Associate Director of Academic and Disability Resources

This position works in-person in Rochester, MN. This role is not eligible for H-1B or Green Card sponsorship.

The Associate Director of Academic and Disability Resources is a dynamic student-centered role that is vital in ensuring that every UMR student has the academic resources to support their learning and can develop to their greatest potential. The Associate Director will oversee and implement the accommodations process; lead the the design and implementation of a peer tutoring center; and redesign UMR's undergraduate academic assistant (UAA program) in a context of an innovation campus that applies evidence to practice in and out of the classroom. Rooted in a deep commitment to student success, inclusion, and support, this student-facing position is part of both vibrant and collaborative Student Life and Academic Affairs Teams, reporting part-time to the Director of Counseling and Health Services and part-time to the Vice Chancellor of Academic Affairs and Innovation.

This role is designed to serve and support students-particularly those navigating academic barriers related to disabilities, mental health, or other circumstances that impact learning or campus living. The Associate Director works closely with students, faculty, and campus partners to foster an accessible, empowering, and inclusive environment where every student has what they need to thrive.

The Associate Director will join a unique institution dedicated to transforming higher education through innovative thinking and evidenced-based practices. They will lead expansive efforts to provide and coordinate support of students with a range of abilities and backgrounds. This position champions a proactive and relational approach-offering direct student support, advocating for inclusive learning experiences, and partnering with faculty, staff, and student partners to break down barriers to student success.

Key Responsibilities

Tutoring and Undergraduate Assistant Program Design and Implementation (40%)

• Lead a group of student partners to design and implement a sustainable model for a peer tutoring center that fosters a developmental and agency-based approach to student support, particularly for first-year students who have disengaged from more traditional forms of self-regulated learning and student support
• Provide leadership to redesign UMR's undergraduate academic assistant (UAA) program in collaboration with student partners and faculty to integrate UAAs into courses effectively while meeting the needs of disengaged students
• Provide strategic leadership in collaboration with students to co-create additional academic support structures that align with the evolving educational needs of UMR students, coordinating with the existing evidence-based JustASK center practice.

Disabilities Resources 40%

• Build meaningful, trust-based relationships with students seeking accommodations or exploring how their disabilities, mental health, or life circumstances may affect their academic or residential experience.
• Provide holistic consultation, advocacy, education, and support to ensure equal access to all UMR programs, services, and activities.
• Guide students in using accessibility tools (e.g., ACE software, transitioning to AIM) to enhance independence and self-advocacy.
• Evaluate documentation and collaborate with students to determine reasonable accommodations that remove barriers to learning and student life.
• Serve as a partner to students and faculty in designing accommodations across all environments-including classrooms, clinicals, internships, and residencies.
• Support students preparing for state and national board exams by confirming the need for accommodations and navigating processes.
• Empower students through individualized support, education on disability rights, and connections to resources on and off campus.
• Coordinate the delivery and implementation of academic, housing, and technology accommodations with clarity and care.
• Design accessible and equitable processes for the seamless integration of accommodations into UMR's learning and living environments.
• Maintain accurate and confidential records while using data to inform continuous improvement.
• Promote universal design and inclusive practices through education, outreach, and resource sharing.
• Help students understand their rights and responsibilities under the ADA and related legislation.
• Act as UMR's lead educator on disability inclusion, accessibility, and student support.
• Facilitate training and programming for faculty, staff, and students to build understanding, empathy, and actionable knowledge.
• Serve as a liaison to the University of Minnesota system-wide Disability Resource Center and related system programs.

