Director for Student Disability Services and Accessibility
Company: Northeastern Illinois University
Location: Chicago
Posted on: April 2, 2026
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Job Description:
Northeastern offers a rewarding working environment for our
students and employees. Our faculty and staff are smart, dedicated
people who work to create an excellent urban university experience
for bright and motivated students. Job Summary: The Director of
Student Disability Services and Accessibility serves as the
designated senior administrator for this department and reports to
the Vice President for Student Affairs and Dean of Students. The
Director leads the University in developing a seamless, accessible
curricular and co?curricular environment for students with
disabilities while ensuring compliance with federal and state
statutes (ADA/ADAAA, Section 504, Section 508) and University
policies. The Director develops programs and services based on
needs assessment and evaluation; supervises a staff engaged in
direct service provision; and promotes universally designed
physical, programmatic, policy, and attitudinal environments
through consultation and collaboration. The Director acts as an
advisory contact and collaborator to the university community in
achieving curricular access, considering reasonable accommodations,
and identifying academic policies that may negatively impact
disabled students; the Director is actively involved in training,
problem?solving, and consultation with Academic Affairs, Colleges,
and faculty. As a Student Affairs Leadership Team member, the
Director represents Student Affairs and the University with a wide
range of off?campus professional and community organizations (e.g.,
AHEAD, state/federal agencies, community advocacy partners). The
Director provides strategic vision for SDS aligned with the
Division of Student Affairs and the University's strategic plan,
establishes measurable outcomes, and reports on progress to
institutional stakeholders (e.g., accreditation, compliance,
President’s strategic initiatives). Job Description: Strategic
Planning & Assessment ? Develop, implement, and regularly update a
Student Disability Services and Accessibility strategic plan
aligned with University and Division priorities, including clear
objectives for student access, engagement, and success. ? Design
and oversee an assessment plan (dashboards, KPIs) to evaluate
service effectiveness and support institutional reporting needs
(e.g., accreditation, compliance, and strategic initiatives). ?
Partner with Institutional Research to collect, analyze, and report
on key performance indicators for accommodations, usage, and
outcomes; disseminate findings to stakeholders and use them for
continuous improvement. Program & Resource Management ? Direct the
effective use of financial, human, technology, and space resources
to ensure timely, high?quality accommodations and services. ?
Manage fiscal planning and budgeting; recommend resource
reallocation and pursue grants or alternative funding when
appropriate. ? Implement and maintain disability services,
case-management software, and related tools (e.g., ClockWork or
comparable systems) to optimize workflows and data integrity.
Curricular Integration, Training & Programming ? Consult with
faculty and academic leaders to embed universal design for learning
(UDL) and accessibility practices into courses and academic
policies. ? Lead the design, delivery, and evaluation of
accessibility training for faculty, staff, and student employees;
coordinate campus?wide programming (e.g., Neurodiversity supports,
Disability Awareness Week). ? Advise on curricular modifications
consistent with academic integrity and legal standards; resolve
complex accommodation scenarios in collaboration with the ADA
Compliance Officer and University Counsel. Campus & Community
Partnerships ? Convene a cross?functional Accessibility/Disability
Services steering group to coordinate campus?wide accessibility
initiatives. ? Cultivate collaborative relationships with
University departments (Academic Affairs, IT/UTS, Facilities,
Counseling, Housing/NEST) and external agencies/advocacy partners
to advance access and belonging. ? Develop and promote the SDS
brand and resources through presentations and materials for
students, faculty, and community partners. Student & Faculty
Services ? Lead and support staff who coordinate reasonable
accommodations consistent with ADA/ADAAA and state law. ? Maintain
student records and data in compliance with FERPA, HIPAA, and
University policy; ensure accurate, timely communication of
accommodation letters and follow?up. ? Provide consultation to
faculty and staff on instructional access, assistive technology,
and policy interpretation; serve as an escalation point for complex
cases. Leadership & Supervision ? Recruit, hire, onboard,
supervise, and evaluate professional and student staff; establish
goals, conduct performance reviews, and support ongoing
professional development. ? Model inclusive leadership and
contribute to divisional initiatives and large?scale University
events; represent NEIU in professional organizations and consortia.
Housing Modifications and Accommodations ? In collaboration with
University Housing and Residential Life, coordinate the review,
approval, and implementation of student housing modifications and
accommodations in accordance with ADA, Section 504, and
institutional accessibility policies to ensure equitable
residential experiences for students with disabilities. Other
Duties Perform additional responsibilities as assigned to support
the Division and the University. Minimal Qualifications: ? Master’s
or doctorate in a field related to disability, teaching/education,
curricular design, human services, counseling, higher
education/student affairs, or related fields. ? Minimum five (5)
years of experience working with individuals with disabilities in
secondary or post?secondary settings and five (5) years of
progressively responsible administrative/management experience. ?
Knowledge of federal and state laws regarding access for people
with disabilities; familiarity with models of disability, UDL, and
inclusive educational design. ? Experience with organizational
planning, assessment, and using data (dashboards/KPIs) to improve
services; ability to partner with Institutional Research for
analysis and reporting. ? Demonstrated experience recruiting,
supervising, and evaluating professional and student staff. ?
Understanding of budget development and management from diverse
funding sources; experience writing and administering grants. ?
Strong oral and written communication skills and demonstrated
commitment to equity, inclusion, and a diverse campus community. ?
Proficiency with relevant technology (e.g.,
accommodation/case?management systems, assistive technology,
learning management systems). ? Experience in an urban university
context preferred. Preferred Experience: ? Minimum eight (8) years
of experience working with individuals with disabilities in
secondary or post?secondary settings and eight (8) years of
progressively responsible administrative/management experience. ?
Strong modification and accommodation experiences as a resource for
university or college faculty, staff, and students. Deadline:
Applications submitted by Jan. 30, 2026, will receive priority
review by the search committee. This position requires a background
check. Salary Range 85,000 - 90,000 ? Benefits University employees
may be eligible for a variety of State of Illinois benefits. These
benefits are administered through the Illinois Department of
Central Management Service (CMS). Please visit our Employee
Benefits page to learn more about our comprehensive benefits
package including health, dental, and vision benefits, sick and
vacation days, and participation in the State Universities
Retirement System. Transcripts Copies of unofficial transcripts are
accepted; however, official transcripts for all earned degrees will
be required of candidates selected for final interviews.
Northeastern Illinois University is an Equal
Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer and invites applications
from Women, Minorities, Veterans and Persons with Disabilities, as
well as other qualified individuals. Northeastern Illinois
University's positions are contingent upon the University's receipt
of its State of Illinois appropriation.
Keywords: Northeastern Illinois University, Chicago , Director for Student Disability Services and Accessibility, Administration, Clerical , Chicago, Illinois
