Associate Director Access Programs

Please note, this position is not eligible for H-1B or Green Card sponsorship. This position does not offer a STEM OPT training program.

Position Overview
The Associate Director of Access Programs provides strategic and operational leadership to Access Programs in the Disability Resource Center (DRC). The Associate Director provides strategic and operational leadership to the Testing and Access Assistance unit in coordination with the Assistant Director, and to the Document Conversion and Assistive Technology team. The position also provides leadership and strategic thinking regarding service delivery, streamlining and refining processes, and growing campus partnerships to enhance accommodations and inclusive practices for students, employees, and guests at the University. The Associate Director plays a critical role in ensuring timely and streamlined services to meet accommodation needs and compliance responsibilities.

Plans, manages, and evaluates services and activities related to Testing and Access Assistance, as well as the accommodation work of the Document Conversion and Assistive Technology team. The position also provides leadership and strategic thinking regarding service delivery, streamlining and refining processes, and growing campus partnerships to enhance accommodations and inclusive practices for students, employees, and guests at the University.

The Associate Director of Access Programs reports to the Director of the Disability Resource Center and is also a critical member of the DRC Leadership and Associate Directors teams. The Associate Director also supports the work of the Office for Digital Accessibility (ODA) through their supervision of the Document Conversion and Assistive Technology team. This position also supervises staff in the Testing, Access Assistants, Document Conversion, and works closely with the Associate Director of Interpreting and Captioning.

Hybrid This position is eligible for hybrid work. Some weekly in-office days will be required.

Essential Position Duties and Responsibilities
Strategic Leadership and Management (85%)

• Provide operational oversight and strategic leadership for DRC Testing and Access Assistance, Document Conversion and Technology.
• Develop, implement and evaluate services and procedures for the University to ensure compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, Section 504 of the Rehab Act and other relevant legislation, incoordination with other DRC units and leadership.
• Seek out and implement emerging and best practices in the areas of Testing, Access Assistance, Document Conversion, and Technology. Explore new and innovative ways to provide access and develop strategic plans to implement these emerging and best practices to reduce barriers for individuals and within the university system.
• Engage in decision making on unit-level policies, processes, changes to refine and streamline services in consultation with the Director and unit Leadership.
• Coordinate and collaborate with the Associate Director of Interpreting and Captioning to support accommodation implementation practices, cross training, and backup as needed.
• Manage and track unit budgets in coordination with Assistant Director and DRC leadership.
• Supervise staff, proactively manage performance and development of the team, including identifying professional development and implementing and monitoring performance improvement plans as needed.
• Develop and track internal and external metrics to understand trends that will inform resource needs and best practices for Testing, Access Assistance, and Document Conversion and Technology.
• Collect and report data on the provision of testing, access assistants, document conversion/alt format delivery, and technology and work with the director to use data effectively for reporting purposes.
• Manage supplier and vendor contracts related to Testing, Access Assistants, Document Conversion and Technology.
• Support technology procurement and vendor risk assessment processes in coordination with the Director and IT staff.
• Support and advise the DRC Director on strategic decisions and future directions as part of the Associate Directors Team and DRC Leadership Team.
• Attend, chair and participate in departmental meetings.
• Attend, chair and participate in University-wide committees as requested by the DRC Director.

Outreach and Institutional Support (10%)

• Facilitate, support, and consult on topics related to Testing, Access Assistance, and Technology to further institutional capacity and understanding of accommodations and inclusive design.
• Foster relationships with faculty and other University administrators to support accommodation processes, changes to University policy, and compliance with relevant federal guidelines.
• Provide system-wide consultation and training on disability and access issues to the University community.
• Proactively build and foster strategic relationships and partnerships initiating, facilitating, and maintaining relationships and partnerships with communities, agencies, and individuals who work with people with disabilities.
• Support and promote the initiatives and activities of the OED.

Professional Activities (5%)

• Contribute to the field of disability accommodations regionally and nationally.
• Present on accessibility related issues and topics related at local, state, or national conferences and events.
• Advise or assist non-University organizations through formal committees, advising boards, etc.
• Participate in community-based disability-related organizations.
• Attend conferences, workshops, seminars, etc. for professional growth.
• Stay abreast of legal issues with regard to disability, accommodation, and access by:
• Maintaining professional memberships and affiliations.
• Participating in webinars, conferences, meetings, etc.
• Reviewing newsletters, settlement agreements, compliance reports and other sources/media related to accommodations, disability compliance, and inclusive design practices.

