SYSTEMWIDE DISABILITY RIGHTS DIRECTOR

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Position Base: Oakland
Location: UCOP - Franklin Building

UC OFFICE OF THE PRESIDENT

At the University of California (UC), your contributions make a difference. A world leader producing Nobel and Pulitzer Prize recipients with over 150 years of groundbreaking research transforming the world. Choose a career where you can leverage your knowledge, skills and aspirations to inspire and support some of the greatest minds in the world, and those who will follow in their footsteps. Working at the University of California is being part of a unique institution, and a vibrant and diverse community. At the University of California, Office of the President, we propel our mission through impactful work locally, in government centers and systemwide. We are passionate people, serving the greater good.

The University of California, one of the largest and most acclaimed institutions of higher learning in the world, is dedicated to excellence in teaching, research and public service. The University of California Office of the President is the headquarters to the 10 campuses, six academic medical centers and three national laboratories and enrolls premier students from California, the nation and the world. Learn more about the UC Office of the President

DEPARTMENT OVERVIEW

The Systemwide Office of Civil Rights (SOCR) under the leadership of the Executive Director provides direction and support for the university's 10 campuses and the Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory (LBNL), as well as the Office of the President. SOCR assists in developing and implementing systemwide initiatives, policies, procedures, guidance, and best practices to proactively prevent and respond to reports of discrimination, including, harassment. In certain circumstances, SOCR provides investigative support, as well as develops and delivers education and training programs to campus civil rights offices and other university partners involved in preventing and responding to all forms of discrimination, harassment, and related retaliation based on protected categories (e.g., race, ethnicity, disability, sex, etc.). SOCR also is the policy owner for the systemwide Sexual Violence and Sexual Harassment Policy and Anti-Discrimination Policy and manages systemwide training on those policies for all UC campus community members.

The Systemwide Disability Rights Office (SDRO), which is part of the Systemwide Office of Civil Rights, provides direction and support for the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) Coordinators, Disability Service Officers, and Local Implementation Officers (LIOs) at the University's 10 campuses, the Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory (LBNL), and six academic medical centers, as well as the Office of the President. The SDRO assists in implementing systemwide initiatives and best practices to address compliance with ADA and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act and other related federal or state laws. The SDRO develops and delivers education and training to ADA Coordinators, civil rights offices/LIOs, and other university partners involved in ADA/Section 504 compliance, prevention and response related to all forms of disability discrimination-including failure to accommodate-and disability harassment or related retaliation. As necessary and appropriate, offers consultative services and subject matter expertise to UC partners resolving disability-related issues in informal, alternative, or formal resolutions.

POSITION SUMMARY

Reporting to the Executive Director of SOCR, the Systemwide Disability Rights Director provides systemwide oversight and ensures compliance with ADA/Section 504 and all other disability-related laws, regulations, policies, and procedures. Oversees activities related to audit, evaluation, correction, active monitoring, and on-site review to ensure consistent and quality institutional prevention and response to all disability-related issues. Provides advice, guidance, and assistance to the Office of the President. Provides guidance to all local ADA Coordinators, Disability Services Officers, Local Implementation Officers, and other relevant stakeholders regarding systemwide policies and best practices related to disability rights. Recognized as an influential and knowledgeable leader. Makes final decisions for the organization with respect to disability rights issues in consultation with key University partners and the Executive Director of the Systemwide Office of Civil Rights. Ensures achievement of strategic and mission-driven objectives. Regularly tracks patterns and trends and reports ADA/Section 504 activities to the Executive Director of the Systemwide Office of Civil Rights and to the President, and as required, to the Regents. Responsible for developing and overseeing training, professional development, and other initiatives to make the University community a model for supporting and welcoming individuals with disabilities. Collaborates regularly with UC Legal; Academic Affairs; Human Resources; Ethics, Compliance and Audit Services; Capital Planning; Information Technology Services, and other systemwide offices at the Office of the President.

