Western Carolina University
Associate Director - Accessibility Resources - TRIO - #261083
Western Carolina University, Cullowhee, North Carolina, United States, 28723
Associate Director - Accessibility Resources - TRIO - #261083
Position Summary
The primary location of this position is on-site in Cullowhee, NC. This grant‑funded position is funded through a federal TRIO grant with an initial five-year funding period secured through September 2030. Continued employment is contingent upon renewal of grant funding. The anticipated start date is early January 2026. The Associate Director of Accessibility Resources‑TRIO provides oversight for the day‑to‑day operations of the TRIO Disabled Student Support Services (DSSS) within the Office of Accessibility Resources (OAR). Reporting to the Director of OAR, this position serves as a key administrator in providing programs and services to DSSS participants who have documented disabilities and are low‑income or have demonstrated academic need. The Associate Director also serves on the OAR leadership team and collaborates with OAR administrative staff to accomplish unit goals and objectives.
Responsibilities
Oversee academic support services and programs, collaborative strategic planning (aligning with OAR, Division, and University goals), program assessment, pre‑advising, coordinating tutoring as needed, and other activities related to improving graduation and retention rates of students participating in DSSS.
Coordinate additional student services in collaboration with the OAR team, the Office of Student Retention, Financial Aid, Orientation, Admissions, Career and Professional Development, Advising Center, Academic Affairs, and other on‑ and off‑campus partners.
Communicate with internal and external stakeholders to enhance awareness of programs and services, convey purpose, objectives, and performance outcomes, and represent the unit at conferences, meetings, and on‑ and off‑campus events.
Act as a consultant to University faculty and staff to ensure accessibility, inclusion, and compliance with federal mandates, including the ADA, ADAAA, and Section 504.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities A successful candidate must be able to communicate effectively with different populations and University constituents; collaborate with all segments of the University in identifying difficulties and barriers for students with disabilities; and provide solutions for problems preventing students with disabilities from achieving their academic potential.
Must be a strong advocate for students with disabilities or physical and neurocognitive differences; a willingness to represent students in instances where traditional processes have not met with success.
Preferred: Experience with TRIO/SST programs, understanding of disabilities or neurocognitive differences, and knowledge of student development theories and practices.
Minimum Qualifications
Master’s degree in Rehabilitation Counseling, Disability Studies, Special Education, Counseling, Psychology, Social Work, Student Affairs, or a related field.
Five years of experience working with students with disabilities and/or disadvantaged students.
Knowledge and understanding of the needs of students with disabilities, disadvantaged, under‑resourced, first‑generation, low‑income, or educationally underprepared students.
Knowledge of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), its amendments, and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 as they relate to students with disabilities in postsecondary education.
Three years of administrative or supervisory experience, including budget management.
Sensitivity to confidentiality, equity, and inclusion.
Effective communication and leadership skills.
Preferred Qualifications
Ability to work with diverse populations with a wide range of abilities, learning, and communication styles.
Ability to collaborate with other programs and departments.
Experience and knowledge of TRIO or similar programs.
Knowledge of ADHD, learning disabilities, autism, and other neurocognitive differences.
Experience supporting individuals with disabilities, medical conditions, or physical and/or neurocognitive differences.
Position Type Time‑Limited Full‑Time
Number of Hours Per Week: [Not specified]
Number of Months Per Year: 12
Application Application materials must be submitted online. Please include a cover letter, resume, and a list of professional references with complete contact information.
Contact: Wesley Satterwhite (satterwhitew@email.wcu.edu)
Required Documents
Cover Letter/Letter of Application
Resume
List of references
Supplemental Questions Required fields are indicated with an asterisk (*).
Other Information Western Carolina University is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, ethnicity, religion, sex, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, political affiliation, National Guard or veteran status. Persons with disabilities requiring accommodations in the application and interview process please call (828) 227‑7218 or email jobs@email.wcu.edu.
Final candidates are subject to criminal & sex offender background checks. Some vacancies also require credit or motor vehicle checks. Western Carolina University uses E‑Verify to confirm employment eligibility of all newly hired employees.
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Responsibilities
Oversee academic support services and programs, collaborative strategic planning (aligning with OAR, Division, and University goals), program assessment, pre‑advising, coordinating tutoring as needed, and other activities related to improving graduation and retention rates of students participating in DSSS.
Coordinate additional student services in collaboration with the OAR team, the Office of Student Retention, Financial Aid, Orientation, Admissions, Career and Professional Development, Advising Center, Academic Affairs, and other on‑ and off‑campus partners.
Communicate with internal and external stakeholders to enhance awareness of programs and services, convey purpose, objectives, and performance outcomes, and represent the unit at conferences, meetings, and on‑ and off‑campus events.
Act as a consultant to University faculty and staff to ensure accessibility, inclusion, and compliance with federal mandates, including the ADA, ADAAA, and Section 504.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities A successful candidate must be able to communicate effectively with different populations and University constituents; collaborate with all segments of the University in identifying difficulties and barriers for students with disabilities; and provide solutions for problems preventing students with disabilities from achieving their academic potential.
Must be a strong advocate for students with disabilities or physical and neurocognitive differences; a willingness to represent students in instances where traditional processes have not met with success.
Preferred: Experience with TRIO/SST programs, understanding of disabilities or neurocognitive differences, and knowledge of student development theories and practices.
Minimum Qualifications
Master’s degree in Rehabilitation Counseling, Disability Studies, Special Education, Counseling, Psychology, Social Work, Student Affairs, or a related field.
Five years of experience working with students with disabilities and/or disadvantaged students.
Knowledge and understanding of the needs of students with disabilities, disadvantaged, under‑resourced, first‑generation, low‑income, or educationally underprepared students.
Knowledge of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), its amendments, and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 as they relate to students with disabilities in postsecondary education.
Three years of administrative or supervisory experience, including budget management.
Sensitivity to confidentiality, equity, and inclusion.
Effective communication and leadership skills.
Preferred Qualifications
Ability to work with diverse populations with a wide range of abilities, learning, and communication styles.
Ability to collaborate with other programs and departments.
Experience and knowledge of TRIO or similar programs.
Knowledge of ADHD, learning disabilities, autism, and other neurocognitive differences.
Experience supporting individuals with disabilities, medical conditions, or physical and/or neurocognitive differences.
Position Type Time‑Limited Full‑Time
Number of Hours Per Week: [Not specified]
Number of Months Per Year: 12
Application Application materials must be submitted online. Please include a cover letter, resume, and a list of professional references with complete contact information.
Contact: Wesley Satterwhite (satterwhitew@email.wcu.edu)
Required Documents
Cover Letter/Letter of Application
Resume
List of references
Supplemental Questions Required fields are indicated with an asterisk (*).
Other Information Western Carolina University is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, ethnicity, religion, sex, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, political affiliation, National Guard or veteran status. Persons with disabilities requiring accommodations in the application and interview process please call (828) 227‑7218 or email jobs@email.wcu.edu.
Final candidates are subject to criminal & sex offender background checks. Some vacancies also require credit or motor vehicle checks. Western Carolina University uses E‑Verify to confirm employment eligibility of all newly hired employees.
#J-18808-Ljbffr