Program Director, Disability Support Services

About the role

The program director provides strategic leadership, vision, and management for Disability Support Services (DSS) to ensure equitable access, inclusion, and student success for students with disabilities. This position leads departmental operations, compliance efforts, staff supervision, budget management, accessibility initiatives, and institutional partnerships in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), ADA Amendments Act (ADAAA), Section 504, Section 508, and applicable federal, state, and local regulations. This position also promotes a culture of accessibility and belonging through collaboration with campus stakeholders to remove barriers and enhance student persistence, retention, completion, transfer, and workforce readiness.

Responsibilities

• Develop and implement a comprehensive accessibility strategy aligned with institutional priorities, student success initiatives, and legal requirements.
• Lead departmental assessment efforts, including the collection, analysis, and reporting of student success, retention, utilization, and accommodation data to support continuous improvement and institutional effectiveness.
• Collaborate with Student Success and Engagement, Academic Affairs, Information Technology, Human Resources, and Facilities to advance accessibility and universal design principles across the College.
• Provide leadership in the implementation and utilization of accommodation management systems, assistive technologies, and emerging accessibility tools.
• Develop and facilitate training programs for faculty, staff, and administrators on accessibility, disability inclusion, Universal Design for Learning (UDL), and best practices in serving students with disabilities.
• Monitor evolving federal and state regulations, guidance, and case law related to disability services and ensure institutional compliance.
• Serve as the College’s subject matter expert on disability access, accommodations, accessibility, and inclusive practices.
• Establish and maintain partnerships with community organizations, vocational rehabilitation agencies, workforce development partners, and other external stakeholders to support student success and post-completion outcomes.
• Support strategic enrollment, retention, and completion initiatives for students with disabilities through proactive outreach, intervention, and collaboration.
• Participate in institutional strategic planning efforts and contribute to divisional goals related to access, belonging, equity, and student achievement.
• Develop grant opportunities and external funding partnerships that enhance services, technology, and support resources for students with disabilities.
• File an annual financial disclosure statement with the Maryland State Ethics Commission.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

• EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE Bachelor’s degree in Higher Education Administration, Rehabilitation Counseling, Counseling, Special Education, Student Affairs, Social Work, or a related field required. Three (3) years of progressively responsible experience in disability services, accessibility services, student affairs, higher education administration, rehabilitation counseling, or a related field. Minimum of two (2) years of supervisory and budget management experience. Master’s degree preferred. Experience with accommodation management software, assistive technology, strategic planning, assessment, and program evaluation preferred.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Knowledge of Universal Design for Learning (UDL), accessibility standards, and inclusive educational practices.
• Knowledge of assistive technology, accessibility software, and accommodation management systems.
• Ability to analyze and interpret data to inform decision-making and assess program effectiveness.
• Strong project management, organizational leadership, and change management skills.
• Ability to develop and maintain collaborative relationships with internal and external stakeholders.
• Demonstrated commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion, belonging, and student success.
• Demonstrated experience interpreting and applying ADA, ADAAA, Section 504, and Section 508 regulations.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills with strong facilitation and presentation abilities.
• Ability to work independently while managing multiple projects simultaneously.
• Strong interpersonal skills and cultural competency.

Job Requirements

• PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS Must have the use of sensory skills in order to effectively communicate and interact with other employees and the public through the use of the telephone and personal contact as normally defined by the ability to see, read, talk, hear, handle, or feel objects and controls. Physical capability to effectively use and operate various items of office related equipment, such as, but not limited to a, personal computer, calculator, copier, and fax machine. No significant climbing, stooping, kneeling, crouching, reaching, standing, walking, pushing, pulling, lifting, grasping, and repetitive motions.
• OTHER REQUIREMENTS May be required to work with minors in determining eligibility for services, particularly for students in dual enrollment, concurrent enrollment and/or early middle college programs. Ability to communicate effectively in spoken and written standard English. As required by the 1986 Immigration Act, be prepared to present acceptable documentation showing your identity and that you are a U.S. citizen or an alien who is authorized to work. A background investigation will be conducted prior to the offer of employment. A signed authorization for the release of personal information will be required if selected for an interview.