Director of Services for Students with Disabilities

Job Description

When was the last time you changed the world?

In Virginia Tech’s Division of Student Affairs, that’s exactly what we’re doing every day—guiding, nurturing, and supporting students as they learn and grow into the leaders and world-changers of today and tomorrow.

Virginia Tech is seeking a dynamic, visionary leader to serve as the Director of Services for Students with Disabilities (SSD). Reporting to the Dean of Students, this position provides strategic leadership and oversight for all aspects of SSD operations, including the Werth Testing Center and the Academic Testing Center, ensuring compliance with ADA, Section 504, and related legislation, while adhering to best practices set forth by the Association on Higher Education and Disability (AHEAD).

HERE'S WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT THE ROLE:
1) You’ll be leading the Services for Students with Disabilities team; a department centered on access and inclusion by determining reasonable accommodations for students in the living and learning environment.
2) You’ll be reporting to the Dean of Students, in a Regular twelve-month, 100% administrative professional appointment.  This role is a key position within the Student Affairs Leadership Team and plays a critical role in fostering a welcoming, inclusive, and equitable campus environment.
3) You’ll oversee SSD’s day-to-day operations, including accommodations, outreach, and supervise a staff of over 35 full and part time employees.
4) You'll provide leadership and direction for the Werth Testing Center and the Academic Testing Center.
5) You'll ensure institutional compliance with disability-related laws and regulations.
6) You'll develop and maintain partnerships with academic affairs and student affairs departments as well as off-campus entities to promote awareness and inclusion.
7) You'll lead assessment and strategic planning to continuously improve student services.
8) You’ll have the chance to grow and take advantage of a developmental plan with opportunities to advance within the Department and the Division.
9) You’ll be offered a base compensation package between $120,000 - $125,000 along with a comprehensive benefits package which includes health insurance, paid leave, retirement, tuition assistance, VT discounts, and so much more!

HERE'S WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT THE UNIVERSITY:
THE UNIVERSITY: Virginia tech as an employer is committed to developing well-rounded employees who are active members of the university community as well as the community at-large. From comprehensive insurance plans to tuition assistance, Virginia Tech offers employees a variety of benefits and perks to help team members build a fuller and more balanced life.
THE DIVISION: For our students and ourselves, the Division of Student Affairs believes that changing the world requires courageous leadership and commitment to curiosity, integrity, civility, and service to others. Our culture is defined by a commitment to our aspirations for student learning.
The TEAM: Services for Students with Disabilities (SSD) strives to create an accessible and inclusive campus community. We collaborate with campus partners to remove barriers and meet the individualized access needs of disabled students. SSD supports success through the promotion of student learning and the development of advocacy skills.

Required Qualifications
• Master’s degree in Higher Education Administration, Student Affairs, Counseling, Rehabilitation Counseling, or a related field.
• Significant professional experience (minimum 5 years) working with students with disabilities in a higher education setting, including supervisory experience.
• Demonstrated knowledge of federal and state laws governing disability rights and accommodations (ADA, Section 504, etc.).
• Familiarity with AHEAD standards and best practices for student disability services.
• Proven ability to collaborate effectively with faculty, staff, and community partners.
• Excellent communication, organizational, and interpersonal skills.

Preferred Qualifications
• Doctorate in a related field.
• Experience with universal design for learning (UDL) principles.
• Strong background in data-informed decision-making, assessment, and program evaluation.

Appointment Type

Regular

Salary Information

$120,000 - $125,000

Work Schedule

Monday - Friday 8:00 am - 5:00 pm

Review Date

03/20/2025

Additional Information

The successful candidate will be required to have a criminal conviction check.

About Virginia Tech

Dedicated to its motto, Ut Prosim (That I May Serve), Virginia Tech pushes the boundaries of knowledge by taking a hands-on, transdisciplinary approach to preparing scholars to be leaders and problem-solvers. A comprehensive land-grant institution that enhances the quality of life in Virginia and throughout the world, Virginia Tech is an inclusive community dedicated to knowledge, discovery, and creativity. The university offers more than 280 majors to a diverse enrollment of more than 36,000 undergraduate, graduate, and professional students in eight undergraduate colleges, a school of medicine, a veterinary medicine college, Graduate School, and Honors College. The university has a significant presence across Virginia, including the Innovation Campus in Northern Virginia; the Health Sciences and Technology Campus in Roanoke; sites in Newport News and Richmond; and numerous Extension offices and research centers. A leading global research institution, Virginia Tech conducts more than $500 million in research annually.

Virginia Tech endorses and encourages participation in professional development opportunities and university shared governance.  These valuable contributions to university shared governance provide important representation and perspective, along with opportunities for unique and impactful professional development.

Virginia Tech does not discriminate against employees, students, or applicants on the basis of age, color, disability, sex (including pregnancy), gender, gender identity, gender expression, genetic information, ethnicity or national origin, political affiliation, race, religion, sexual orientation, or military status, or otherwise discriminate against employees or applicants who inquire about, discuss, or disclose their compensation or the compensation of other employees or applicants, or on any other basis protected by law.

For inquiries regarding non-discrimination policies, contact the Office for Civil Rights Compliance and Prevention Education at 540-231-2010 or Virginia Tech, 220 Gilbert Street, Suite 5200, Blacksburg, VA 24061.

If you are an individual with a disability and desire an accommodation, please contact Kristan West at kristandw@vt.edu during regular business hours at least 10 business days prior to the event.