Responsibilities

50% Systemwide Disability-Focused Strategy, Compliance, and Policy

• Advises all levels of senior and executive leadership on ADA/Section 504 and other disability-related compliance, best practices, and systemwide objectives.
• Develops, interprets, and implements systemwide policy on ADA/Section 504 compliance and reasonable accommodations/modifications.
• Serves as a systemwide subject matter expert on ADA/Section 504 compliance, policy, and legal issues. Provides guidance and direction in complex matters and develops solutions in areas of critical decision making to support all UC campuses and locations.
• Provides strategic vision and leadership on all accessibility issues across the system, coordinating the development and administration of policies and procedures related to ADA/Section 504 compliance.
• Identifies compliance gaps and designs thoughtful solutions, as appropriate.
• Assists in responding to federal and state agency reviews or requests for information on behalf of University.
• Develops and implements guidelines, policies, and procedures to ensure systemwide ADA/Section 504 compliance and promote inclusive practices.
• Oversees Systemwide Disability Rights Office/Team and provides subject matter guidance to all ADA programs and ADA Coordinators/Disability Services Officers at all UC locations.
• Monitors or implements disability-related legal or policy compliance measures and evaluations.
• Serves as a central point of contact for internal units and university offices that partner with ADA Coordinator/compliance offices, such as student affairs, HR, academic personnel, academic senate, legal, the health enterprise, and campus police.
• Engages with senior management, outside agencies, and campus partners as appropriate.

30% Education and Training Project Program Design and Implementation

• Provides and oversees education, training, and guidance to increase awareness of ADA/Section 504 compliance and the rights of individuals with disabilities with the goal of ensuring legal compliance, consistency, and best practices.
• Creates and leads proactive ADA/Section 504-related prevention education for students, faculty, and staff.
• Coordinates development, distribution, and implementation of guidance documents, templates, and related materials for disability-focused personnel to guide their work and ensure consistent implementation of ADA/Section 504 policies, procedures, and best practices.
• Leads disability rights advisory groups, which will include students, faculty, and staff.
• Ensures training materials are fully compliant with all current legal, regulatory, policy, and other standards/requirements.

10% Strategic Solution-Oriented Data Management and Trend Tracking

• Oversees analysis of systemwide data to identify patterns, trends, and systemic issues with respect to ADA compliance and utilizes the data to inform appropriate responsive action.
• Coordinates systemwide review of campus reports and disability-related cases.
• Develops assessment tools and metrics for program reporting as required by law and university objectives.
• Liaises with federal and state government relations offices and lawmakers on relevant regulations and legislation.

10% Leadership, Outreach, and Communication

• Serves as organizational spokesperson on ADA/Section 504 issues and activities, including with media and internal/external stakeholders.
• Develops and/or directs development of communications, publications, and web content, as necessary.
• Serves as advisor to senior and executive leadership on high-impact issues, including strategies to promote and maintain a culture of inclusion.
• Disseminates legal, policy, procedure, and practice updates systemwide.

Required Qualifications

• Minimum of 10 years combination of relevant advanced education and experience in ADA/Section 504 or other disability-focused work in education and/or employment, governmental civil rights agencies, or a related field, encompassing student academic adjustments/auxiliary aids and services, workplace accommodations, facility and construction accessibility, program accessibility, etc.
• Minimum of 5 years of management/supervision experience.
• Extensive knowledge of the ADA, Sections 503, 504, and 508 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, and other federal and state laws and regulations pertaining to access and accommodations for individuals with disabilities, including case law, trends, and issues.
• Advanced understanding of ADA/Section 504 compliance, policies, best practices, and systems.
• Deep familiarity with and sensitivity to issues of accessibility, bias, and inclusion related to disabilities. Extensive experience working with individuals with a broad range of disabilities and demonstrated experience with processes for providing reasonable accommodations, academic adjustments, etc.
• Knowledge of various alternative formats and/or assistive technologies that enable individuals with disabilities to communicate, participate, and perform essential functions and/or work-related tasks.
• Experience working across a large, complex enterprise.
• Demonstrated ability to clearly communicate, both verbally and in writing, information regarding complex issues and recommendations to individuals at all levels of the organization.
• Demonstrated ability to work independently and collaboratively as a leader, exercising good judgment and fostering consensus on complex or highly sensitive and confidential matters.
• Demonstrated experience in developing positive relationships with diverse constituent groups and in advancing diversity, equity, inclusion and belonging.
• Extensive experience in developing and presenting quality, dynamic training in plain language for a diverse audience.
• Experience working with faculty and students, demonstrating an understanding for and appreciation for shared governance.
• Demonstrated experience leading, managing, and developing professional staff.

