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Inside Higher Ed

Associate Director - Accessibility Resources - TRIO - 261083

Inside Higher Ed, Cullowhee, North Carolina, United States, 28723

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Associate Director - Accessibility Resources - TRIO - 261083 Company:

Western Carolina University

Location:

Cullowhee, NC

Seniority level:

Mid‑Senior level

Employment type:

Full‑time

Position Summary The Associate Director of Accessibility Resources—TRIO will oversee the day‑to‑day operations of the TRIO Disabled Student Support Services (DSSS) within the Office of Accessibility Resources.

The role is funded through a federal TRIO grant and is expected to begin in early January 2026.

It involves strategic planning, program assessment, student support coordination, and advocacy for students with disabilities.

Responsibilities

Oversee academic support services and programs for DSSS participants.

Engage in collaborative strategic planning aligned with OAR, divisional, and university goals.

Conduct program assessment and pre‑advising to improve graduation and retention rates.

Coordinate tutoring and additional student services in partnership with OAR, Student Retention, Financial Aid, Orientation, Admissions, Career & 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 convey performance outcomes.

Represent the unit at conferences, meetings, and on‑ and off‑campus events.

Act as a consultant to University faculty and staff on accessibility, inclusion, and compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, ADAAA, and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act.

Minimum Qualifications

Master’s degree in Rehabilitation Counseling, Disability Studies, Special Education, Counseling, Psychology, Social Work, Student Affairs, or related field.

Five years’ experience working with students with disabilities and/or disadvantaged students.

Knowledge 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) and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act as they apply to postsecondary education.

Three years’ administrative or supervisory experience, including budget management.

Sensitivity to, and understanding of, confidentiality, equity, and inclusion.

Effective communication and leadership skills.

Preferred Qualifications

Demonstrated ability to work with diverse populations and varied learning and communication styles.

Demonstrated 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/neurocognitive differences and building relationships with them.

Position Type Time‑Limited Full‑time (five‑year grant period through September 2030; continued employment contingent on grant renewal)

Application Details Application materials must be submitted online.

Include a cover letter, resume, and a list of professional references with complete contact information.

Review of applications will begin immediately and continue until a candidate is selected.

For questions or additional information, contact Wesley Satterwhite at satterwhitew@email.wcu.edu.

EEO Statement 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 may call (828) 227‑7218 or email jobs@email.wcu.edu.

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