Career Center

JOB SUMMARY

The Executive Director of the Center for Students with Disabilities provides leadership and management of the University's Center for Students with Disabilities (CSD) and has a strong commitment to the mission of the CSD and to the rights of people with disabilities. The incumbent will guide the disability service professional team on interpreting medical documentation, educational testing, and reasonable and appropriate accommodations, assists in the implementation of existing programs and services, and the development of new initiatives to ensure that all University programs, activities, and services are accessible to students with disabilities. Reporting to the Vice President for Student Affairs, the CSD Executive Director oversees the department operations (which includes UConn Interpreting Services (UCIS)) with a full-time staff of 23, plus 22 graduate and undergrad staff and an operating budget of $2.7 million.

The UConn Division of Student Affairs and the CSD are committed to diversity, equity, and inclusion; competence in working with culturally and ethnically diverse populations; and awareness of how issues of difference, power, and privilege manifest in higher education environments. The ideal candidate promotes equity and inclusion by demonstrating and supporting an understanding, sensitivity, and appreciation for social justice, cultural humility, and inclusiveness. 

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

1. Provides leadership, direction, and oversight of a comprehensive Center for Students with Disabilities, assuring quality service delivery, sound fiscal management, and high employee morale and productivity.
2. Provides administrative and operational oversight for the Center, having a major role in key personnel decisions including responsibilities for staffing, hiring, firing, training, evaluation, and promotion of staff.
3. Provides vision and leadership in strategic planning for facilities, programs, budget, and staffing needs.
4. Manages the planning, development, evaluation, and administration of department programs and policies at the Storrs campus.
5. Collaborates with Academic Affairs, the Provost's office, the General Counsel's Office, the Attorney General's Office, OACE, and OIE regarding disability discrimination complaints, OCR investigations and agreements, reporting, and drafting/updating of University policies and procedures.
6. Develops and manages an annual department budget that involves the oversight of all expenditures and Foundation fund accounts, in compliance with University policies and procedures.
7. Assesses University and student needs through statistical analyses, evaluations, and reports of department processes, programs, and initiatives.
8. Prepare/directs comprehensive reports, presentations, studies, articles, contracts, and grants for various stakeholders including students, faculty, staff, administrations, parents, and the media.
9. Assures that the Center for Students with Disabilities (CSD) establishes a comprehensive vision consistent with the Student Affairs and University of Connecticut Strategic Plans.
10. Develops and supports strategic initiatives and systems to position the Department for future stability and growth and to aid in the retention of students with disabilities in higher education.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

1. Master's degree in special education, rehabilitation, higher education administration, or another related field and ten years of experience working with students with disabilities in higher education.
2. Significant experience applying knowledge of the unique needs of individuals with disabilities, including knowledge of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 and its amendments, and other relevant state and federal legislation.
3. A minimum of five years of leadership experience in a complex organization that includes engaging in strategic planning, management, development and supervision of personnel, financial planning, and monitoring multiple budgets.
4. Must have a demonstrated understanding of, a stated commitment to, and experience with diversity, inclusion, and equity issues in the delivery and management of disability services.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

1. Demonstrated experience with the use and applicability of assistive technology for students with disabilities in an academic setting.

APPOINTMENT TERMS

This is a full-time, permanent management-exempt position. The University offers a competitive salary, and outstanding benefits, including employee and dependent tuition waivers at UConn, and a highly desirable work environment. For additional information regarding benefits visit: https://hr.uconn.edu/benefits-beyond-pay/. 

TERMS AND CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT

Employment of the successful candidate is contingent upon the successful completion of a pre-employment criminal background check.

TO APPLY

Please apply online at https://hr.uconn.edu/jobs, Staff Positions, Search #497241 to upload a resume, cover letter, and contact information for three (3) professional references.

This job posting is scheduled to be removed at 11:55 p.m. Eastern time on April 7, 2023. 

All employees are subject to adherence to the State Code of Ethics which may be found at http://www.ct.gov/ethics/site/default.asp.

The University of Connecticut is committed to building and supporting a multicultural and diverse community of students, faculty and staff. The diversity of students, faculty and staff continues to increase, as does the number of honors students, valedictorians and salutatorians who consistently make UConn their top choice. More than 100 research centers and institutes serve the University's teaching, research, diversity, and outreach missions, leading to UConn's ranking as one of the nation's top research universities. UConn's faculty and staff are the critical link to fostering and expanding our vibrant, multicultural and diverse University community. As an Affirmative Action/Equal Employment Opportunity employer, UConn encourages applications from women, veterans, people with disabilities and members of traditionally underrepresented populations.

About University of Connecticut

The University of Connecticut is a national leader among public research universities, with more than 30,000 students seeking answers to critical questions in classrooms, labs, and the community. A culture of innovation drives this pursuit of knowledge throughout the University’s network of campuses. Connecticut’s commitment to higher education helps UConn attract students who thrive in the most competitive environments, as well as globally renowned faculty members. Our school pride is fueled by a history of success that has made us a standout in Division I athletics. UConn fosters a diverse and vibrant culture that meets the needs and seizes the opportunities of a dynamic global society.

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