Position Title: ADA Coordinator Department: Operations Reports To: Chief Operating Officer Appointment: Grant funded, full-time, 40 hours per week (12-month position), On Campus Status: Exempt Position Summary The ADA Coordinator is a grant-funded position responsible for coordinating Bradley University's institution-wide efforts to ensure accessibility and compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 (including Sections 503, 504, and 508), and other applicable federal and state laws and regulations pertaining to individuals with disabilities. Working in close collaboration with partners across campus, the ADA Coordinator provides leadership, guidance, and oversight for disability-related accessibility services and initiatives affecting students, faculty, staff, and visitors. The ADA Coordinator oversees disability accessibility-related services provided by university departments and offices, monitors institutional compliance, and serves as the central point of contact for receiving and addressing reports of noncompliance, disability-based discrimination, and barriers to access in the University's physical facilities and online/digital platforms. The position plays an integral role in shaping institutional policy, promoting a culture of universal design and inclusion, and ensuring that Bradley University meets its legal and ethical obligations to the disability community. Primary Duties and Responsibilities Central Coordination and Compliance Oversight
- Serve as the University's designated ADA Coordinator and Section 504/Section 508 Coordinator, coordinating institution-wide compliance with the ADA, the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, and related federal and state disability laws and regulations.
- Monitor University compliance with state and federal disability-related legislation and regulatory guidance and develop and implement plans for improvement in collaboration with administrators, faculty, and staff.
- Collaborate with University leadership across divisions to ensure institutional policies, procedures, and practices adhere to legal requirements and reflect best practice in higher education.
- Serve as the central intake point for ADA-related matters and facilitate the flow of information among university offices with compliance responsibilities.
- Serve as the University's primary liaison with relevant state and federal agencies, as well as ADA/504/508 coordinators at peer institutions and professional associations.
Complaint Resolution and Non-Discrimination
- Ensure appropriate processes are in place for the prompt, fair, and equitable resolution of reports and complaints of disability-based discrimination, noncompliance, and access barriers raised by students, employees, or members of the public.
- Receive, investigate, and respond to reports of noncompliance with the ADA and other applicable disability laws, including allegations of disability discrimination and denial of access.
- Make or coordinate determinations regarding allegations of discrimination and noncompliance based on disability, in consultation with the Office of Legal Affairs/General Counsel as appropriate.
- Maintain accurate, confidential records of disability- and accommodation-related complaints, inquiries, and their resolution.
Physical Facilities Accessibility
- Advise on compliance with ADA technical requirements regarding the accessibility of buildings, grounds, and facilities, including architectural design, renovation, and new construction.
- Collaborate with University Planning, Architectural and Engineering Services, and Facilities Management to identify, prioritize, and remediate physical barriers to access across campus.
- Participate in the review of construction and renovation plans to ensure conformance with ADA Standards for Accessible Design and applicable state building codes.
- Coordinate periodic accessibility audits of university facilities and maintain a transition plan for addressing identified barriers.
Policy, Training, and Outreach
- Develop, recommend, and help implement University-wide policies and procedures that respond to the needs of individuals with disabilities, consistent with the University's mission and operational and academic requirements.
- In collaboration with university leadership and relevant offices, provide guidance to managers, supervisors, and faculty in implementing employment, academic, residential, and other accommodations.
- Develop, coordinate, and deliver training and educational programs for students, faculty, and staff on disability access, rights, responsibilities, and Universal Design principles.
- Maintain current knowledge of evolving disability-related laws, regulations, and best practices, including the ADA, Section 504, Section 508, FERPA (as applicable to disability records), and state disability law.
- Serve on institutional committees and task forces related to accessibility, diversity, equity, and inclusion, as needed.
- Participate in community, state, and national committees, task forces, and professional networks that promote disability access and compliance.
Reporting and Administration
- Compile and prepare disability-related reports, compliance documentation, and guidance materials for university administration and external agencies as required.
- Ensure the timely filing of all legally required compliance reports.
- Develop and implement internal metrics and reports that inform University administration of the status of ADA/504/508 compliance and ongoing accessibility initiatives.Perform other duties as assigned in support of the University's accessibility and compliance mission.
Minimum Qualifications
- Bachelor's degree required; graduate degree preferred in a relevant field such as Disability Services, Higher Education Administration, Special Education, Rehabilitation Counseling, Public Administration, or Law.
- A minimum of five years of recent, progressively responsible experience providing guidance on compliance with the ADA, Section 504, Section 508, and related disability law, preferably in a higher education or complex institutional setting.
- In-depth knowledge of applicable federal and state disability legislation (ADA, Rehabilitation Act, WCAG 2.0/2.1, state accessibility regulations) and the functional impact of a range of disabling conditions.
- Demonstrated experience investigating and resolving complaints or reports of noncompliance or discrimination in a manner that is fair, timely, and legally sound.
- Working knowledge of accessibility requirements for physical facilities (ADA Standards for Accessible Design) as well as electronic and information technology (Section 508, WCAG).
- Demonstrated ability to lead institutional change and collaborate effectively across academic and administrative units.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to present complex regulatory information to diverse audiences.
- Strong organizational skills with the ability to work independently, manage multiple priorities, and meet deadlines.
- Proficiency with Microsoft Office and standard business software.
Preferred Qualifications
- Prior experience serving as an ADA, Section 504, or Section 508 Coordinator (or in a comparable compliance role) at a college or university.
- Demonstrated knowledge of academic, employment, residential, physical, and technological accommodations in a higher education environment.
- Experience developing or administering an institutional Accessible Technology Plan.
- Experience working with University Planning, Architectural and Engineering Services, or Facilities Management on accessibility-related construction and renovation projects.
- Demonstrated ability to interact effectively with individuals and groups from academically, culturally, and experientially diverse backgrounds.
- Professional certification or training related to ADA compliance, accessibility, or Title IX/civil rights investigations.
Reporting Relationship This position reports to the Chief Operating Officer, and works in close, ongoing collaboration with Academic Affairs, Human Resources, Information Technology, Student Experience and Facilities. This is a full-time, grant-funded position. Continuation of this role is strictly contingent upon the availability and renewal of grant funds. In the event that grant funding is reduced, terminated, or ceases, the position may be eliminated or modified accordingly.
TO APPLY:
Qualified candidates should submit a cover letter, resume and complete contact information for a minimum of three professional references with telephone numbers. Please submit all materials at the time of initial application. Employment with Bradley University is contingent upon successful completion of a criminal background check. Visa sponsorship is not available for this position. Bradley University offers a competitive benefits package including health, dental, vision, life and disability coverages, FSA, HSA, and retirement plan options. Bradley also offers significant higher education cost savings for employees and dependents through the Tuition Remission program. Information regarding our benefits can be found here: https://www.bradley.edu/offices/business/human-resources/benefits/ Bradley University is a top-ranked, private university in Peoria, Illinois, offering nearly 5,000 undergraduate and graduate students’ opportunities, choices, and resources to build their futures. Innovation, action, and collaboration drive Bradley students to generate ideas and create solutions that remake the world around them. Our comprehensive array of undergraduate and graduate academic programs includes business, communications, education, engineering, fine arts, health sciences, liberal arts and sciences, and technology. Bradley University is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employer. The administration, faculty and staff are committed to attracting qualified candidates from underrepresented groups.