Assistant Director, Office of Accessibility & Accommodations

Pacific University achieves excellence and distinction by investing in exceptional people to think, care, create, and pursue justice in our world. We embrace discovery in a close and nurturing environment that leads to genuine transformation. Our community is diverse, sustainable, and dedicated to discovery and excellence in teaching, scholarship, and practice.

At Pacific University, we thrive in an extraordinary environment, surrounded by the beauty of the great Pacific Northwest, with campus locations in Forest Grove, Hillsboro, and Eugene. We humbly acknowledge and thank the original caretakers of the lands on which we live, work, teach, and acquire and share knowledge.

Enrollment Management & Student Affairs at Pacific University is dedicated to fostering student development in support of a more just, sustainable, and caring world. Guided by our core values—equity and inclusion, care, community, and learning—we center holistic student wellbeing, cultivate a sense of belonging, and champion equitable practices. As part of this area, Office of Accessibility & Accommodations is committed to continuous growth, collaboration, and innovation in service of our students and campus community. 

GENERAL DESCRIPTION OF POSITION

• The OAA Assistant Director is a leadership position within the Office of Accessibility and Accommodations  (OAA), a department responsible for determining and implementing accommodations for students with disabilities. 
• The Assistant Director makes accommodation decisions in alignment with department protocols, provides direct student services, and helps manage the day-to-day operations of the office. 
• Working closely with the Director, the Assistant Director leads the department’s initiatives, supports student employees, and supports key program components such as testing accommodations. 
• The Assistant Director also works closely with faculty and staff to ensure the effective delivery of approved accommodations, offering consultation, guidance, and education to ensure compliance and best practices. 
• Additionally, this position contributes to the assessment and continuous improvement of the department’s policies and services, ensuring students have equitable access to educational opportunities in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act Amendment Act of 2008 and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973. 

The expected annual salary range is $50,000 - $54,000, depending on qualifications and experience.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS/MAJOR RESPONSIBILITIES:
1.  Leadership in Accommodation Decision-Making:

• Make accommodation decisions in alignment with department protocols and ensure compliance with ADA and Section 504.
• Facilitate the interactive accommodation process for students in both classroom and non-classroom environments, including housing and fieldwork experiences.
• Lead the development and improvement of accommodation processes, including reviewing workflows to ensure accuracy, efficiency, and accessibility.
• Collaborate with the Director to ensure timely and effective implementation of accommodations for students with disabilities.
• Help in improving the overall student experience by continuously assessing and refining department policies and services.

2. Client Support and Consultation:

• Meet with prospective and current students to discuss their disabilities and determine reasonable accommodations, ensuring equal access to university programs.
• Educate students, their families, and healthcare providers on documentation requirements and assist in making referrals for further assessment if necessary.
• Provide guidance to students and university stakeholders on accommodation policies and practices, ensuring that accommodations are implemented accurately and effectively.
• Work closely with faculty and staff to ensure the delivery of approved accommodations, offering consultation and training as needed.
• As part of the Middle Care Team, serve in a consultative capacity to the CARE Team and the Office of Student Support (OSS), assisting in information sharing, planning, intervention, and follow-up related to student wellbeing.

3. Record Maintenance and Compliance:

• Maintain thorough and organized records of student accommodations, including electronic and paper files, ensuring compliance with federal and university regulations.
• Ensure all documentation is managed in accordance with confidentiality standards and the university’s records retention policy.

4. Department Communications and Stakeholder Education:

• Develop and maintain communication strategies, including web content, emails, and documentation, to clearly articulate accommodation processes and policies.
• Provide educational resources and training for faculty, staff, and students on disability justice, accommodations, and accessibility best practices.
• Actively participate in departmental efforts to raise awareness about disability-related issues and improve the understanding of office services across campus.

5. Programmatic Support and Continuous Improvement:

• Lead key departmental initiatives, ensuring alignment with the university's mission and department goals.
• Contribute to the development and implementation of programs, workshops, and resources to enhance disability-related services.
• Assist in the assessment and continuous improvement of the department’s operations, including evaluating service delivery and identifying areas for growth.

