The posting
Position Summary:
Job Description:
Director of the Center for Disability & Accommodations
Position:
Western Colorado University invites applications for an in-person, full-time position of Director of the Center for Disability & Accommodations (CDA). The position reports to the Office of the Provost. Candidate has a demonstrated track record of stakeholder relationship-building as well as excellent organizational and interpersonal skills. The position provides strategic leadership for the CDA while innovating and managing all student accommodation services through a student-centered framework and a campuswide collaborative approach. Ensures the CDA’s compliance with university policies as well as state and federal laws related to disability, accessibility, and accommodations.
Responsibilities:
Student Accommodation and Support Services: Develops, implements, and oversees comprehensive student accommodation services. Oversees the interactive process workflow; maintains an active caseload; ensures timely and accurate accommodation review, reasonable determination, and record keeping in line with ADA/504 best practices; regularly collaborates with Residence Life on housing and dining accommodations; oversees student classroom support services including assistive technologies; coordinates standardized exams (GRE, ACT, etc.); reviews and makes initial determinations regarding student appeals & grievances.
Internal and External Collaboration: Mentors and guides CDA staff in ADA/504 best practices; Builds and maintains meaningful partnerships across campus and with community stakeholders; works closely and collaboratively with students, faculty, and staff to implement educational strategies that support accessibility and inclusion, including Admissions, The Teaching and Learning Center, Facilities, and Student Affairs; keeps current in the field through active involvement in regional and national networks related to disability services in higher education; serves on university committees as needed.
Training and Consultation: Collaborates with Access and Testing Center Coordinator and other campus offices in designing and delivering professional training to improve campus understanding of disability, accessibility, and accommodations; provides advice to faculty and staff to promote inclusive practices and an equitable learning environment.
Budget and Planning: Manages the CDA’s operational budget; leads program assessment efforts to measure outcomes and inform continuous improvement of services. Maintains and regularly updates the CDA Standard Operating Procedures, ensuring ongoing operational alignment and consistent practices.
Legal Compliance: Maintains current knowledge of and ensuring CDA compliance with university policies and state and federal law related to disability, accessibility, and accommodations. Completes annual reporting as required by the state.
Minimum Qualifications:
- Master’s degree in Higher Education Administration, Behavioral Health, Social Work, Counseling, Human Resources, Special Education, or related field, or will have earned this degree within the first 12 months of the position start date.
- Three years of progressive experience providing accessibility and accommodation services in a university or educational setting.
- Three years of supervisory experience.
- Demonstrated knowledge of ADA/504 and FERPA regulations.
- Exceptional and demonstrated collaborative skills/ability to build and maintain partnerships.
- Excellent interpersonal, verbal, and written communication skills.
- Demonstrated organizational skills and attention to detail.
- Project management experience from ideation through completion.
- Proficiency with Microsoft Office suite
Preferred Qualifications:
- Experience using Workday and AIM platforms.
- Understanding of inclusive pedagogy.
- Three or more years supervisory experience of non-student professional staff.
Compensation: $65,000 - $70,000 annually. This position is FLSA exempt. Western offers an excellent benefits package including shared premiums for a comprehensive health insurance plan, dental insurance, retirement plan, life insurance, and other insurance options. After one year of employment, Western provides free tuition for dependents enrolled full time in undergraduate programs for up to four years.
Application Procedure: Apply online at www.Western.edu/jobs. Candidates must submit the following: Resume or CV; letter of interest addressing how experiences/qualifications connect with the required/preferred characteristics and priorities as expressed in this position profile; contact information for three references.
In compliance with the Colorado Job Application Fairness Act, in any materials you submit, you may redact or remove age-identifying information such as age, date of birth, or dates of school attendance or graduation. You will not be penalized for redacting or removing this information.
Unfortunately, Western Colorado University cannot sponsor a visa for this position at this time.
Please direct questions to the search committee chair, Dr. Kelsey Bennett, at [email protected].
Application deadline is October 15, 2026.
Additional Information on Western and Gunnison/Crested Butte
Western Colorado University is a public institution with an enrollment of ~3,700 students. 47% of students are undergraduates, 33% are graduate students, and 80% receive some form of financial aid. Western students represent 17 countries, 50 states, and almost every county in Colorado. With an average class size of 17, Western’s faculty and staff share a strong commitment to personalized, rigorous, and immersive education. Visit http://www.western.edu to learn more about the university.
Western Colorado University is located in Gunnison, Colorado, about 200 miles southwest of Denver amidst over 2 million acres of public land and a vibrant ranching community. The Gunnison valley provides robust cultural programming and exceptional outdoor recreation. A network of dedicated community organizations enrich the lives of many in the tight-knit community. Living in the valley, one appreciates a vibrant culture of festivals, exhibitions, performances, wellness activities, and more. In the winter, many enjoy in skiing at Crested Butte Mountain Resort and along dozens of miles of cross-country trails. In the summer, bikers, hikers, and runners explore 750-plus miles of singletrack trails, while others delight in fishing, boating, and paddleboarding at Blue Mesa Reservoir or on the Gunnison River and its tributaries. Pre-K-12 students are served by the highly-ranked Gunnison Watershed School District.
An Equal Opportunity Employer, including disability/vets.
WESTERN COLORADO UNIVERSITY IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER INCLUDING DISABILITY/VETERANS
It is the ongoing policy and practice of Western Colorado University to provide equal opportunity in employment to all employees and applicants. No person shall be discriminated against in any condition of employment because of age (40 and over), color, disability, gender identity, genetic information, military or veteran status, national origin, ancestry, race, religion, creed, sex, sexual orientation, gender expression, marital status, or any other applicable status protected by federal, state, or local law.
ADAAA ACCOMMODATIONS:
Western Colorado University is committed to the full inclusion of all qualified individuals. As part of this commitment, Western will assist individuals who have a disability with any reasonable accommodation requests related to employment, including completing the application process, interviewing, completing any pre-employment testing, participating in the employee selection process, and/or performing essential job functions where the requested accommodation does not impose an undue hardship. If you have a disability and require reasonable accommodation to ensure you have a positive experience applying or interviewing for this position, please direct your inquiries to the Office of Human Resources at [email protected] or (970) 943-3140.
