education, creative activities and research, innovation and engagement that improve the quality of life in South Dakota, the region, the nation, and the world. Its employees embrace the university’s core values of being people-centered, expanding knowledge through creativity, embracing organizational and personal integrity, commitment to diversity of thought, and excellence through continuous improvement.

As the state’s 1862 Morrill Act land-grant institution, the work of South Dakota State University is carried out on its main resident campus in Brookings, at sites in Sioux Falls, Pierre, Rapid City, and Aberdeen, and through Extension offices and Agricultural Experiment Station research sites across South Dakota.

Jackrabbits Athletics competes as an NCAA Division I member with membership in the Missouri Valley Football Conference, the Summit League and the Big XII for wrestling.

Brookings is home to approximately 24,000 residents and is located 60 miles north of Sioux Falls and 200 miles west of Minneapolis. Brookings is listed as an ideal community for families, students, young professionals, and retirees, and is rated among the safest and most vibrant cities in South Dakota.

The Brookings Public School District educates approximately 3,300 K-12 students and ranks among the state’s highest academic achieving school districts. The district includes three elementary schools, an intermediate school for fourth and fifth grade, one middle school, and a high school.

The city also boasts an abundance of attractions and activities, including the Children’s Museum of South Dakota, Dakota Nature Park, South Dakota Art Museum, McCrory Gardens, South Dakota Agricultural Heritage Museum, Outdoor Adventure Center, and the Brookings Summer Arts Festival.

APPLICATION DEADLINE:

Position is open until filled with full consideration given to applications received by April 22, 2022.

APPLICATION PROCESS:

SDSU accepts applications through an on-line employment site. To apply, visit: https://yourfuture.sdbor.edu, search by the position title, view the job announcement, and click on “apply for this job.” This system will guide you through the electronic application form. This employment site will also require the attachment of a cover letter, which should specifically address how the candidate meets the qualifications as outlined in the advertisement, Curriculum Vitae or resume, and a reference page with the contact information for three professional references. Email applications will not be accepted. Please contact SDSU Human Resources at (605) 688-4128 if you require assistance with this process.

Any offer of employment is contingent on the university’s verification of credentials and other information required by law and/or university policies, including but not limited to, successful completion of a criminal background check.

South Dakota State University is a tobacco free environment. It is the policy of the University to maintain a drug-free environment and to thereby establish, promote, and maintain a safe and healthy working and learning environment for employees and students. This position is subject to South Dakota State University’s Drug and Alcohol Testing Policy 4:14.

For questions on the position, contact : Toby Uecker, Dean of Students @ 605-688-4493 or tobias.uecker@sdstate.edu.

South Dakota State University promotes access to and opportunities for all to receive the benefit of and participate in education, research, and service and is especially interested in candidates that can contribute to this land-grant access mission. SDSU is an affirmative action, equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration without regard to, and SDSU prohibits discrimination on, the basis of sex, race, color, creed, national origin, ancestry, citizenship, gender, gender identification, transgender, sexual orientation, religion, age, disability, genetic information, veteran status, or any other status that may become protected under law against discrimination in the offering of all educational programs and employment opportunities. Arrangements for accommodations required by disabilities can be made by emailing HR@sdstate.edu. Individuals with concerns regarding discrimination should contact: Equal Opportunity Officer/Title IX Coordinator, Human Resources, Morrill Hall 100, SDSU, Brookings, SD 57007, 605-688-4128.