6. Administrative and Operational Support:

• Oversee the operational functions of the department, including financial procedures, budget management, and the processing of invoices for auxiliary aids.
• Support the recruitment, training, and supervision of student employees.
• Assist in department-wide strategic planning and reporting efforts, compiling data and preparing reports for accreditation, retention, and assessment purposes.
• Represent OAA, the Student Affairs Division, and Pacific University to colleagues, families, alumni, and the broader community.

SECONDARY FUNCTIONS:
Support Alternate Testing and Academic Support Processes:

• Facilitate testing accommodations for students by coordinating exam locations, assisting with proctoring exams, and ensuring secure, confidential testing environments in collaboration with others.
• Support the delivery of other accommodations, as needed.
• Refer students to on-campus support services such as counseling, academic coaching, tutoring, and the Office of Student Support.

Additional Administrative Tasks:

• Assist with department financial procedures, including processing invoices for auxiliary aids and managing the OAA budget.
• Participate in regular meetings with the Director, student employees, and the Student Affairs Division.
• Attend professional development opportunities, training, and conferences as recommended by the Director.
• Serve on University and Divisional committees, task forces, and hiring committees, as needed.
• Represent OAA, the Student Affairs Division, and Pacific University effectively to colleagues, families, alumni, and the broader community.

Other Duties as Assigned.

JOB SCOPE:
Performs the position duties under direction of Director of OAA, operating from established practices. Decisions are made within general University policy constraints but often require autonomous decision-making. Decisions of significant consequence are made in consultation with supervisor. Administrative responsibilities require high-level of organization and initiative, and have the ability to have a significant impact on student experience and resource maintenance. Position requires strong interpersonal and administrative skills. May serve as acting director in the absence of the Director and represent OAA in cross-departmental committees or decision-making bodies.

SUPERVISOR RESPONSIBILITY:

As assigned, direct supervisory responsibility of student employees. This position also provides guidance and task-specific oversight to student workers, interns, and staff.

REQUIRED EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE 

• Bachelor’s degree in rehabilitation counseling, special education, disability studies, higher education, counseling, psychology, or a related field from an accredited institution
• Minimum three years of experience working with college-age individuals with disabilities in higher education or a comparable setting
• Knowledge of federal disability laws applicable to postsecondary education, including the ADA and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973
• Experience handling confidential information in compliance with FERPA or related privacy standards
• Must be able to maintain composure and professional empathy while supporting students navigating disability-related stress or crisis situations.
• Direct experience in advising, case management, counseling, or program coordination for individuals with disabilities
• Knowledge of common assistive technologies (e.g., screen readers, alternative text formats, captioning software), or willingness to learn.
• Experience maintaining accurate records for compliance or reporting purposes
• Proficiency with Google Workspace and Microsoft Office, and the ability to quickly learn and adapt to new student support technologies and software platforms

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS  

• Excellent customer service and successful written and verbal communication with a broad and diverse audience in a culturally responsive manner.
• Ability to maintain confidential, detailed records.
• Proficient in the use of common office software, spreadsheets, email, databases, and electronic platforms. 
• Demonstrated ability to work collaboratively with people in a wide range of roles. 
• Demonstrates critical thinking skills in problem solving and decision-making.
• Ability to build and sustain rich collaborative relationships with university staff, students, and university partners of diverse backgrounds.
• Ability to prioritize and perform multiple projects, track data, meet timelines, respond to others in a timely manner, and work both independently and as a collaborative member of the University with a high standard of integrity and ethics, in support of the University’s strategic vision and the division’s annual goals.
• Able to make independent decisions and recommendations that align with policies, rules, and procedures; ability to ask questions and seek assistance when needed.
• Able to handle a variety of tasks in a fast-paced environment, working independently and/or as part of a team. 

