Career and Education

Position Type: Staff Full-time

Hours per week: 37.5   

Weeks per year: 52

Work Schedule: Monday through Friday 

Department Summary & Job Purpose:

The Director of Accessible Education and 504 Coordinator works as a key member of the Office of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) team centered around creating an inclusive campus community that works to eliminate bias. The Director of Accessible Education and 504 Coordinator oversees campus-wide programs and is responsible for ensuring compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, Sections 503 and 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 and other federal and state laws and regulations pertaining to persons with disabilities. The scope of responsibility includes providing support to employees managing structural accessibility needs across campus and providing a clear and cohesive vision for ADA compliance at Mount Holyoke College. As the 504 Coordinator at Mount Holyoke College, the Director of Accessible Education serves as a referral point for disability-related information, services, and resources; provides consultation on policies and procedures related to people with disabilities; and assists with the College’s disability-related grievance and complaint procedures.

The Coordinator's responsibilities include coordination, oversight, and investigation of all complaints of discrimination related to Section 504, identification of any patterns or systemic problems that arise during the review of such complaints, and assurance of appropriate and timely institutional response and compliance.

The 504 Coordinator will interpret, analyze and advise on the application of laws and regulations in an employment and academic setting. The Coordinator has primary responsibility for managing the day-to-day duties associated with the College's compliance obligations pursuant to Section 504. This position shares oversight of the College's compliance with Human Resources, the Office of the Dean of Faculty and Disability Services. The appointee will coordinate and work collaboratively with faculty, staff, students and community partners and will provide assistance to other offices and departments as needed

The Director of Accessible Education and 504 Coordinator will also provide additional support, as time allows, for programs and projects related to the College's commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion.

We strongly encourage Black, Indigenous and people of color (BIPOC) candidates to apply and consider joining our Mount Holyoke College community. We also strongly encourage individuals with disabilities, including disabled BIPOC candidates, to apply.

This is a full-time, benefit-eligible position. Salary is commensurate with experience and the start date is as soon as possible after the close of the search.

Core Job Duties and Responsibilities: 

• Provide leadership and oversight of the implementation and administration of policies and procedures to promote compliance with federal and state equal opportunity laws, regulations and rules relating to nondiscrimination and equal access.

• Ensure appropriate use of the College’s economic resources and provide oversight in consultation with budget staff and department leadership to create cost estimates, projections and a future forward focus on cultivating equitable, inclusive and justice focused disability objectives.

• Develop and implement long-term goals for programming, services, education and assessment of compliance efforts relating to Section 504. Continuously monitor statutory and regulatory requirements, identify, and integrate best practices in the area of Section 504. Consult and advise senior leadership on compliance programs and initiatives.

• Investigate (and oversee the investigation of) complaints of disability-based discrimination, harassment, retaliation and sexual misconduct involving faculty, students and staff in accordance with College policies. Ensure timely and thorough investigations are performed and oversee effective and efficient management and resolution of complaints.

• Draft appropriate investigative reports and communications regarding findings, determinations and recommendations. Maintain complete and accurate investigatory files. Ensure the accuracy of institutional data and oversee compliance with required reporting under state and federal laws.

• Responsible for monitoring, reviewing, analyzing as well as conducting internal audits of processes and systems at the College. Advise departments with responsibilities for 504 compliance; make recommendations on how to achieve and maintain compliance. Consult and/or collaborate with outside legal counsel where appropriate to ensure accurate, consistent and appropriate application of College policies, regulations and processes.

• Provide and recommend training to other College officials working with disabled people on campus.

• Co-chair the 504 Working Group and serve on key committees and task forces related to access and inclusion.

• Provide guidance and counseling to students, faculty and staff on matters that fall under Section 504.

• Maintain the College’s compliance website and other content, including reporting portals.

• Maintain and update online resources.

• Ensure the campus community knows of processes for filing complaints and resources for education, prevention, reporting and response to misconduct. Create and distribute informational materials in the areas of bias reporting, Title IX and Section 504 to the campus community.

