Manager, Student Accessibility Services

Role overview

Zayed University is seeking a Manager for Student Accessibility Services to oversee the department’s day-to-day operations and support activities. The role is responsible for keeping services aligned with the division’s mission, vision, and objectives while strengthening awareness and acceptance of students with special needs across the university community. The manager will also lead the Special Educational Needs (SEN) team in delivering effective support to students with special requirements.

Key responsibilities

• Develop and put into action long-term and short-term plans that support special education priorities and match the department’s strategic direction.
• Design, launch, and oversee services and programs that address identified needs, including new initiatives where required.
• Preserve current support resources while identifying additional internal and external resources that can enhance services.
• Encourage continuous professional learning and the exchange of effective practices among colleagues.
• Support faculty in adapting teaching methods and curriculum delivery for students with special educational needs.
• Help ensure that students with additional or special needs receive their full educational rights and can access the complete curriculum.
• Keep communication channels open with parents, faculty, and students, and respond to concerns related to special education.
• Carry out SEN assessments, from screening through to fuller evaluation, and use findings to recommend actions that can inform individual education plans (IEPs).
• Coordinate and promote accessibility-focused workshops for faculty and staff, as well as sessions for high school audiences.
• Prepare an annual budget for initiatives led by the Department of Student Accessibility Services.
• Oversee administrative functions for the department and produce ongoing reports on SEN-related matters.
• Handle administrative responsibilities for Student Accessibility Services in Dubai and generate regular SEN reports.
• Stay up to date on disability legislation to help ensure university compliance.
• Facilitate discussion and problem-solving between faculty, staff, and students with disabilities on access and accommodation matters.
• Advise the department director on matters affecting SEN students.
• Develop marketing material that explains the department’s services and encourages students with disabilities to self-identify.
• Organize awareness events for SEN across the university community.
• Deliver training to the university community so they can better support SEN students.
• Promote a positive self-image among students, strengthen motivation, and help build a “can do” mindset.
• Manage the distribution of support resources to identified SEN students where appropriate.
• Research the challenges faced by SEN students and create practical solutions that can serve as a future reference database.

Working environment and impact

The position operates in a highly fluid and complex environment with multiple stakeholders and policy influences. It requires the ability to respond to several urgent situations at once, often with competing priorities. Strong planning, organizing, leadership, and innovation capabilities are essential, along with the ability to work across diverse functions and navigate areas where interests may conflict.

The role involves extensive engagement with the department director, faculty members, and representatives from external organizations and other universities to advance the university’s mission and the goals of Student Accessibility Services. The successful candidate will work collaboratively within the university and demonstrate cultural adaptability while engaging effectively with a diverse community.

Education and experience

A bachelor’s degree in School Psychology or Clinical Psychology from an accredited institution is required, along with at least 8 years of experience working with SEN students, or an equivalent combination of education and experience. A recognized license in school or clinical psychology covering learning difficulties is also required.

Additional requirements

• Willingness to travel between Abu Dhabi and Dubai when needed; the position is based in Dubai.
• Ability to work independently and remain self-driven to deliver competent, ethical, and efficient services.
• Knowledge of UAE/Arabic collective society and culture is essential.
• Comfort using technology, including Excel and Word.
• Strong understanding of group dynamics and counseling techniques appropriate for an educational environment.
• Ability to build and maintain positive relationships with staff.
• Ability to motivate and encourage others.