Associate Director of the Accessible Education Office

Company: Harvard University
Location: Cambridge
Posted on: August 4, 2022

Job Description:

Associate Director of the Accessible Education OfficeFaculty of Arts and Sciences59238BRPosition DescriptionThe Associate Director provides effective and innovative leadership and supervision of Accessible Education Office (AEO) staff and activities. The Associate Director will be an expert and co-leader in accessibility work, who understands the diverse needs of disabled students in the specific context for FAS and translates those needs into actionable adjustments to inaccessible environments. They will collaborate extensively with other units and offices from across the FAS and the university to identify, devise, and assess solutions for access and inclusion in a variety of environments, including residential and academic programs.Specific Duties and ResponsibilitiesManagement & Operations:Provides direct supervision and performance management of Accessibility Advisors and the Office Coordinator, including hiring, training, daily supervision, annual performance reviews, taking corrective action as needed, strategic planning for roles, caseload adjustments, and ensuring that current best practices in the field are explored and implemented. Leads department operations, working with the Director to further develop the vision and mission of AEO into measurable outcomes. Thinks strategically about office processes and technology and brings forth ideas for improvement and implementation. Compiling, analyzing, and providing data and other information as requested.Operational oversight of office resources and workflow.Student Caseload:Strategic case management for complex student cases within the College, GSAS, and SEAS Manages independent high-complexity student caseload while also providing oversight of all student accommodation management among Accessibility Advisors.Ongoing collaboration with faculty and staff partners leading accommodation implementation. Collaborates with faculty to devise and help implement complex accommodations, including those for students with sensory disabilities.Develops and presents trainings and workshops to promote universal design and access for all students. Works with student organizations to receive feedback and develop sustainable solutions and provides leadership on accessibility-focused student advisory boards. Collaborates with Director, Office of General Counsel, and University Disability Resources when student grievance cases arise. Maintains current knowledge in disability law to the extent of being able to individually assess situations for potential discrimination and forward concerns to the appropriate parties for investigation. Working interdepartmentally on large-scale, multi-user projects, such as accessible transportation, house renewal and residential access. Works with committees on wellness, health services, dining, technology, and others.Strategic planning, program leadership and critical administrative support. Assists the Director in formulating policies and procedures and makes recommendations to the Director to improve overall operations. Contributes substantially to the strategic planning and design of the office and improves the ways in the which the office can support disabled students within FAS. Represents AEO in a variety of events, including Orientation, Pre-O trainings, Visitas, Family Weekend, and other opportunities to reach the broader community. Empowered to act on behalf of the Director as requested and serve as de facto director when the Director is out of the office. Acting as the office's first responder and representative for emergent and/or sensitive concerns, including employment or labor issues that involve the HGSU-UAW union; coordinating with local offices such as General Counsel and the Office of Labor and Employee Relations as necessary.Basic Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree or equivalent work experience required
• Minimum of 7 years' relevant work experienceAdditional Qualifications and Skills
  • Direct supervisory experience of full-time staff preferred.
  • Knowledge of ADAAA, 504, and 508 laws, requirements, and best practices for accommodations and digital accessibility.
  • Experience working in a 1:1 counseling or advising role with college students.
  • Demonstrated ability to build positive relationships and work professionally with a diverse group of faculty, staff, and students.Physical Requirements
    • Sitting using near vision use for reading and computer use for extended periods of time
    • Lifting (approximately 20 to 30 pounds), bending, and other physical exertionWorking ConditionsWork is performed in an office settingMay be required to work occasional nights and weekendsThis position will be based in Cambridge, MA. All remote work must be performed in a state in which Harvard is registered to do business (CA, CT, MA, MD, ME, NH, NY, RI, and VT). Human Resources Consulting is currently developing hybrid workplace models which actively support some remote work (within a state in which Harvard is registered to do business) where business and team needs allow. Furthermore, individual flexible and remote work options for this role will be discussed during the interview process.Additional InformationAll Harvard employees must be fully vaccinated. Individuals may submit a request for exemption from the vaccine requirement for medical or religious reasons. More information regarding the University's COVID vaccination requirement and exemptions may be found at the University's "COVID-19 Vaccine Information" webpage: http://www.harvard.edu/coronavirus/covid-19-vaccine-information/.Commitment to Equity, Diversity, Inclusion, and BelongingHarvard University views equity, diversity, inclusion, and belonging as the pathway to achieving inclusive excellence and fostering a campus culture where everyone can thrive. We strive to create a community that draws upon the widest possible pool of talent to unify excellence and diversity while fully embracing individuals from varied backgrounds, cultures, races, identities, life experiences, perspectives, beliefs, and values.EEO StatementWe are an equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, gender identity, sexual orientation, pregnancy and pregnancy-related conditions, or any other characteristic protected by law.

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