Program Director, Inclusive Postsecondary Education

The Program Director serves as a key member of the Neurodiversity Center for Excellence (NCE) at Curry College, advancing the College's commitment to inclusive education and student success. This position leads the development, implementation, and continuous improvement of a new post-secondary transition program designed to support students with intellectual and/or developmental disabilities. Working under the direction of the NCE's Director of Education and Research, the Program Director collaborates closely with multiple campus departments, including Academic Affairs, Student Success, Admissions, Career Services, Residence Life, and others to ensure that program design and delivery are fully integrated within the broader Curry College experience. This role requires a practitioner with a strong background in special education or intellectual and developmental disabilities or autism-related fields and experience coordinating multidisciplinary teams.

Essential Functions:

1. Program Coordination and Service Delivery:

• Coordinate and manage the day-to-day delivery of program services and supports across academic, student life, and career development areas;
• Facilitate students' transition into the program and into college life by overseeing the creation and implementation of an individualized student learning plan. Personalized learning plans are co-created with each student when they begin the program. Ensure that the learning plan is effectively implemented and aligned with each student's goals, career aspirations, and program outcomes;
• Oversee scheduling, resource allocation, and communication among departments to ensure consistency and quality of services;
• Maintain clear documentation of service delivery processes, student participation, and program effectiveness.

2. Collaboration and Partnership Development:

• Facilitate collaboration and communication among internal teams including faculty, academic support, residence life, and student success staff to promote cohesive, student-centered support;
• Serve as a primary liaison between the college and external providers, including community organizations, agencies, and employers, to enhance experiential learning and employment opportunities;
• Foster and maintain strong partnerships with families, caregivers, and advocacy organizations to ensure shared understanding of student progress and program expectations;
• Represent the program and the Neurodiversity Center for Excellence in campus-wide and community initiatives promoting access, inclusion, and belonging.

3. Staff Training, Consultation, and Professional Development:

• Provide training, coaching, and consultation to faculty and staff on inclusive instructional strategies, universal design, and effective student support practices;
• Collaborate with the NCE Director of Education and Research to design and deliver professional learning sessions that advance inclusive postsecondary education practices;
• Promote a culture of continuous learning by sharing emerging research, tools, and strategies for supporting neurodivergent learners and those with disabilities;
• Support staff development through regular supervision, reflection, and feedback aligned with program and institutional goals.

4. Program Evaluation and Continuous Improvement:

• Track and report on student progress, outcomes, and program metrics in collaboration with the NCE Executive Director, Director of Education and Research, Strategic Operations Manager;
• Analyze data to identify trends, areas for improvement, and opportunities for innovation in program design and delivery;
• Contribute to grant compliance, reporting, and assessment activities as required by institutional and funding guidelines;
• Participate in ongoing strategic planning to ensure the program's sustainability, effectiveness, and alignment with Curry College's mission and values.

Additional Functions:

• Respect and maintain confidentiality, parameters of operation, professional protocols, and individual privacy;
• Perform other duties as assigned by supervisor or their designee.

Job Requirements:

Essential Characteristics:

Successful performance in this position requires consistent demonstration of the following inclusive leadership characteristics and professional competencies:

• Student-Centered and Inclusive Practice: Demonstrates a deep commitment to creating equitable access and meaningful participation for students with intellectual and/or developmental disabilities. Actively promotes belonging, autonomy, and self-determination through strengths-based approaches that recognize each student's unique abilities and goals. Center and honor student voice and perspectives.
• Collaborative Leadership: Builds and sustains positive, respectful working relationships across the college community and with external partners. Values diverse perspectives, encourages shared problem-solving, and fosters a culture of teamwork, open communication, and mutual respect.
• Strategic and Reflective Thinking: Anticipates program needs and thoughtfully identifies opportunities for growth and improvement. Uses data, feedback, and reflection to inform decision-making and continuously enhance student outcomes and program effectiveness.
• Organizational Excellence: Demonstrates reliability, accountability, and attention to detail in coordinating program operations. Manages multiple priorities with efficiency and professionalism while maintaining clear and inclusive communication practices.
• Adaptability and Innovation: Responds effectively to changing student, program, and institutional needs. Approaches challenges with flexibility and creativity while integrating inclusive practices that support the success of all learners.
• Ethical and Culturally Responsive Practice: Acts with integrity, empathy, and respect for all individuals. Demonstrates awareness of cultural and individual differences, maintains confidentiality, and upholds Curry College's commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging.
• Results-Oriented and Impact-Driven: Strives for excellence in achieving measurable goals and advancing the mission of the Neurodiversity Center for Excellence. Takes initiative, celebrates progress, and remains focused on continuous improvement that enhances student experience and institutional impact.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Master's degree in Speech Pathology, Social Work, Communication Science, Psychology, Special Education, Social Work, Human Development or related field;
• 5+ years of experience in an educational, community or clinical setting;
• Strong organizational, collaboration, and leadership skills;
• Experience with student support frameworks and best practices for serving students with intellectual and/or developmental disabilities, including but not limited to autism.