Position Function:
The Director will provide strategic leadership and oversight for the A.C.C.E.S.S. Program, the Autism Liaison Program, and the iReach Program, as well as other college-aged liaison services housed within the Mississippi Institute on Disabilities (MIoD). Reporting to the MIoD Executive Director and working in collaboration with stakeholders across the university and broader community, the Director will be responsible for advancing postsecondary education, research, and community outreach for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) and autism spectrum disorder (ASD). The Director will play a key role in promoting the A.C.C.E.S.S. Program's mission of empowering students with disabilities to achieve independence and employment, ensuring the success of the Autism Liaison Program in supporting degree-seeking students on the autism spectrum, and advancing the iReach Program's mission of providing vocational and social skill development for students with disabilities.
The Director will bring a collaborative, innovative vision to the role, aligning with the MIoD’s broader mission to promote independence and quality of life for individuals with disabilities through research, education, and service.
Salary Grade: 18
Please see Staff Compensation Structure or Skilled Crafts and Service Maintenance Compensation Schedule for salary ranges. For salary grade UC, these positions are "Unclassified" and salary ranges are determined by the hiring department.
Department Profile:
The Mississippi Institute on Disabilities (MIoD) is housed within the College of Education and represents an interdisciplinary hub focused on innovative and convergent research, service, and training to support individuals with disabilities. Affiliated units of MIoD include the T.K. Martin Center for Technology and Disability; the Autism and Developmental Disabilities Clinic; the A.C.C.E.S.S. and Specialized College Services program; the Career Horizons Center; and affiliate programs in the College of Education among others.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities:
• Provide leadership and operational oversight for the A.C.C.E.S.S. Program, Autism Liaison Program, iReach Program, and other college-aged liaison services, including but not limited to, staff supervision, budget management, program implementation and evaluation, ensuring the internal infrastructure is in place to support each program and its related needs.
• Develop, manage, and secure external funding through grants, contracts, and donations to support program sustainability and growth.
• Collaborate with university departments, state and national agencies, and community organizations to build partnerships that enhance opportunities for students with disabilities.
• Remain informed of trends and innovations in postsecondary education, disability services, and vocational preparation for individuals with disabilities.
• Engage in outreach and educational efforts to promote awareness of the A.C.C.E.S.S. Program, Autism Liaison Program, iReach Program, and related services, building knowledge and understanding of disability issues and needs across campus and within the broader community.
• Ensure compliance with university, state, and federal policies related to program operations and disability services.
• Promote the dissemination of research and evidence-based practices through publications, presentations, and training activities among staff and collaborative partners.
• Advance the mission and vision of the programs through strategic planning, development, and implementation of initiatives that promote access and success for individuals with IDD and ASD.
Minimum Qualifications:
• Doctoral degree in higher education, school psychology, behavior analysis, or a closely related field.
• Three years of experience working with persons with disabilities, ideally at the transition age (16-30 years of age).
• License eligible as a behavior analyst, school psychologist, or psychologist.
Preferred Qualifications:
• Expertise in postsecondary education programs for individuals with IDD and/or ASD.
• Demonstrated commitment to educational programming and community involvement.
• Licensed as a Board Certified Behavior Analyst, school psychologist, or psychologist and/or additional related licensures and certifications.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:
• Experience in higher education, transition programming.
• Experience in coordinating programs, including staff supervision.
• Knowledge of disability-related policies, best practices, and educational models.
• Experience and expertise in delivery evidenced based behavioral, psychological, and social-emotional interventions.
• Ability to build and maintain relationships with stakeholders, including students, families, university faculty and staff, state and federal agencies, and community organizations.
• Experience managing complex projects, including program development, evaluation, and reporting.
• Applied experience in assessment, consultation, and intervention for individuals with disabilities across the lifespan.
• Strong advocacy and problem-solving skills.
• Excellent communication and presentation skills.
• Problem-solving skills with the ability to think outside the box.
• Demonstrated experience in supporting college-aged students with disabilities and their needs.
• Experience managing grants and financial resources.
• Expertise and background in education, mental health, disabilities, applied behavior analysis, and related human service fields.
Working Conditions and Physical Effort
• Primarily office-based work in a collaborative and dynamic environment.
• Occasional travel to conferences, workshops, and meetings with stakeholders.
• Involved occasional exposure to demands from persons other than immediate supervisor.
• Routine deadline; variance in work volume seasonal and predictable with semester schedule.
• Interruptions for student and program related needs.
• Job requires frequent sitting, talking, hearing, handling objects with hands, standing, walking, reaching, and lifting up to 25 pounds as needed.
• Vision requirements: ability to see information in print and/or electronically.
Instructions for Applying:
Link to apply: http://explore.msujobs.msstate.edu/
Restricted Clause:
Position is contingent upon continued availability of funding.
Equal Employment Opportunity Statement:
Mississippi State University is an equal opportunity institution. Discrimination is prohibited in university employment, programs or activities based on race, color, ethnicity, sex, pregnancy, religion, national origin, disability, age, sexual orientation, genetic information, status as a U.S. veteran, or any other status to the extent protected by applicable law. Questions about equal opportunity programs or compliance should be directed to the Office of Civil Rights Compliance, 231 Famous Maroon Band Street, P.O. 6044, Mississippi State, MS 39762, (662) 325-5839.
What do I do if I need an accommodation?
In compliance with the ADA Amendments Act (ADA), if you have a disability and would like to request an accommodation in order to apply for a position with Mississippi State University, please contact the Department of Human Resources Management at tel: (662) 325-3713 or ada@hrm.msstate.edu.
If you have any questions regarding this policy, contact the Department of Human Resources Management at (662) 325-3713 or ada@hrm.msstate.edu. Upon request, sections of this job listing are available in large print, and readers are available to assist the visually impaired.