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS 

• Experience working in a university disability services or accessibility office, with familiarity in accommodation processes and student support practices
• Master’s degree in rehabilitation counseling, special education, disability studies, higher education, counseling, psychology, or a related field, or equivalent advanced experience
• Ability to manage crisis situations and/or training in conflict resolution or de-escalation techniques
• Experience using Symplicity Accommodate or similar databases for managing student records and accommodations
• Bilingual or multilingual skills, especially in Spanish, Japanese, or Chinese
• Familiarity with institutional research, assessment practices, or data-informed decision-making

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WORKING CONDITIONS 

Work Setting:

• This is a full-time, in-person (not remote) position based on the Forest Grove and Hillsboro Campuses

Schedule Expectations:

• Typically standard weekday hours (Monday–Friday), apx. 8:30-5:30, though hours may vary depending on departmental needs
• Occasional early morning, evening, and weekend work, especially during final exam periods in fall and spring semesters
• Peak periods (such as August, December and May) require high-volume coordination and rapid response to accommodation and training requests

Travel Requirements: 

• Frequent travel required between Hillsboro and Forest Grove campuses, typically multiple times per week, as needed
• Occasional travel for professional development (such as conferences or workshops)​​​​​​​

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS AND ACTIVITIES

• Light work – involves lifting up to 20 pounds
• Visual acuity – ability to see and interpret visual information
• Standing and walking for extended periods
• Repetitive hand motions including fingering and grasping
• Talking and hearing to communicate with others
• All physical requirements and activities may be performed with or without reasonable accommodation.

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APPLICATION INFORMATION

Application: Please submit application materials electronically through PayCom, our Human Resources Information System. Your application should include a cover letter that addresses your relevant experiences, a resume, and names and contact information for three (3) professional references. Application materials will be screened and interview candidates will be selected and notified by email. The hiring process typically consists of two interviews. All applicants will be notified once the position is filled. 

Applicants must be legally authorized to work in the United States at the time of hire and continue to work without employer visa sponsorship, now or in the future

Hiring Timeline: Initial review of applications will begin on November 10, 2025. Additional reviews may occur as needed until the position is filled. Position start date as soon as possible.
 

At Pacific University, we are dedicated to offering experiences that are authentic, holistic, equity-minded, and responsive. Our communal success rests on the recognition that complex problems and effective solutions are best approached by teams with a variety of diverse perspectives. and life experiences. As we continue to develop our equity practices, we actively promote access to opportunities and equitable pay for all employees.

We, who make up Pacific University, aspire to become a community of purpose where everyone is enabled to be wholly and comfortably who they are; accountable for inclusive behaviors and practices; built on trust, civility, care, openness, and honest conversations often around critical subjects. We know that these values are critical to prepare for a global world with complex problems, through an asset-based mindset so that every one is afforded an opportunity to succeed. We believe in fostering a workplace where every employee is respected, their contributions are valued, and they are provided opportunities to succeed.

COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS 

We offer a comprehensive benefits package for qualifying employees. Current benefits include:
●    Generous paid time off (for vacation, holidays—including winter break—and sick leave)
●    Medical coverage with alternative care options (with in-network services covered at 100% after payroll deduction)
●    Comprehensive dental and vision plans
●    Annual 9% retirement contribution after one year of service with no match required
●    Free mental health appointments
●    Tuition remission for employees and their dependent child(ren) who meet eligibility requirements
●    Employer-paid life, short-term disability, and long-term disability insurance
●    On-campus benefits, including free access to our sports facility and library
●    Discounts on campus food, bookstore purchases, clinic services, and outdoor program gear rentals (including kayaks, snowshoes, and bikes)
 

EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYMENT 
Pacific University is an Equal Opportunity Employer and is committed to complying with all applicable laws, including those concerning employment and workplace policies. We are committed to fostering a non-discriminatory and inclusive work environment. We are proud to encourage applications from individuals of all backgrounds, including those from historically underrepresented groups.

NOTICE OF NONDISCRIMINATION POLICY 
Pacific University makes all employment decisions without regard to race, color, national or ethnic origin, ancestry, age, religion or religious creed, disability, sex, gender identity and/or expression, sexual orientation, military or veteran status, or any other characteristics protected by applicable law. Applicable laws include, but are not limited to, Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, the Age Discrimination Act, and the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990. Questions or complaints may be directed to the Vice President for Academic Affairs at 2043 College Way, Forest Grove, OR 97116 or via email at provost@pacificu.edu.