Deputy Director, Disability Resource Center
City: West Lafayette
Job Description:
Job SummaryThe Deputy Director provides operational leadership for the Disability Resource Center and is responsible for translating the department's strategic vision into consistent daily practice. The position oversees day-to-day West Lafayette operations, directs and manages a team of experienced professional Access Consultants, ensures consistency and alignment in accommodation decision making, and develops staff through coaching, accountability, and performance management. Working in close partnership with the Senior Director, the Deputy Director establishes operational expectations, evaluates and contributes to complex accommodation decisions, oversees quality assurance, and serves as the primary operational resource for faculty, staff, and campus partners. The Deputy Director serves on behalf of the Senior Director when appropriate and leads the department in the Senior Director's absence.
What We're Looking For:Education and ExperienceQualified candidates will need:
- A master's degree in a relevant field from an accredited institution
- A minimum of four (4) years of progressively responsible disability-related professional experience is required, including at least three years in higher education disability services and at least three years supervising staff.
- The position requires demonstrated expertise in making complex accommodation determinations.
- The position requires a strong working knowledge of the ADA, the ADA Amendments Act (ADAAA), and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act.
- In lieu of a degree, consideration will be given to an equivalent combination of related education and required work experience; Bachelor's + 6 years' experience or HS/GED + 10 years of experience.
Skills:
- Exercises sound professional judgment in complex and ambiguous situations.
- Balances disability documentation, the student experience, legal requirements, and institutional obligations when making decisions.
- Makes difficult decisions and communicates them clearly and effectively.
- Coaches professional staff and manages accountability with fairness and consistency.
- Evaluates documentation and determines reasonable accommodations in accordance with applicable law.
- Improves workflows, processes, and overall operational effectiveness.
- Builds collaborative relationships while maintaining high professional standards.
Success in the Role:
- Builds trust across the team and the campus while maintaining accountability.
- Develops high-performing staff who understand expectations and feel supported.
- Ensures accommodation practices are consistent across consultants and campuses.
- Makes timely, defensible decisions and clearly communicates the rationale behind them.
- Balances the medical and social models of disability while remaining grounded in legal compliance.
- Serves as a trusted operational and strategic partner to the Senior Director.
Additional Information:
- Purdue will not sponsor employment authorization for this position
- A background check will be required for employment in this position
- FLSA: Exempt (Not Eligible For Overtime)
- Retirement Eligibility: Defined Contributions immediately
Career StreamCompensation Information:
Management 4
Pay Band S085
The anticipated annual salary range for this position is $100,500-$101,800. The final salary offer will be determined based on various factors, including internal equity, available budget, and relevant experience.