Supervision and Leadership (10%)

• Supervise and mentor the Disability Resources Coordinator, the Disability Resource Assistant, and student employees.
• Evaluate and report on the use and impact of accommodations to inform resource planning and student success strategies
• Leverage qualitative and quantitative data to assess the impact of tutoring and UAA programs, with a particular but not exclusive focus on first-year students.
• Regularly refine and enhance academic support services based on student and faculty feedback.
• Lead institutional initiatives focused on student success and short-term and long-term retention across the institution
• Recruit, train, and mentor student design partners.
• Recruit, train, and mentor peer tutors and UAAs, with an emphasis on an open and transparent application and hiring process that emphasizes teacherly skills
• Create sustainable, student-run frameworks for peer-led academic support, ensuring long-term impact and sustainability.
• Oversee strategic direction and execution of projects in which student partners to develop educational materials and ongoing professional development opportunities for student educators

Collaboration & Campus Involvement (10%)

• Lead strategic collaboration among the Center for Learning Innovation, student affairs, and university leadership to champion and advance student-driven learning initiatives that enhance institutional impacts
• Partner with students, staff, faculty, and administration to integrate peer support into courses and academic programs
• Participate in UMR's Care Team, responding to student needs with compassion, collaboration, and timely interventions
• Serve on university-wide committees and initiatives to amplify the voice of students with disabilities in institutional planning
• Stay active in professional development and contribute to creating a culture of learning, inclusion, and student advocacy within the division
• Engage in Drive the advancement of peer-led learning strategies by leveraging research-based practice to evaluate the effectiveness of academic resource programs

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.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience in higher education disability services, particularly at the secondary or post-secondary level
• Doctorate (Ph.D., Ed.D.) in a relevant field, or a Master's degree in education, student affairs, higher education administration, or a related field.
• Knowledge of evidence-based teaching and learning strategies.
• Experience working in a students-as-partners framework.
• Experience designing or managing peer-led academic support programs.
• Strong commitment to inclusive and student-centered learning models.
• Experience supporting students with disabilities or coordinating disability accommodations in educational settings
• Commitment to delivering student-centered services with warmth, responsiveness, and professionalism
• Demonstrated ability to manage multiple priorities with care, clarity, and attention to detail
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, grounded in empathy and collaboration
• Understanding of and respect for confidentiality, disability rights, and inclusive practices
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office
• Passion for working with students from diverse backgrounds and identities
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to engage diverse stakeholders.
• Experience working in academic writing support.
• Background in faculty development, curriculum design, or educational assessment.
• Familiarity with learning management systems and academic technology tools.
• Familiarity with disability services software (e.g., AIM or ACE)
• Demonstrated ability to promote accessibility, equity, and inclusion in educational or healthcare settings

UMR's Vision is to inspire transformation in higher education through innovations that empower our graduates to solve the grand health challenges of the 21st century. The campus facilities are adjacent to the world-class Mayo Clinic and other industry leaders in the life sciences in downtown Rochester, Minnesota. Rochester is the fastest growing city in Minnesota, currently experiencing exponential growth with the Bold Forward Unbound facilities expansion and the University's continued growth. UMR recently received a national designation as an Opportunity University, reflecting the impactful opportunities of our City of care and innovation.

Pay Range: $70,000 - $78,000, annually; depending on education/qualifications/experience

Time Appointment Category: 100% Appointment, 12 month

Position Type: 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

Applications must be submitted online. To be considered for this position, please click the Apply button and follow the instructions. You will be given the opportunity to complete an online application for the position and attach a cover letter and resume.

Additional documents may be attached after application by accessing your "My Job Applications" page and uploading documents in the "My Cover Letters and Attachments" section.

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.

The University of Minnesota Rochester (UMR)

At the University of Minnesota Rochester, our vision is to transform higher education through innovations that empower graduates to solve the grand health challenges of the twenty-first century. UMR prepares students for a broad spectrum of career pathways including pre-med and patient care; psychology and mental health; business and leadership; health technology; public policy and global health; and research, discovery, and cures.

The campus community serves almost 1,000 undergraduate and graduate students in the heart of downtown Rochester and continues to grow in size and influence through creative partnerships. At UMR, relationships and research drive student success. Learn more about UMR.

The University of Minnesota is proud to be recognized by the Star Tribune as a Top Workplace for 2021, as well as by Forbes as Best Employers for Women and one of America's Best Employers (2015, 2018, 2019, 2023), Best Employer for Diversity (2019, 2020), Best Employer for New Grads (2018, 2019), and Best Employer by State (2019, 2022-24).