The Program Assistant is a vital part of the AccessibleNU staff and works under the Operations functional area of the unit. Reporting to the Accessible Technology Strategy and Operations Lead, this position is responsible for a variety of administrative, clerical, and accommodation support services. The Program Assistant is the primary point of contact for individuals visiting or contacting AccessibleNU. This position provides front desk coverage, and clerical support. Duties include screening calls and visitors, scheduling appointments, utilizing the ANU database, basic financials, ordering supplies, employing Microsoft Office Suite, and making meeting arrangements. The Program Coordinator also fulfills basic information requests from students and other constituents, monitors accommodation costs, and manages student workers.
Due to the nature of this work assignment, this position is required to work in the office.
About AccessibleNU: Using a social model of disability lens, AccessibleNU (ANU) is the unit that oversees implementation of academic and programmatic accommodations for students with disabilities. Through ANU, students can make arrangements for testing accommodations, books in alternate format, assistive technology, Sign Language interpreting, and other accommodations as determined appropriate through the interactive process. Learn more about AccessibleNU here: https://www.northwestern.edu/accessiblenu/
Vision: We will be full partners in the student learning experience.
Mission: AccessibleNU supports and empowers students with disabilities by collaborating with the Northwestern community to ensure equal access to fully participate in the academic learning environment.
Values:
Creativity: Innovative and forward-thinking solutions to classroom and campus access that are informed by universal design
Collaboration: Work proactively with our campus colleagues to serve as a resource that focuses on creating a welcoming, accessible environment in all aspects of university life
Inclusivity: Partner with the Northwestern community to ensure equal access; inclusion for all is a shared responsibility
Diversity: Disability is one of the many forms of identities that contributes to a thriving campus community
Integrity: Representation of disability in dialogue and decision-making processes across the institution
Student Learning: Using self-advocacy and self-determination skills, support students through their development as they learn to navigate college and beyond
About Student Affairs: By pursuing justice, equity, and belonging, Student Affairs cultivates student programs, services, and skills; disrupts barriers; and partners across Northwestern and neighboring communities to create an inclusive culture in which all students can thrive. Learn more about the Division of Student Affairs here: https://www.northwestern.edu/studentaffairs/about/strategic-plan/strategic-themes.html
Specific Responsibilities:
Office Administration (40%)
Greets visitors to the ANU office and schedules appointments for students, staff, and others
Answers and triages phone calls and emails from students, faculty, staff, parents, and other constituents
Responds to inquiries, requests, and provides routine information
Enters information into spreadsheets and databases
Proofs documents for spelling and grammar
Compiles routine reports, statistics, tables, charts, etc. from readily available information
Coordinates content maintenance of websites and ANU communications
Uploads content to department website in consultation with Accessible Technology Strategy and Operations Lead
Coordinates events which may include scheduling rooms, guest speaker, arranging for routine materials, technology, and refreshments
Schedules rooms, order food, create agendas, and make other meeting arrangements
Provides information via phone, e-mail, mail, etc.
Manages department calendars
Manages director calendar and scheduling
Order and maintains office supply stock and reorders as necessary
Coordinates and serves as point of contact for vendors
Works with Associate Directors to ensure proper office and advising coverage
Student Services and Support (35%)
Maintains and reviews student files in AccessibleNU database
Assigns new student applications to ANU advising staff
Provides guidance to students, faculty, and staff around ANU registration process and database use
Receives and uploads student documentation into ANU database
Applies knowledge of federal and state regulations
Interprets existing policies and procedures
Completes verification letters for students requesting accommodations on GRE, MCAT, GMAT, LSAT, and similar exams
Fulfills student requests for information from their AccessibleNU file
Supervision (10%)
Recruit, hire, train, and supervise student worker staff
Collaborates with ANU staff regarding project-based work delegation for student workers
Approves biweekly note-taker and student worker timecards
Coordinates with SAHR regarding hiring paperwork and processing
Budget and Accounting (10%)
Processes accounts payables and/or receivables.
Enters, tracks, and maintains documentation and logs of financial transactions
Assists with reconciliation of accounts and procurement card
Reviews budget statements and prepares budget reports and spreadsheets
Professional Development (5%)
Participates in professional development opportunities including active engagement with ANU, Dean of Students, Student Affairs, campus and external resources
Stays abreast of current disability research in the field by reviewing publications, journals, technical information, etc.
Actively engages in strategic planning for unit
Miscellaneous
Performs other duties as assigned
Minimum Qualifications:
A high school diploma or equivalent required
2 years of administrative support or other relevant experience required
Minimum Competencies: (Skills, knowledge, and abilities.)
Intermediate knowledge of word processing, spreadsheet, email, and database software programs is required
Preferred Qualifications:
Knowledge of ADA Amendments Act, Sections 504 and 508 of the Rehabilitation Act, Fair Housing Act, and a range of disabilities and appropriate methods of educational accommodation, as well as creative programmatic adaptations
Preferred Competencies: (Skills, knowledge, and abilities)
Familiarity with file management databases such as Accessible Information Management or other disability services databases
Benefits: At Northwestern, we are proud to provide meaningful, competitive, high-quality health care plans, retirement benefits, tuition discounts and more! Visit us at https://www.northwestern.edu/hr/benefits/index.html to learn more.
Work-Life and Wellness: Northwestern offers comprehensive programs and services to help you and your family navigate life’s challenges and opportunities, and adopt and maintain healthy lifestyles. We support flexible work arrangements where possible and programs to help you locate and pay for quality, affordable childcare and senior/adult care. Visit us at https://www.northwestern.edu/hr/benefits/work-life/index.html to learn more.
Professional Growth & Development: Northwestern supports employee career development in all circumstances whether your workspace is on campus or at home. If you’re interested in developing your professional potential or continuing your formal education, we offer a variety of tools and resources. Visit us at https://www.northwestern.edu/hr/learning/index.html to learn more.
Northwestern strongly recommends COVID-19 vaccinations and boosters for people who can obtain them as a critical tool for minimizing severe illness. More information can be found on the COVID-19 and Campus Updates webpage.
The Northwestern campus sits on the traditional homela
Northwestern University is a major private research university with 12 academic divisions located on three campuses in Evanston, Chicago, and Education City in Doha, Qatar. We have approximately 2,500 full-time faculty members, 17,000 graduate and undergraduate students, and over 5,700 full and part-time staff. Northwestern University combines innovative teaching and pioneering research in a highly collaborative environment. It provides students and faculty exceptional opportunities for intellectual, personal and professional growth.