Position Details

Position Information

Budget Title
Director Special Student Programs

Campus Title
Director of Disability Resources

School/Division
Student Affairs, Division of

Department
Student Affairs Office

Staff Sub-Type
Staff & Administration

Salary Level
SL4

Salary Range
$85,000 + depending on experience (DOE)

Salary Determination

Starting salary rates are based on multiples factors which may include the position's major responsibilities, the applicant's background including education, work experience, and key competencies, the university's strategic priorities, internal peer equity and external market analyses, applicable federal, state, and local laws and negotiated labor contracts.

Position Effort
Full-Time

If Part-Time, enter FTE:

Is this a temporary position?
No

If Temporary, enter End Date:

Position Summary

The Director of Disability Resources provides strategic leadership, vision, and oversight for a comprehensive Disability Resources Office recognized nationally for excellence in serving students with disabilities. This role advances institutional access by identifying and removing barriers, ensuring compliance with federal and state regulations, and partnering across campus to foster an inclusive learning environment. The Director leads a high-performing team, oversees operations and technology systems, and drives continuous improvement through data-informed decision-making. The position serves as a key campus resource and advocate for accessibility and student success.

Salary Range: $85,000 + depending on experience (DOE)

Major Responsibilities

Direct Student Support

• Engage students in identifying barriers to full participation in curricular and co-curricular environments and determine appropriate accommodations, reviewing additional sources of information as needed.
• Manage the interactive accommodation process for housing, dining and academic requests, collaborating with students, faculty, staff, and relevant parties to ensure equal access.
• Apply subject matter expertise by maintaining current knowledge of applicable laws, emerging trends, and best practices in disability services to inform student support and accommodation decisions.
• Maintain accurate and confidential records, documenting communications, determinations, and recommended courses of action or accommodations in accordance with university policies and legal requirements.

Planning, Assessment, Budgeting

• Manage and monitor departmental budgets, including forecasting, resource allocation, and fiscal accountability.
• Lead program assessment and evaluation efforts, using qualitative and quantitative data to measure outcomes and inform decision-making.
• Prepare reports for senior leadership, accreditation, and external reviews related to access, compliance, and student services.
• Develop and implement effective policies and procedures to improve services and ensure compliance with applicable laws, regulations, and professional standards.
• Establish and prioritize short- and long-term campus accessibility goals based on institutional assessments, program effectiveness, and compliance needs.
• Utilize data analytics and benchmarking to drive continuous improvement and inform institutional accessibility initiatives.

Leadership and Supervision

• Articulate a clear vision and define departmental objectives and goals that align daily operations with a shared purpose. Plan, organize, and monitor progress toward goal completion.
• Hire, onboard, train, supervise, and develop staff. Assign duties based on role and adjust workloads as needed. Provide clear expectations, ongoing coaching, and regular performance feedback. Complete evaluations and support professional growth and career development.
• Confirm staff complete required training to ensure compliance with institutional policies and applicable state and federal laws. Monitor service quality and alignment with best practices and regulatory standards.
• Lead the development and implementation of programs. Ensure alignment with departmental goals and institutional priorities. Monitor effectiveness and adjust based on outcomes.
• Oversee the implementation and utilization of assistive technology. Assign responsibilities for support and delivery. Ensure staff are trained and resources are effectively deployed.
• Oversee processes for documentation review and accommodation determination. Guide staff in consistent application of standards. Address complex cases and ensure equitable decision-making.
• Facilitate communication between staff and senior leadership regarding outreach priorities. Promote collaboration within the team to ensure consistent messaging. Support staff in executing outreach and engagement strategies.

Campus and Community Collaboration

• Serve as a campus leader and subject matter expert on accessibility, consulting with academic and administrative units to ensure programs, services, and environments are accessible.
• Identify and collaborate with public and private entities that provide services, assistance, or information to students with disabilities.
• Serve on university and student affairs committees.

Functional and Supervisory Relationships

• Reports to the Associate Vice President for Student Affairs.
• Supervises the Associate Director of Disability Resources, Accessibility Associate, Learning Strategist, and Administrative Assistant.
• Works closely with all other Directors from the Division of Student Affairs, Vice President for Student Affairs, Associate Deans, Chief Diversity Officer.

Required Qualifications

• Master's Degree in a related field
• 5+ years progressive experience in disability-related services
• Demonstrated knowledge of ADA, Section 504, and related regulations
• Experience supervising professional staff

Preferred Qualifications

• Master's Degree in Student Affairs, Higher Education, Disability Studies or a related field
• Eight to 10+ years progressive experience
• Experience with accessibility management systems

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

• Ability to provide strategic leadership, planning, and direction for a comprehensive disability resources program.
• Ability to build partnerships and influence across a broad range of campus and community constituents.
• Ability to plan, prioritize, and manage multiple initiatives in a dynamic and fast-paced environment.
• Knowledge of applicable laws, regulations, and professional standards, including the Americans with Disabilities Act, Section 504, and related Amendments.
• Knowledge of disability services, accommodation processes, and accessibility practices in higher education.
• Strong understanding of student development theory and inclusive pedagogy.
• Effective interpersonal, communication, and collaboration skills.
• Ability to demonstrate commitment to access, belonging, equity, and student success in higher education.
• Ability to analyze complex situations and make sound, equitable, and legally compliant decisions.
• Ability to use data to assess program effectiveness, support decision-making, and drive continuous improvement.

Job Close Date

Posting Detail Information

Posting Number
S25133

Review Start Date
06/25/2026

Open Until Filled
Yes

Quick Link for Direct Access to Posting
https://jobs.cortland.edu/postings/11261