Assistant Director, Student Learning & Accessibility

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Job Title: Assistant Director, Student Learning & Accessibility
Department: Student Academic Success
Division: Academic Affairs
FLSA Status: Exempt

Grade: 8

Range: $66,000 - $82,400

Union: N/A
Reports to: Director, Student Academic Success

Work Schedule: 35 hours/week

General purpose: The Assistant Director, Student Learning & Accessibility provides comprehensive disability and accessibility support services that promote equitable access to MICA's academic, residential, and co-curricular experiences.  This position conducts individualized intake and interactive processes, reviews disability-related documentation, coordinates reasonable accommodations, partners with students, faculty, and staff to support effective implementation of approved accommodations and ensure compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act, the Fair Housing Act (FHA), FERPA, and other applicable laws. 

Working collaboratively across Academic Affairs and Student Affairs, the Assistant Director supports student persistence, retention, and academic success by addressing disability-related barriers while balancing legal requirements, academic standards, and the unique demands of studio-based education. The position works closely with the Director, Student Academic Success to develop and implement long-term strategies to improve accessibility and support services in alignment with the college's mission and goals.

Summary of Essential Functions:

• Conduct the interactive process with students seeking disability-related accommodations and reviews psychological, medical, and educational documentation to determine reasonable classroom and residential accommodations.
• Coordinate and monitor approved academic, housing, dining, parking, temporary, and other reasonable accommodations. 
• Provide individualized support, coaching, referrals, and education to students focused on self-advocacy, effective use of accommodations, and successful navigation of the college environment. Develop and continually assess a student-centered model of academic support and accessibility.
• Identify accessibility-related barriers that may affect student persistence, retention, and academic success and implement data-driven solutions to foster an inclusive and engaging learning community at MICA.
• Foster a collaborative culture in which accessibility, learning support, physical access, and academic interventions are interconnected elements of student success and retention.

Essential Duties & Responsibilities:

• Conduct individualized and interactive intake meetings, review and interpret disability-related  supporting documentation and determine appropriate reasonable accommodations consistent with applicable law and institutional policies.
• Serve as primary moderator and initial point of contact for department communication to students and provide ongoing support throughout the accommodation process. 
• Develop, implement and adapt as needed a timeline of targeted outreach for matriculated students. 
• Coordinate implementation of approved academic, housing, dining, parking, and temporary accommodations
• Support students in navigating disability-related barriers and accessing campus resources
• Maintain confidential records and case documentation in accordance with institutional and legal requirements
• Monitor accommodation efficacy and address implementation concerns as appropriate
• Provide guidance and consultation to faculty, staff, and students regarding disability accommodations, accessibility, and effective implementation practices. 
• Develop educational materials, workshops, presentations, and training related accessibility, disability inclusion, and inclusive practices
• Support institutional efforts to promote accessibility and equitable student experiences for residential and online students.
• Assist with development and maintenance of departmental policies, procedures, and operational guidelines
• Collect and analyze program data to support assessment and reporting efforts
• Assist with annual reporting, program evaluation, and continuous improvement initiatives
• Provide individualized support, coaching, and referrals to students centered around developing self-advocacy, and effective use of accommodations.
• Assist students in accessing assistive technologies and other accessibility resources that support academic success.
• Collaborate with Studio Managers and other staff regarding physical barriers and safety protocols in specialized studio spaces.
• Serve as the primary institutional resource on ADA/Section 504/Fair Housing Act as related to the educational and co-curricular experience.
• With members of the Student Academic Success team, ensure support services are fully accessible and tailored to diverse learning profiles
• Serve as a resource for academic advisors regarding accessibility considerations that may affect course planning & selection and degree mapping.
• Provide intentional support and training to faculty for accessible pedagogical practices through Universal Design for Learning (UDL) and other inclusive instructional approaches.
• Increase campus visibility through collaborative programming, classroom visits, and other engagement initiatives.
• Participate in recruitment events, new student orientation, and other campus events
• Support career development and transition planning by helping graduating students identify appropriate disability-related resources, accommodations, and self-advocacy strategies as they transition beyond MICA. 
• Promote awareness of accessibility services through outreach programs, workshops, and campus initiatives.
• Perform other related duties as assigned.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Knowledge of: Federal and state disability laws (ADA, 504, 508); student development theory; Universal Design for Learning (UDL); 
• Skills: Expertise in interpreting complex psycho-educational and medical documentation; proficiency in case management software (e.g., AIM, Maxient); excellent written and verbal communication.
• Ability to facilitate both students, faculty, and staff in accessibility access programs (e.g., Kurzweil); navigate complex and changing situations for students and faculty.
• Ability to exercise sound judgment while balancing legal compliance, institutional standards, and student needs. 
• Ability to effectively manage a complex caseload and ensure documentation is detailed with prompt follow-up. 
• Strong communication skills with ability to adapt to a variety of stakeholders.
• Ability to provide on-going training staff, and students on accessibility practices, accommodations, assistive technology, and disability inclusion. 
• Ability to navigate sensitive situations with professionalism, empathy, and discretion.
• Ability to exercise sound judgment when balancing legal requirements, institutional policies, academic standards, and individual student needs. 
• Ability to interpret evolving accessibility requirements and apply them appropriately within a higher education environment.
• Ability to facilitate access to accessibility services, assistive technologies, and other resources.
• Interpret evolving legal requirements and apply them consistently in higher education settings.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Education: Bachelor’s degree in higher education, disability studies, special education, social work, psychology, or related field.
• Experience: 3 years of progressively responsible experience in disability services, accessibility services, or a related field.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Master's Degree in higher education, disability studies, special education, social work, psychology, counseling, or a related field.
• Experience in an art and design, studio-based, or other creative higher education environment. 
• Teaching, faculty development, or instructional design experience.

Reporting to this position: Accessible Pedagogy Specialist and Student Peer Tutors

Conditions of Employment:

• Satisfactory Background Check
• Evening or weekend work may be required
• This position is not eligible for remote or hybrid work

Physical demands and work environment:

• Physical Demands: While performing the duties of job, the employee is occasionally required to stand, walk; sit; use hands to finger, handle, or feel objects, tools, or controls; reach with hands and arms; balance; stoop; talk or hear. The employee must occasionally lift up to 15 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by the job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus. (may be adjusted depending on position)
• Work environment: While performing the duties of the job, the employee is exposed to weather conditions prevalent at the time. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate to high.
• Required training:  Exhibitions Department Installation Guide and Policy handbook, MICA Handbook orientation, Anti-Harassment, Hazard Communication, Emergency Plans & Fire Prevention, Personal Protection Equipment. (additional training may be added, SEE: EHS Manager training schedule)

Maryland Institute College of Art is committed to its policy of providing equal opportunity regardless of race, color, creed, national origin, religion, gender, sexual orientation, marital status, age, disability, or veteran status (disabled, Vietnam-era, or otherwise). Furthermore, the College does not tolerate any form of sex discrimination, including sexual harassment or sexual violence. This policy applies to all programs, facilities, and activities provided by Maryland Institute College of Art, including but not limited to admission, educational programs, and employment.

Applicants must apply online for each job in which they are interested. You will not be considered for any job for which you have not specifically applied. We do not accept applications via email, U.S. mail, or fax. Successful candidates for any staff or faculty positions will be subject to a pre-employment background check.

MICA provides reasonable accommodations to applicants with disabilities on a case-by-case basis. If you need a reasonable accommodation for any part of the application and hiring process, please contact Human Resources at 410-225-2363.