Preferred Qualifications

• Knowledge of UC governance, organizational structure, and policies and procedures.
• Experience working with academic medical centers and/or other clinical/healthcare settings.
• Experience with civil rights in education and/or employment issues in other protected categories, including race, ethnicity, sex, gender, etc.
• Strong knowledge of ADA standards for accessible design and experience with accessibility/barrier removal planning.
• Knowledge of data systems development and quantitative reporting methods.

Education

• Bachelor's degree in related area and / or equivalent experience / training required.
• Advanced Degree (Master's, EDD, JD) in related area and/or equivalent experience/training preferred.

Travel Requirements

• 5% On an annual basis, occasional travel to campuses may be required for site visits, education programming, etc.

SPECIAL CONDITIONS

This position is eligible for a hybrid work arrangement. The selected candidate must reside in, or be willing to relocate to, California and will be required to report to work in Oakland, CA on an agreed upon schedule.

SALARY AND BENEFITS

Job Title: Ethics and Compliance Mgr 2
Job Code: 006058
Salary Grade: Grade 28

Payscale: $210,000 - $245,000, commensurate with experience

The University of California, Office of the President, is required to provide a reasonable estimate of the compensation range for this role. This range takes into account the wide range of factors that are considered in making compensation decisions including but not limited to experience, skills, knowledge, abilities, education, licensure and certifications, and other business and organizational needs. It is not typical for an individual to be offered a salary at or near the top of the range for a position. Salary offers are determined based on final candidate qualifications and experience.

Benefits: For information on the comprehensive benefits package offered by the University visit: Benefits of Belonging

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

HOW TO APPLY

Please be prepared to attach a cover letter and resume with your application.

APPLICATION REVIEW DATE

The first review date for this job is March 5, 2025. The position will be open until filled.

CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT

Background Check Process: Successful completion of a background check is required for this critical position. Background check process at UCOP

Smoke Free Work Environment: The University of California, Office of the President, is smoke & tobacco-free as of January 1, 2014. UC Smoke & Tobacco Free Policy

As a condition of employment, you will be required to comply with the University of California Policy on Vaccination Programs, as may be amended or revised from time to time. Federal, state, or local public health directives may impose additional requirements.

As a condition of employment, the finalist will be required to disclose if they are subject to any final administrative or judicial decisions within the last seven years determining that they committed any misconduct, are currently being investigated for misconduct, left a position during an investigation for alleged misconduct, or have filed an appeal with a previous employer.

• "Misconduct" means any violation of the policies or laws governing conduct at the applicant's previous place of employment, including, but not limited to, violations of policies or laws prohibiting sexual harassment, sexual assault, or other forms of harassment, discrimination, dishonesty, or unethical conduct, as defined by the employer.
  • UC Sexual Violence and Sexual Harassment Policy
  • UC Anti-Discrimination Policy for Employees, Students and Third Parties
  • APM - 035: Affirmative Action and Nondiscrimination in Employment

EEO STATEMENT

The University of California, Office of the President, is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age or protected veteran status. For the University of California's Affirmative Action Policy please visit: https://policy.ucop.edu/doc/4010393/PPSM-20. For the University of California's Anti-Discrimination Policy, please visit: https://policy.ucop.edu/doc/1001004/Anti-Discrimination.

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