Assistant Director of Disability Resources

University of Minnesota Duluth is seeking an innovative, motivated, enthusiastic access leader to serve as Assistant Director of Disability Resources and lead departmental retention efforts.

Disability Resources serves approximately 10% of UMD students and is responsible for ensuring equitable access for individuals with disabilities. An essential function of Disability Resources is to engage students with disabilities in the interactive process to identify barriers to access and determine reasonable accommodations to facilitate their access and participation in all aspects of the University. This includes discussing access, inclusion, and reasonable accommodations with students, programs, instructors, and others on campus.

The Assistant Director will independently develop, advance, and lead departmental efforts to improve retention and belonging of disabled students, will promote awareness of disability issues both within the University and in the larger community, and collaborate with faculty and staff to enhance the inclusiveness of the University. The Assistant Director applies independent judgment and expertise in providing services and programming focused on advocating for and supporting students with disabilities. This position includes supervision of professional staff and other leadership within the department.

This is a full-time, benefits-eligible, 12-month position at .8 FTE, with flexibility available to identify a 4 day/week schedule or shortened daily schedule to total 32 hours/week.

Retention & Inclusion Efforts 40%

• Design evidence-driven initiatives to bolster student retention and foster inclusive environments.
• Cultivate and maintain strategic campus alliances to maximize programmatic impact and resource reach.
• Spearhead departmental outreach and programming frameworks, dedicated to enhancing belonging and persistence among disabled students, including peer/faculty mentoring, individualized tutoring, and transition assistance.
• Utilize assessment data and field benchmarks to monitor, evaluate, and refine departmental efforts and strategic goals.
• Design and implement assessment to understand program effectiveness, retention efforts, etc.

Student Caseload 30%

• Manage a comprehensive student caseload, delivering direct accommodation services and targeted support.
• Lead intake sessions utilizing the interactive process to assess lived disability experiences and remove environmental barriers through reasonable accommodations.
• Analyze and interpret complex disability documentation.
• Determine and implement equitable accommodations in alignment with ADA, Section 504, and established field benchmarks.
• Oversee student records and track longitudinal caseload data.
• Contribute to the evaluation of departmental programming to maximize student learning outcomes and academic experiences.

Supervision & Leadership 15%

• Provide leadership, supervision, coaching, performance feedback, and support to professional staff and amplify their work within the department.
• Collect, interpret, and convey data and track trends and needs, in the context of field best practices and national trends.
• Utilize qualitative and quantitative assessments to advance the department's efforts and needs within the division, campus, and University.

Outreach & Support 10%

• Develop cross-campus collaborations with units associated with student success and retention
• Consult and collaborate effectively with staff and other areas of resources.
• Design and deliver educational sessions and materials for various campus departments and the local community regarding disability topics and accommodation protocols.
• Offer expert consultation and technical guidance to University stakeholders, empowering faculty and staff with the knowledge required to effectively implement accommodations within their specific academic and administrative areas.

Professional Activity (training and professional development) 5%

• Maintain active membership and contribution to pertinent professional bodies.
• Offer specialized guidance regarding field best practices in assistive technology, persistence strategies, and academic coaching
• Participate in disability-related conferences and professional development
• Cultivate professional networks with accessibility colleagues across the University of Minnesota system and peer institutions.
• Engage with university-wide groups dedicated to supporting individuals within the disability community.
• Execute additional responsibilities as designated.

Required Qualifications:

• BA/BS degree plus at least five years of relevant experience, or master's degree plus at least three years of relevant experience
• Required knowledge of federal, state, and local statutes and regulations pertaining to students with disabilities
• 3 years of relevant experience in the areas of facilitating access for people with disabilities and/or working with students in higher education
• Demonstrated experience in, and an ongoing commitment to, working effectively with and across diverse communities, including specific experience with one or more of the following identities/communities: people of color; American Indians; people with both visible and invisible disabilities; people of various gender and sexual identities and expressions; and first-generation students from economically disadvantaged backgrounds
• Demonstrated leadership skills and commitment to continuous improvement, including ability to supervise others
• Strong written and oral communication skills

Preferred Qualifications:

• Masters degree in Education, Rehabilitation Counseling, Social Work, Psychology, or a related field
• Experience in developing, supporting, or implementing retention and persistence strategies in higher education
• Demonstrates an empowerment approach when working with individuals with disabilities
• Experience in facilitating disability access and accommodations processes in higher education or similar settings
• Experience with assistive technology
• Strong leadership skills and experience supervising others

Pay Range: $33.50 per hour to $35.00 per hour; depending on education/qualifications/experience

Time Appointment: 80% 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

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 have the opportunity to complete an online application for the position and attach a cover letter and resume or CV.

This position will remain open until filled.

To request an accommodation during the application process, please e-mail employ@umn.edu or call (612) 624-8647.

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.

University of Minnesota, Duluth (UMD)

The University of Minnesota, Duluth (UMD) consistently ranks among the top Midwestern, regional universities in U.S. News and World Report's "America's Best Colleges" issue.

Overlooking Lake Superior, UMD provides an alternative to both large research and small liberal arts environments and attracts students looking for a personalized learning experience on a medium-sized campus of a major university. A firm liberal arts foundation anchors a variety of traditional degree programs, as well as professional and graduate students that draw on UMD's many research institutes and labs.

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), and Best Employer by State (2022-2026). In 2026, we also received Culture Excellence & Industry Awards recognition for employee appreciation and work-life flexibility.