Director, Accessibility

SALARY: $101,566.40 - $119,496.00

LOCATION: 1330 Fields Ave. Columbus, OH

BENEFITS:

• Medical, Vision, Dental, Supplemental and Life Insurance
• Paid Parental Leave
• Employee Discounts
• COTA Bus Pass
• Wellness Initiatives
• On-Site Chair Massage
• On-Site Health Coach
• Tuition Reimbursement
• Student Loan Repayment Program
• Public Pension through OPERS & Ohio Deferred Compensation

POSITION SUMMARY:

COTA's Director, Accessibility serves as the organization's ADA Coordinator and leads the agency's efforts to deliver fully compliant, equitable, and accessible transit services. This role oversees ADA compliance, paratransit eligibility, and agency‑wide quality assurance while directing the development of COTA's accessibility strategy and ADA Implementation Plan. The Director builds strong relationships with government agencies, community partners, and advocacy groups, and represents COTA in public and industry forums. Working cross‑functionally, the role identifies and removes barriers, improves customer experience, reduces legal exposure, and advances accessibility initiatives across all services, programs, and facilities. The Director also chairs the Accessible Transit Advisory Committee (ATAC), fostering collaboration to drive organizational progress in accessibility.

Perform other duties in alignment with the COTA Strategic Plan and in support of the organization's vision to Move Every Life Forward.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS:

• Serve as COTA's ADA Coordinator, ensuring compliance with all disability laws and regulations, including the ADA and the Rehabilitation Act.
• Act as the primary liaison to federal, state, and local agencies on disability matters, while building strong partnerships with community organizations, advocacy groups, advisory councils, and riders.
• Lead COTA's accessibility strategy, aligning initiatives with the Strategic Plan; direct the development and implementation of the ADA Implementation Plan and related policies.
• Provide strategic oversight of paratransit eligibility and related process improvements to ensure equitable, efficient, and customer‑centered service delivery.
• Design and manage agency‑wide quality assurance frameworks to ensure compliance and service excellence; lead audits, evaluations, and performance reviews of accessibility programs, services, and facilities.
• Lead outreach and engagement efforts to expand awareness and participation in accessibility programs; represent COTA in public forums, stakeholder meetings, and industry groups.
• Drive cross‑functional collaboration to identify barriers, implement solutions, improve customer experience, and reduce complaints and legal exposure.
• Chair and coordinate the Accessible Transit Advisory Committee (ATAC), facilitating agency‑wide collaboration to identify priorities, address challenges, and advance accessibility initiatives across services, programs, and facilities.
• Support organization-wide accessibility and compliance training;
• Collaborate interdepartmentally to ensure customer satisfaction;
• Maintain accurate records and prepare reports as needed;
• Directs and provides leadership for their staff. Hires, trains, develops, and appraises staff effectively. Ensures the organization meets its EEO responsibilities by assisting in identifying problem areas, participating in local minority organizations, participating in review of complaints alleging discrimination, and supporting career counseling for employees. Takes corrective action as necessary, on a timely basis, and in accordance with policy;

MINIMUM EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE REQUIRED:

• Requires a bachelor's degree in urban planning, public administration, transportation management, social work or related field and a minimum of seven (7) years' progressive leadership experience in ADA and/or accessibility program management. A Master's degree is preferred. An equivalent combination of education and relevant experience in ADA compliance for public transportation or paratransit systems will also be considered.
• Certifications or licensures in public administration, social work, disability, and accessibility compliance preferred.
• Certified OSHA 30-hour Construction preferred.

COTA is an Equal Opportunity Employer and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any kind. All employment decisions are based on job needs, job requirements and individual qualifications, without regard to race, color, religion or belief, sex, sexual orientation, age, genetic information, gender identity, national origin, veteran or disability status