Title: Associate Director of Operations

Executive Area: Student Affairs & Campus Life

College/School/MBU: Advocacy, Inclusion & Support Programs

Department: Disability Services

Work Location: Amherst

Schedule: Full Time

Work Arrangement: Onsite

Job Summary

The Associate Director of Operations oversees all aspects of Disability Services operations in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, and 2008 Amendment Act, to ensure all administrative, programmatic, and day-to-day services are provide to campus constituents. 

Essential Functions

Plans and administers policies relating to the Americans with Disabilities Act which mandates individuals must be recognized as persons with a disability to receive services. 

Accountable for administration of services for prospective, undergraduate, graduate students, and the public who use the services of the University.  Assists in the review of current policies, establishment of new policies and department procedures. 

Maintains a working knowledge or, and ability to apply, the legal guidelines of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), ADAA of 2008 as prescribed by the Dept. of Education and other relevant federal, state, local and institutional guidelines. 

Knowledgeable on a wide range of types of disabilities. Keeps abreast of ongoing research, development, strategic and programmatic leadership, implementation, and coordinate service programs to stay on the cutting edge. 

Clarifies the legal mandates regarding emerging technologies and policies by reducing mandated information into manageable methods, functions, services, application, technology, equipment, applications, cost, and usage. 

Monitors programs’ budget and reports issues which may have costs outside of the average budget.  Manages departmental financial affairs such as office supplies and equipment; and gathers data on monetary needs to provide appropriate accommodations.  Conducts quarterly financial reviews for adherence to budget and compliance with federal, state and local regulations. 

Oversees the day-to-day management of the Operations Team, supervises the Access Coordinators, providing training, supervision, direction, support and assisting with complicated cases. 

Ensures Access Coordinators adhere to the ADA regulations, amendments, laws and policies that guide the provisions of equal access to students registered with Disability Services.  Has decision-making authority in determining assignments and appropriate accommodations. 

Resolves conflicts between students, parents, staff, and faculty regarding disability related issues. Responds to crisis and provides assessment and appropriate referrals. 

Communicates with medical agencies and University personnel to clarify questions regarding eligibility, documentation and providing guidance on accommodations. 

Maintains records, tracks outcomes, prepares reports and conducts assessments and evaluation activities for the department. 

Works with the Director and SACL IT to maintain Clockwork and ensures management of registered student data through monitoring, troubleshooting, and making necessary upgrades.  

Provides reports for various departments or legal agencies that require or seek information regarding the student population of people with disabilities. Reports may include services provided, number of consumers, or types of disabilities. 

Provides the Director of Disability Services ongoing updates of data management, programmatic efforts, key communications with students or key constituents, and any issues that affect the overall quality of DS operations. Provides leadership within the department and back up support to Director. 

Advises Director on budget projection and spending plan, prepares quarterly budgetary reports, mid-year reviews and year-end reviews required. Gathers data to generate reports and maintains statistical reports which justify budgetary expenditures and/or requests for services. 

Provides outreach to departments and in-service training for staff/supervisors of students with disabilities. Provides workshops, presentations and consultation for administration, management, faculty, staff, and students which focuses on the awareness of the rights of people with disabilities in academic, work, program, and service areas. 

Understands and is committed to implementing University and Departmental affirmative action and non-discrimination regulations, policies, and principles. Upholds the philosophies of diversity and multiculturalism through a social justice ideology. 

Other Functions

Performs related duties as assigned or required.  Understands responsibilities with respect to Title IX, Clery and other compliance requirements.  

Demonstrates capacity, skill, and willingness to engage students and contribute to student success.  

Understands responsibilities with respect to conflicts of interest and behaves in ways consistent both with law and with University policy.  

Contributes toward creating a positive and respectful workplace. Uses access to sensitive and/or not yet public University-related information only in the performance of the responsibilities of position and exercises care to prevent unnecessary disclosure to others.  

Minimum Qualifications

Bachelor’s Degree. 

Five years’ experience in fields related to providing services to individuals with disabilities. 

Knowledge of the laws governing ADA, and demonstrated ability to master new regulations or changes to old regulations. 

Demonstrated administrative experience and budget management skills 

Demonstrated experience in using Microsoft Office, software portals for communication and follow through, and management of databases. 

Strong interpersonal skills and communication skills. 

Maintains a working knowledge of various forms of adaptive technology equipment and applications, function, methods, cost, and usage. 

Preferred Qualifications

Experience in Higher Education Administration, Human Services, or Special Education. 

Experience at a public institution. 

Additional Details

This position is subject to final budgetary and administrative approval.

Working Conditions

Work is primarily performed in an indoor university environment and involves lifting and transporting materials or equipment and general physical activity, including prolonged standing, walking, or assuming low postures.

Work Schedule and Work Arrangement

M-F 8:30am - 5:00pm

Salary Information

Pay Grade: PSSAP Grade 28

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Special Instructions for Applicants

Upload your resume, along with your completed application. Our team will check references at the final stage of the interview process. Please be prepared to provide contact information for at least three (3) professional references.

This position will remain open for the time period required by any applicable collective bargaining agreement and will continue until a suitable candidate pool is identified. Interested applicants are strongly encouraged to apply early.