• Advise and support student leaders around key issues related to campus wide access.

• Collaborate with other departments and divisions to conduct trainings aimed at the prevention of discriminatory acts; deliver other Title IX- and Section 504 related presentations.

• Build and foster community relationships in furtherance of duties.

• Serve on committees as assigned.

• Complete other projects as assigned. Collaboration and Community Building

• Works collaboratively with other staff in the Office of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion to develop key initiatives and programs.

Qualifications: 

Minimum Qualifications: 

A Master’s or advanced degree in human resources, student development, higher education administration or other relevant discipline is highly desirable; a Bachelor's degree with an equivalent combination of relevant education and experience may be substituted. Three to five years of progressively responsible experience in equal opportunity/affirmative action, ADA Compliance, Title IX legal compliance, and/or other diversity-related responsibilities, preferably in a college or university setting. Must have knowledge of and experience interpreting EEO/AA, Title IX, the Clery Act, along with state and federal civil rights laws.

Knowledge, skills and abilities:

• Demonstrated skills in the areas of negotiation, problem solving, and conflict resolution.
• Demonstrated experience in complaint resolution and investigation of grievances, and compliance administration.
• Demonstrated knowledge of and ability to interpret and apply federal, state and local laws and regulations governing employers and institutions of higher education, including Title VI, Title VII and Section 1981 of the Civil Rights Acts; the Clery Act, Title IX of the Education Amendments Act of 1972; the Americans with Disabilities Act; and Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA).
• Ability to interpret, analyzes, and advises on the application of Title IX and Section 504 policies and regulations in employment and academic settings. Must have the ability to interpret and act on, as well as develop, recommend and implement, policies and procedures for the College.
• Demonstrated ability to handle confidential information and documentation professionally and consistently exercise excellent judgment, to act calmly and objectively in sensitive situations and to recognize those who have a need-to-know.
• Experience in the successful development and implementation of educational and training programs. Must possess strong presentation and facilitation skills, especially in a college or university setting.
• Strong commitment to integrity, fairness, and high ethical standards.
• Strong organizational and planning skills. Must be self-motivated and possess the ability to work independently. Advanced analytical and project-management skills with attention to detail.
• Demonstrated ability to manage a high volume and time-sensitive workload and to meet demanding deadlines. Ability to manage multiple and competing priorities simultaneously.
• Demonstrated ability to communicate effectively verbally and in writing.
• Ability to work collegially and effectively with a wide range of constituencies and in a collaborative and diverse community.

Preferred Qualifications:

License/Certifications:

Compliance Requirements: 

Physical Demands: N/A

Working Conditions: N/A  

Background Checks:

Mount Holyoke College is committed to providing a safe and secure environment, supported by qualified employees that will allow all of its students, faculty, staff and those associated with them to successfully carry out the mission of the college. As a condition of employment, the College will conduct appropriate background checks for all new hires. Mount Holyoke has designated the Office of Human Resources as the office responsible for ensuring that background checks (CORI, SORI, Credit History, & Driver Credential) are completed and utilized in the hiring process and Five College Office of Compliance and Risk Management as the office responsible for facilitating background checks as articulated in this policy.

Special Instructions for Applicants: 

Apply online; application materials must include:

1. A cover letter summarizing interests and qualifications
2. A complete resume or curriculum vitae
3. Contact information for 3 professional references

Mount Holyoke College is a women’s college that is gender diverse. The College is committed to providing equal access and opportunity in employment and education to all employees and students. In compliance with state and federal law, Mount Holyoke College does not discriminate on the basis of race, ethnicity, color, genetic information, sex, national or ethnic origin, religion, age, physical or mental disability, marital status, sexual orientation, pregnancy, gender identity or expression, ancestry, veteran or military status, or any other legally protected status under federal, state or local law. The College does not discriminate on the basis of gender in the recruitment and admission of students to its graduate program.