Associate Director & Deputy ADA Coordinator: Office of Equal Opportunity & Accessibility - UTK

The Associate Director serves as a deputy ADA Coordinator and reports to the Director of Equal Opportunity & Accessibility. The Associate Director is responsible for assisting in the coordinating of the daily operations of the unit, providing general supervision and work direction to EOA staff as it relates to the ADA, PWFA, and Religious Freedom as well as managing a caseload. EOA serves UTK, UTIA (all 95 counties), UT Athletics, UT Space Institute, and the Institute of Public Service.

• Assists the director in the overall management and coordination of ADA compliance, implementation, and accommodation in the individual, physical and digital realms.
• Manages caseload by exercising independent, informed sound judgment when working with supervisors, faculty, staff, student employees, and visitors in evaluating, documenting and resolving accommodation requests.
• Serves as a resource, consultant, and guide for EOA colleagues and campus partners.
• Provides oversight for file development and records management in AIM for the unit.
• Consults with EOA leadership and other university officials, as appropriate and necessary.
• Represents EOA on university committees addressing ADA matters.
• Develops, facilitates and presents training and professional development.
• Assists the director in the overall management and coordination of the interactive processes related to compliance with PWFA and Religious Freedom.
• Manages caseload by exercising independent, informed sound judgment when working with supervisors, faculty, staff, student employees, and visitors in evaluating, documenting and resolving accommodation requests.
• Serves as a resource, consultant, and guide for EOA co-workers and campus partners. A
• Assists in managing the daily operations of EOA.
• Provides general supervision and work direction for EOA employees.
• Assists in the interpretation of and compliance with state and federal civil rights laws, regulations, guidance and best practices.
• Contributes to the overall mission of the division.
• Engages in continuing education and professional development to be able to contribute to and lead meaningful and provocative discussions related to the EOA portfolio.
• Other duties as assigned

Required Qualifications

• Education:
  • Master’s Degree
• Experience:
  • Experience in providing ADA compliance guidance and in-depth knowledge of the reasonable accommodation process for employees and/or students, typically gained working in higher education or a complex organization for six years.
  • Demonstrated progressive responsibilities in leadership, supervision, policy making, as well as process development and implementation as it relates to accessibility.
• Knowledge, Skills, Abilities:
  • Excellent Communication Skills - verbal, written, interpersonal, and computer.
  • Ability to thrive in a team environment (collaborate, contribute, and take direction).
  • Ability to self-direct, work independently and take ownership.
  • Ability to maintain an appropriate level of confidentiality, exercise sound judgment, and maintain effective working relationships with university partners.
  • Demonstrated understanding of and commitment to the principles of accessibility.
  • Extensive knowledge and understanding of state and federal civil rights guidance, laws and best practices as applied in a higher education setting.

Preferred Qualifications

• Education:
  • Doctoral Degree
• Experience:
  • Experience in providing ADA compliance guidance and in-depth knowledge of the reasonable accommodation process for employees and/or students, typically gained working in higher education or a complex organization for eight years.
  • Demonstrated progressive responsibilities in leadership, supervision, policy making, as well as process development and implementation as it relates to accessibility.

Work Location

• Location: Knoxville, TN
• Onsite

Compensation and Benefits

• UT market range: Market Range - 13
• Find more information on the UT Market Range structure here
• Find more information on UT Benefits here

Application Instructions

Formal applications should be submitted via our application portal and include a cover letter, a current resume and contact information for three (3) professional references. References will not be contacted without explicit permission from candidates.

About The College/Department/Division

The Division of Access & Engagement impacts the University of Tennessee’s strategic vision through access, belonging, a culture of respect, and community. The division is dedicated to expanding access to educational opportunities, striving to remove barriers, and making academic pursuits more affordable. Consistent with the University’s commitment to high academic standards, student achievement, and the preparation of responsible citizens, we believe that engaging with individuals from all backgrounds and perspectives fosters a vibrant learning environment that enhances critical thinking and intellectual growth.