Deaf Equity & Accessibility Program Director

GENERAL PURPOSE

In alignment with the University of Rochester commitment to Diversity and Inclusion the Deaf Equity and Accessibility Program Director leads the strategic direction and vision that creates a culture of learning and empowerment for Deaf and Hard of Hearing (DHOH) Professionals and Learners. This position actively engages and communicates with internal and external stakeholders to optimize relations between DHOH and Hearing community members, with special attention given to cross-cultural challenges associated with audism.

Under the guidance of the Associate Vice Provost of Disability Compliance, the Deaf Equity and Accessibility Program Director functions with major latitude for independent judgment and proactive decision-making. The Program Director must be innovative and have the ability to identify new community needs and employ creative approaches to expand and offer unique programming designed to meet the needs of Deaf Professionals and learners that are culturally informed and responsive. Drives operational practices and recommends new policies/procedures with the goal of improving service towards minority language professionals and ensures that internal standards and accountability are upheld across programs and locations.

JOB DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Develops and builds upon trust with University leadership in order to build necessary infrastructure to support DHOH professionals and learners.

• Develops and builds trust with DHOH professionals and learners, inviting feedback regarding access and experience.

• Solicits feedback from DHOH professionals and learners and interpreters to identify challenges in access needs and recommends needed updates to institutional polices regarding communication access.

• Conducts regular gap analyses to identify potentially unmet needs and provides recommendations to address.

• Acts as a principle advocate for effective services for DHOH professionals and learners regarding communication.

• Clarifies issues, consults with institutional leadership, offers possible solutions and follows up to ensure resolution of concerns.

• Coordinates and provides education to employees and affiliates regarding relevant social and cultural aspects of DHOH professionals and learners.

• Collaborates with appropriate offices to evaluate processes and provide recommendations to mitigate barriers.

• Negotiates conference access for DHOH professionals and learners, in collaboration with the Manager of Deaf-Professional Interpreters.

• Provides informal and formal coaching and mentoring to leaders, supervisors and staff on professional development, diversity, inclusion, Deaf-centered workplace culture issues and culture change methods.

• Partners with the hiring department, HR and other key stakeholders to ensure access needs and resources are provided for new hires.

• Researches, advises and oversees the development of culturally relevant messaging for the DHOH community, including video-based communication.

• Develops and executes an outreach strategy to educate the UR community regarding communication access resources available internally and the benefits of utilizing those resources.

• Collaborates with the Manager of Deaf-Professional Interpreters to develop and coordinate professional development activities.

• Advises on mitigation of barriers for DHOH professionals and learners.

• Ensures the successful onboarding and orientation of new DHOH professionals and learners.

• Educates DHOH professionals and learners on communication access options and recommends appropriate resources.

Other duties as assigned

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bachelor's degree required

• Master's degree preferred

• 5 years of relevant experience required

• or equivalent combination of education and experience required

• Deep knowledge of Deaf culture, and a strong understanding of the laws and ethics as they pertain to Deaf culture required

• Excellent problem-solving skills required

• Excellent interpersonal and customer service skills required

• Ability to multitask and prioritize in a complex, fast-paced environment required

• Deep understanding of ASL; experience with Native-level fluency required

The University of Rochester is committed to fostering, cultivating, and preserving a culture of equity, diversity, and inclusion to advance the University's mission to Learn, Discover, Heal, Create - and Make the World Ever Better. In support of our values and those of our society, the University is committed to not discriminating on the basis of age, color, disability, ethnicity, gender identity or expression, genetic information, marital status, military/veteran status, national origin, race, religion/creed, sex, sexual orientation, citizenship status, or any other status protected by law. This commitment extends to the administration of our policies, admissions, employment, access, and recruitment of candidates from underrepresented populations, veterans, and persons with disabilities consistent with these values and government contractor Affirmative Action obligations.

How To Apply

All applicants must apply online.

EOE Minorities/Females/Protected Veterans/Disabled

Pay Range

Pay Range: $84,718 - $127,088 Annually

The referenced pay range represents the minimum and maximum compensation for this job. Individual annual salaries/hourly rates will be set within the job's compensation range, and will be determined by considering factors including, but not limited to, market data, education, experience, qualifications, expertise of the individual, and internal equity considerations.

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Location: Central Administration
Full/Part Time: Full-Time
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