Accessibility SME at GBH in Boston, Massachusetts

Job Description:

GBH enriches people's lives through programs and services that educate, inspire, and entertain, fostering citizenship and culture, the joy of learning, and the power of diverse perspectives.

At GBH, we believe in the advantages of coming together to build community, mentor and learn from colleagues, and connect more deeply with our mission. As a result, the majority of our staff are hybrid and work both from home and onsite. Our current hybrid approach requires staff to work onsite a minimum of two days each week, every Tuesday and one other day, to be determined by their business unit. Hybrid staff are also welcome to come in additional days each week or may be asked to come in on other days by their manager.

DEPARTMENT OVERVIEW

Making any digital service or product accessible increases opportunities for organizations to broaden their reach to the largest possible audience. GBH’s National Center for Accessible Media (NCAM) partners with industries of all types that have recognized the need for accessible content, interactivity, and functionality throughout all stages of the digital experience. However, "accessibility" means something different for each industry, organization, audience, and product. With that in mind, NCAM tailors its consulting services to meet a broad range of needs and expectations.

JOB OVERVIEW

The primary purpose of the GBH/NCAM Accessibility Subject Matter Expert is to lead projects and teams focused on expanding access to digital media for people with disabilities. Reporting to NCAM’s Director, the Accessibility SME will work with directly with NCAM's clients and lead teams of accessibility analysts to test and validate materials against accessibility policies, regulations, and best practices, and to consult on the effective integration of techniques to create materials that are as accessible as possible. The Accessibility SME will manage client relationships, serve as technical project lead from proposal to delivery, and present to clients. The Accessibility SME will develop and lead training sessions. The Accessibility SME will also utilize their experience and expertise to increase client acquisition, develop new deliverables, and contribute to strategic planning.

This role is based in Boston, MA, and requires your on-site presence every Tuesday and Wednesday at our Brighton office. Additional in-office days may be required at the discretion of your manager.

What you get to do:

• Independently manage projects as assigned including serving as primary contact with client, assigning tasks to accessibility analysts, providing final QA review on evaluations and reports prior to delivery to client.




• Lead teams that perform accessibility audits of Web sites, desktop applications, and mobile apps using accessibility-testing tools and assistive technology including but not limited to screen readers and screen magnifiers. These tests will verify compliance with common accessibility policies and regulations, such as the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines and Section 508.




• Synthesize and corroborate analyst findings into reports that concisely describe accessibility obstacles as well as provide technical guidance and recommendations to resolve those obstacles.




• Deliver results to clients in conference calls and follow-up discussions to create a roadmap to improve the accessibility and usability of clients' assets.




• Prepare and deliver accessibility training.     




• Contribute to the field of accessibility and media access with research and dissemination.




• Attract and retain new clients for NCAM.




• Contribute to NCAM senior leadership planning.

What skills you need:

• Must work both independently and collaboratively with colleagues while leading complex projects including coordinating and communicating with high-profile clients.




• Proven record of attracting and retaining clients.




• Must have published original research or otherwise recognized leadership in the field.




• Demonstrate an ability to explain difficult things in simple, clear, and accurate language. At the same time, the candidate must be able to speak confidently about complex, technical matters using vocabulary that is appropriate for the subject. NCAM communicates directly with clients at both non-technical and technical levels, and it is imperative that the candidate inspire confidence when speaking.




• Experience with and a deep understanding of accessibility-testing tools, assistive technology and common accessibility policies and regulations including the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines and the ADA.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

• A bachelor’s degree or equivalent work experience. A liberal-arts background and/or a computer-science background is helpful but not required. Substantial experience in the field of digital accessibility is a required.




• 6-10 years of experience with NCAM or an equivalent organization.

JOB SPECIFICS

Staff position

Hybrid position (Open to remote work)

LOCATION

This role is based in Boston, MA, and requires your on-site presence every Tuesday and Wednesday at our Brighton office. Additional in-office days may be required at the discretion of your manager.

GBH is an equal opportunity employer. The community and audience we serve are diverse, and we wish to foster that diversity in our workplace. Toward that end, GBH does not discriminate against individuals in hiring, employment, or promotion based on race, religion, color, sex/gender, gender identity and gender expression, age, marital status, national origin, sexual orientation, citizenship, disability, veteran or military status, political belief, pregnancy, genetic information, or any other characteristic protected by law. 

Application Process Assistance

GBH will reasonably accommodate applicants with disabilities who need adjustments to participate in the application or interview process. To initiate an accommodation request, contact the Human Resource department by sending an email to human_resources@wgbh.org or by calling 617-300-2000.