Neurodiversity Program Manager

Job Description:

The mission of Accessibility Resources for Students (ARS) at Berklee is to ensure access, create an equitable college experience, and promote inclusion for students with disabilities in all classes, programs, and activities on all Berklee campuses. Through collaboration and partnerships with students, faculty, and staff, ARS strives to lead in the creation of inclusive learning environments that are usable, equitable, and sustainable.
ARS Foundational Beliefs:
-All students can learn and achieve at a high level.
-Disability is an aspect of diversity integral to society and represents multiple characteristics and life experiences.
-Students are at the center of our work.
-Individualized supports and services honor the uniqueness of each learner.
-Providing self-determination resources and services helps students with disabilities achieve their full creative and career potential.
-Collaboration with instructors, staff, and the Berklee community fosters a usable, equitable, inclusive and sustainable learning environment.
The Neurodiversity Program Manager is an essential staff member of Berklee’s ARS Team. The primary responsibility of this position is to promote neurodivergent community, culture, and understanding through programming, training, and individualized support.

The Neurodiversity Program Manager reports directly to the Director of ARS and supports the office in implementing and assessing the short and long-term goals of ARS in alignment with Berklee’s Accessibility Framework, Diversity Equity and Inclusion and the Student Enrollment and Engagement Framework.
 

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS/PRIMARY DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

Student Programming and Support

• Serve as the primary point of contact for engagement with ARS in matters relating to neurodiversity 

• Meet with students and use to professional judgment and expertise to provide referrals, recommendations, and other forms of support as appropriate

• Develop transitionary, behavioral, social, and/or academic plans for students in collaboration with other members of students’ support networks.

• Record and track attendance for all events and document student interactions

• Utilize surveys and/or other methods of data collection to continually develop programming based on feedback 

• Develop and coordinate  a neurodivergent pre-orientation program and ongoing first-year transitionary programming

• Develop programs and supports for neurodivergent students at Berklee, including both academic and social engagement opportunities. 

Family Programming and Support

• Serve as the consistent point of contact for engagement with Accessibility Resources

• Liaise with families on transitionary, behavioral, social and/or academic plans

• Advise families on the accommodation and interactive process in conjunction with federal and state laws, college, and departmental policies

• Streamline communication efforts with families through existing campus communication resources (e.g., family newsletters, social media), individualized meetings, and periodic newsletters

• Design and implement family programming including webinars and other virtual events offered throughout the year

• Coordinate with New Student and Family Programs.
   

Community Programming and Support

• Promote neurodiversity, disability, and accessibility as essential aspects of inclusion and diversity efforts across  Berklee, through collaborative programming, trainings, and educational efforts  

• Collaborate with academic chairs, department heads, the Office of Faculty Development, and other campus resources to develop, refine, and deliver training and educational resources for faculty and other instructors on neurodiversity and ways to  support neurodivergent students in the classroom  

• Advise faculty and staff through individual meetings and group training on best practices for supporting neurodivergent students in academic and social settings

• Foster campus-wide recognition, understanding, and support of neurodivergent experiences through tabling, flyers, emails, social media, and other communication methods 

• Coordinate community awareness with the Office of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion

• Facilitate educational and social engagement opportunities within the Berklee community.
   

Additional Duties and Responsibilities:

• Some nights, weekends, and holidays required

• Occasional business travel

• Perform other duties as assigned.
   

Required Experience and Skills:

• Master’s degree required; Minimum of two years of higher education experience or equivalent

• Demonstrated knowledge and experience working with neurodivergent and other underrepresented and/or marginalized  student populations (e.g., BIPOC  students, LGBTQIA+ students, first-generation students, international students, etc.) 

• Ability to communicate effectively and interact tactfully with faculty, staff, students and community partners at all organizational levels

• Strong oral, written communication and presentation skills

• Ability to write clear and concise notes, emails, and professional correspondence 

• Familiar with adapting communications between a wide variety of stakeholders including students, faculty, families, medical experts, rehabilitation personnel, and social service agencies

• Ability to independently prioritize and organize tasks efficiently and manage time. Able to exercise independent judgment and represent ARS in the absence of the Director

• Demonstrated competence in active listening, assessment, and problem-solving skills. Ability to maintain a high level of professionalism and confidentiality.
   

Preferred Experiences and Skills:

• Masters’ degree in related fields such as Rehabilitation Counseling, Counseling, Social Work,  Higher Education Administration, or Student Affairs

• Prior experience in an arts education environment

• Knowledge of online and regional resources for creating accessible physical and digital materials 

• Experience in supporting students on the autism spectrum

• Working knowledge of digital accessibility and assistive technology tools.

 Applicants who are both interested and qualified should submit the following materials:

• A cover letter that addresses the applicant’s capabilities and experiences

• A resume or CV

• Name, position, and contact information for three professional references.  

This document does not create an employment contract, implied or otherwise, other than an “at will” employment relationship.

 

Diversity, Equity, Inclusion & Equal Employment Opportunity at Berklee : 

We support an inclusive workplace where everyone excels based on personal merit, qualifications, experience, ability, and job performance.  Berklee affirms that inequality is detrimental to our faculty, staff, students, and the communities we serve. Our goal is to make lasting change through our actions. Berklee is committed to providing fair and equitable consideration of all employees and applicants without regard to race, color, religion, ancestry, age, national origin, place of birth, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, disability, genetic information, or status as a member of the armed forces or veteran of the armed forces, or any other category protected by federal, state, or local law.

As part of this commitment, Berklee will ensure that persons with disabilities are provided reasonable accommodations. If reasonable accommodation is needed to participate in the job application or interview process, to perform essential job functions, and/or to receive other benefits and privileges of employment, please contact the Human Resources Team at [email protected] or call 617-747-2375.

Berklee is committed to increasing the diversity of our institution, community, and the curriculum. Candidates who can contribute to that goal are encouraged to apply and to identify their strengths in this area.

*Currently enrolled Berklee students are not permitted to apply for staff or faculty positions.*

Employee Type:
Staff