Essential Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree with at least six years of experience. This experience should include at least three years experience in direct supervision and performance management.
• Demonstrated experience in the coordination of programs involving the delivery of reasonable accommodations.
• Excellent organization and administration skills.
• Knowledge of federal and state laws and guidelines regarding access for people with disabilities, principles of inclusive design, and the social/social justice models of disability.
• Strong background in training.
• Knowledge of assistive technologies and softwares that enhance accessibility and address accommodation needs.
• Experience in fostering a team-oriented work environment.
• Ability to anticipate and manage program needs and fluctuating service demands.
• Demonstrated experience in, and an ongoing commitment to, working effectively with and across diverse communities: including people of color, underrepresented groups and new immigrant populations; American Indians; people with both apparent and non-apparent disabilities; women; people of various gender and sexual identities and expressions; and first-generation students from economically disadvantaged backgrounds.

Preferred Qualifications

• Masters or terminal degree (or demonstrated progress toward a Master's or terminal degree) in a related field.
• Demonstrated ability to seek out and implement innovative ways to provide access via technology-based accommodations inclusive practices.
• Demonstrated ability to manage performance across a range of employment categories.
• Demonstrated willingness ability to investigate problems and identify creative/innovative solutions.
• Project planning development and management skills.
• Knowledge and understanding of trends and issues related to college students and employees with disabilities.
• Demonstrated ability to exhibit flexibility and resilience in the workplace.

Pay Range: $89,000 to $91,500 annually; depending on education/qualifications/experience

Time Appointment: 100% Appointment

Position Type: Faculty and P&A Staff

Please visit the Office of Human Resources website for more information regarding benefit eligibility.

The University offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes:

• Competitive wages, paid holidays, and generous time off
• Continuous learning opportunities through professional training and degree-seeking programs supported by the Regents Tuition Benefit Program
• Low-cost medical, dental, and pharmacy plans
• Healthcare and dependent care flexible spending accounts
• University HSA contributions
• Disability and employer-paid life insurance
• Employee wellbeing program
• Excellent retirement plans with employer contribution
• Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) opportunity
• Financial counseling services
• Employee Assistance Program with eight sessions of counseling at no cost
• Employee Transit Pass with free or reduced rates in the Twin Cities metro area

While our salary ranges provide a framework, it is important to note that most of the
time, the initial pay may not reach the maximum of the range. This approach ensures
that compensation reflects the value and unique contributions of each candidate while
maintaining equity within our organization. As part of our commitment to fair and
equitable compensation, please be aware that the salary offered to incoming candidates
will be based on their individual credentials and experience.

Applications must be submitted online. To be considered for this position, please click the Apply button and follow the instructions. You will be given the opportunity to complete an online application for the position and attach a cover letter and resume.

Additional documents may be attached after application by accessing your "My Job Applications" page and uploading documents in the "My Cover Letters and Attachments" section.

To request an accommodation during the application process, please e-mail jobcentr@umn.edu.

The University recognizes and values the importance of diversity and inclusion in enriching the employment experience of its employees and in supporting the academic mission. The University is committed to attracting and retaining employees with varying identities and backgrounds.

The University of Minnesota provides equal access to and opportunity in its programs, facilities, and employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, gender, age, marital status, disability, public assistance status, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression. To learn more about diversity at the U: http://diversity.umn.edu

Any offer of employment is contingent upon the successful completion of a background check. Our presumption is that prospective employees are eligible to work here. Criminal convictions do not automatically disqualify finalists from employment.

The University of Minnesota, Twin Cities (UMTC)

The University of Minnesota, Twin Cities (UMTC), is among the largest public research universities in the country, offering undergraduate, graduate, and professional students a multitude of opportunities for study and research. Located at the heart of one of the nation's most vibrant, diverse metropolitan communities, students on the campuses in Minneapolis and St. Paul benefit from extensive partnerships with world-renowned health centers, international corporations, government agencies, and arts, nonprofit, and public service organizations.

At the University of Minnesota, we are proud to be recognized by Forbes as a Best Employer for Company Culture (2026), Best Employer for Women (2023, 2025, 2026), and Best Employer by State (2022-2026). In 2026, we also received Culture Excellence & Industry Awards recognition for employee appreciation and work-life flexibility.