The University of Tennessee at Chattanooga
Chattanooga, TN United StatesExecutive Director, Disability Resource Center
University of Tennessee at Chattanooga
Anticipated Salary Range: $90,000 - $95,000
The Executive Director of the Disability Resource Center (DRC) provides strategic leadership, vision, and oversight for all aspects of disability services at UTC. The Executive Director will assess, plan, direct and evaluate department programs as well as develop, recommend, and implement policies and procedures that enhance student learning and services and provide an accessible learning environment at the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga. The Executive Director is the campus expert on student-related matters regarding accommodation, equal access, and disability and is responsible for acting as a spokesperson for the University on disability related matters. DRC is organized in the Division of Student Affairs & Enrollment Management reporting to the Assistant Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs and Dean of Students. The Executive Director works collaboratively across campus to develop and implement programs, policies, and services that foster access, inclusion, and success for students with disabilities.
Responsibilities:
Supervision and Operations Management
Directs hiring, training, supervision, and evaluation of the four full-time staff of the DRC, the Director of the Mosaic Program, and graduate assistants and student employees. Oversees the general daily operations of the DRC program to ensure protocols and procedures are followed by office personnel and that budgeted resources are properly directed. Engages in ethical and fiscally responsible budgeting practices. Forecasts and allocates fiscal, human, capital, and technological resources to align with strategic vision. Manages the budget for the unit including accommodation funds, operating funds, and personnel expenses. Leads staff in determining eligibility and provides direct assistance to students concerning physical, programmatic, and technological access to the university in accordance with the requirements of ADA and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act. Creates systems to gather and maintain accurate data and case files related to accommodations.
Leadership and Visioning
Develops and implements the strategic vision for the Disability Resource Center, ensuring alignment with institutional priorities and Student Affairs curriculum. Serves as the central liaison for coordinating matters relating to the ADA-AA and relevant laws and facilitates activities and the flow of information among various University offices to include but not limited to Student Affairs, Academic Affairs, Administration and Finance, Legal Affairs, Auxiliary Services, etc. Provides institutional leadership to ensure students receive equal access and accommodation across all courses, programs, services, activities, and facilities as mandated by the ADA. This includes overseeing program eligibility, access services, accessible testing, adaptive technology, alternative format services, and Deaf and Hard of Hearing services. Serves as a deputy ADA coordinator for students with disabilities to achieve success in academic, co-curricular, and social settings while upholding academic standards. Conducts regular assessment and program reviews in accordance with appropriate professional competency standards and collects and reports annual data and statistics on program and service usage.
Stays apprised of federal, state, and local laws and UTC policies that inform accommodations and accessible practices. Assists with institution-wide policy revision and implementation as related to equal access, accommodations, and disability support. Engages in training, grant-writing, problem-solving, consultation, and collaboration to improve campus access. Represent DRC and disability on various institutional committees and projects.
Education and Outreach
Works collaboratively with faculty and staff to advise and coach on issues of accommodation, compliance with statutory requirements, and their rights and responsibilities. Develops and maintains educational materials to educate campus community on supporting students with disabilities, trends, and relevant compliance issues. Facilitates educational programming and in-service training and education for students, faculty, and staff, including New Student Orientation, New Faculty Orientation, and others. Establishes, maintains, and promotes effective relationships with relevant campus offices and external agencies to enhance collaborative partnerships to preserve the rights of students with disabilities.
Review of applications will begin May 15, 2025 and continue until the position is filled.
Applications received by?this date?will receive priority consideration.
Minimum qualifications: Master’s degree in Disability Services, Higher Education Administration, Counseling, Social Work, or a related field. A minimum of 7 years of progressively responsible experience in disability services, accessibility, or a related field. A minimum of 3 years of supervisory experience. Demonstrated knowledge of federal and state laws related to disability services in higher education (e.g., ADA, Section 504, FERPA). Experience implementing accommodations and promoting accessibility in a higher education setting.
The ideal candidate will possess the following:
Strong knowledge of disability services, accessibility best practices, and legal compliance requirements.
Excellent interpersonal, communication, and conflict-resolution skills.
Strong organizational and project management skills, with the ability to prioritize and meet deadlines
Benefits of Becoming a UTC Moc
The University of Tennessee Chattanooga is an EEO/AA/Title VI/Title IX/Section 504/ADA/ADEA institution. All qualified applicants will receive equal consideration for employment and will not be discriminated against on the basis of race, color, national origin, religion, sex, pregnancy, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, physical or mental disability, or protected veteran status.
Requirements
- Start Date: No Start Date
- Education: Master's Degree Required
- Work Experience: 7 - 9 years
- Part/Full Time: Full-Time
Contact / Additional Information
Review of applications will begin May 15, 2025 and continue until the position is filled.
Applications received by?this date?will receive priority consideration.