Associate Director of the Disability Access Office

Position Description

The Associate Director provides effective and innovative leadership and supervision of Disability Access Office (DAO) staff and activities. The Associate Director will be an expert and co-leader in accessibility work, who understands the diverse needs of disabled students in the specific context for FAS and translates those needs into actionable adjustments to inaccessible environments. They will collaborate extensively with other offices across FAS and the university to identify, devise, and assess solutions for access and inclusion in a variety of environments, including residential and academic programs.

Management & Operations:
Provides direct supervision and performance management of Accessibility Advisors, including hiring, training, daily supervision, annual performance reviews, taking corrective action as needed, strategic planning for roles, caseload adjustments, and ensuring that current best practices in the field are explored and implemented. Leads department operations, working with the Associate Dean to further develop the vision and mission of the DAO into measurable outcomes. Thinks strategically about office processes and technology and brings forth ideas for improvement and implementation. Compiling, analyzing, and providing data and other information as requested. Operational oversight of office resources and workflow.

Student Caseload:
Strategic case management for complex student cases within the College, GSAS, and SEAS Manages independent high-complexity student caseload while also providing oversight of all student accommodation management among Accessibility Advisors.

Campus Collaboration:
Ongoing collaboration with faculty and staff partners leading accommodation implementation. Collaborates with faculty to devise and help implement complex accommodations, including those for students with sensory disabilities.

Leads weekly internal accommodation review committees that may include campus partners such as the Housing Office and University Disability Resources. Frequently assesses efficiency and equitable outcomes of such committees and recommends process adjustments to the Associate Dean.

Develops and presents trainings and workshops to promote universal design and access for all students. Works with student organizations to receive feedback and develop sustainable solutions and provides leadership on accessibility-focused student advisory boards. Collaborates with Associate Dean, Office of General Counsel, and University Disability Resources when student grievance cases arise. Maintains current knowledge in disability law to the extent of being able to individually assess situations for potential discrimination and forward concerns to the appropriate parties for investigation. Working interdepartmentally on large-scale, multi-user projects, such as accessible transportation, house renewal and residential access. Works with committees on wellness, health services, dining, technology, and others.

Planning & Leadership:
Strategic planning, program leadership and critical administrative support. Assists the Associate Dean in formulating policies and procedures and makes recommendations to the Associate Dean to improve overall operations. Contributes substantially to the strategic planning and design of the office and improves the ways in the which the office can support disabled students within FAS. Represents DAO in a variety of events, including Orientation, Pre-O trainings, Visitas, Family Weekend, and other opportunities to reach the broader community. Empowered to act on behalf of the Associate Dean as requested and serve as de facto Associate Dean when the Associate Dean is out of the office. Acting as the office’s first responder and representative for emergent and/or sensitive concerns, including employment or labor issues that involve the HGSU-UAW union; coordinating with local offices such as General Counsel and the Office of Labor and Employee Relations as necessary.

Basic Qualifications

Bachelor’s degree or equivalent work experience required
Minimum of 7 years’ relevant work experience

Additional Qualifications and Skills

Direct supervisory experience of full-time staff preferred.
Knowledge of ADAAA, 504, and 508 laws, requirements, and best practices for accommodations and digital accessibility.
Experience working in a 1:1 counseling or advising role with college students.
Demonstrated ability to build positive relationships and work professionally with a diverse group of faculty, staff, and students.

Physical Requirements

Sitting using near vision use for reading and computer use for extended periods of time

Working Conditions

Work is performed in an office setting

May be required to work occasional nights and weekends

This is a hybrid position based in Cambridge, MA. All remote work must be performed in a state in which Harvard is registered to do business (CA, CT, MA, MD, ME, NH, NY, RI, and VT). Human Resources Consulting is currently developing hybrid workplace models which actively support some remote work (within a state in which Harvard is registered to do business) where business and team needs allow. Furthermore, individual flexible and remote work options for this role will be discussed during the interview process.

Additional Information

Anticipated start date for this position is early January 2025.



Commitment to Equity, Diversity, Inclusion, and Belonging

Harvard University views equity, diversity, inclusion, and belonging as the pathway to achieving inclusive excellence and fostering a campus culture where everyone can thrive. We strive to create a community that draws upon the widest possible pool of talent to unify excellence and diversity while fully embracing individuals from varied backgrounds, cultures, races, identities, life experiences, perspectives, beliefs, and values.



EEO Statement

We are an equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, gender identity, sexual orientation, pregnancy and pregnancy-related conditions, or any other characteristic protected by law.

Work Format Details

This is a hybrid position that is based in Massachusetts. Additional details will be discussed during the interview process. All remote work must be performed within one of the Harvard Registered Payroll States, which currently includes Massachusetts, Connecticut, Maine, New Hampshire, Rhode Island, Vermont, Georgia, Illinois, Maryland, New Jersey, New York, Virginia, Washington, and California (CA for exempt positions only). Certain visa types and funding sources may limit work location. Individuals must meet work location sponsorship requirements prior to employment.

Benefits

We invite you to visit Harvard's Total Rewards website (https://hr.harvard.edu/totalrewards) to learn more about our outstanding benefits package, which may include:

Paid Time Off: 3-4 weeks of accrued vacation time per year (3 weeks for support staff and 4 weeks for administrative/professional staff), 12 accrued sick days per year, 12.5 holidays plus a Winter Recess in December/January, 3 personal days per year (prorated based on date of hire), and up to 12 weeks of paid leave for new parents who are primary care givers.
Health and Welfare: Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision benefits, disability and life insurance programs, along with voluntary benefits. Most coverage begins as of your start date.
Work/Life and Wellness: Child and elder/adult care resources including on campus childcare centers, Employee Assistance Program, and wellness programs related to stress management, nutrition, meditation, and more.
Retirement: University-funded retirement plan with contributions from 5% to 15% of eligible compensation, based on age and earnings with full vesting after 3 years of service.
Tuition Assistance Program: Competitive program including $40 per class at the Harvard Extension School and reduced tuition through other participating Harvard graduate schools.
Tuition Reimbursement: Program that provides 75% to 90% reimbursement up to $5,250 per calendar year for eligible courses taken at other accredited institutions.
Professional Development: Programs and classes at little or no cost, including through the Harvard Center for Workplace Development and LinkedIn Learning.
Commuting and Transportation: Various commuter options handled through the Parking Office, including discounted parking, half-priced public transportation passes and pre-tax transit passes, biking benefits, and more.
Harvard Facilities Access, Discounts and Perks: Access to Harvard athletic and fitness facilities, libraries, campus events, credit union, and more, as well as discounts to various types of services (legal, financial, etc.) and cultural and leisure activities throughout metro-Boston.

Job Function

Faculty & Student Services

Department Office Location

USA - MA - Cambridge

Job Code

S0358M FSS Student Service Mgt IV

Work Format

Hybrid (partially on-site, partially remote)

Sub-Unit

College

Salary Grade

058

Department

Disability Access Office

Union

00 - Non Union, Exempt or Temporary

Time Status

Full-time

Pre-Employment Screening

Education, Identity

Commitment to Equity, Diversity, Inclusion, and Belonging

Harvard University views equity, diversity, inclusion, and belonging as the pathway to achieving inclusive excellence and fostering a campus culture where everyone can thrive. We strive to create a community that draws upon the widest possible pool of talent to unify excellence and diversity while fully embracing individuals from varied backgrounds, cultures, races, identities, life experiences, perspectives, beliefs, and values.

EEO Statement

We are an equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, gender identity, sexual orientation, pregnancy and pregnancy-related conditions, or any other characteristic protected by law.