Digital Accessibility Specialist at William & Mary in Williamsburg, Virginia

Job Description:

Position Number:

01437W

Position Title:

Digital Accessibility Specialist

Employment Category:

Full Time Operational

Location:

William & Mary

Department:

3H7000 IT

Unit Mission Statement:

William & Mary Information Technology (W&M IT) provides a reliable, flexible, and secure technological environment that enables swift and skilled solutions for rapidly changing needs to advance teaching, learning, research, student success, and operational efficiency. By developing and nurturing meaningful relationships and collaborations on campus and beyond, W&M IT engages, inspires, and empowers community members to achieve their goals. We develop expertise, promote self-service and encourage experimentation while working to drive relevant and
sustainable change

Position Summary:

The Digital Accessibility Specialist will ensure that all digital content and technologies within the organization comply with relevant university, state, and federal accessibility requirements.



Key Responsibilities:

• Conduct accessibility audits and evaluations of digital content and technologies, including websites, mobile applications, software programs, learning, and other information management systems.


• Participate in the IT Approval process to ensure technology purchases will meet digital accessibility standards.


• Provide guidance, consultation, and training, to faculty, staff, and students on digital accessibility and oversee the implementation and maintenance of assistive technologies in educational and employment settings and in campus programs and events. Work with campus partners on the implementation of disability-related accommodations.


• Focus accessibility efforts on areas of greatest need and highest risk to W&M.


• Collaborate with campus stakeholders, including faculty, staff, students, external partners, and the university's Office of Compliance & Equity, to promote a culture of digital accessibility and compliance.


• Manage the university's Digital Accessibility Policy and website resources.


• Work closely with IT developers, designers, and content creators to implement best practices and remediate accessibility issues.


• Develop and maintain expertise in assistive technologies and stay current with emerging accessibility practices and trends, accessibility laws, standards, and guidelines, such as the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) and the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).


• Provide training and support to staff on digital accessibility principles and techniques to foster an understanding of their obligations.


• Monitor and report on the organization's digital accessibility compliance status.

Conditions of Employment:

Information Security: This position requires administrative access to the University's information systems and/or sensitive University data. The incumbent is expected to be aware of and adhere to the Information Security policies of the University as well as all applicable federal, state, and local laws. Additionally, the incumbent is expected to follow information security best practices applicable to their job area and to pursue information security training and awareness opportunities when possible.

Essential Designation:

No

FLSA:

Exempt

Position Restricted?:

No, this is a continuing E&G funded position and not term-limited

Position Months:

Faculty or Staff: 12 month

Required Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree or an equivalent combination of education, training, and or experience.


• Substantive experience evaluating and working with existing digital accessibility tools


• Experience with current communication, collaboration, and media technologies.


• Demonstrated record of understanding and applying WCAG and ADA requirements.


• Knowledge of assistive technologies, accessibility testing, relevant legal requirements, technical standards, and best practices.


• Strong organizational skills with the demonstrated ability to manage multiple relationships and projects while effectively managing resources to address competing priorities.


• Familiarity with modern web technologies for both mobile and desktop devices.


• Excellent oral and written communication skills with the ability to communicate complex and technical information to non-technical audiences.


• Ability to engage in self-directed learning and adapt quickly to new information and challenges.


• Ability to work collaboratively in a team environment.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience working in a higher education environment


• Degree in Computer Science, Information Management Systems, or a related field


• Certification in digital accessibility, such as IAAP Certified Professional in Accessibility Core Competencies (CPACC).


• Experience in developing and implementing accessibility policies and procedures.


• Knowledge of HTML, CSS, JavaScript, and WAI-ARIA for creating accessible digital content.


• Experience working with accessibility tools, including Blackboard Ally and Monsido.

Is the position remote work eligible?:

Hybrid (works remotely at least 1 day per week but not full-time)

Remote Work Disclaimer:

Remote work eligibility is not guaranteed and is subject to approval. Employee eligibility depends on the likelihood of the employee succeeding in a remote work arrangement and the supervisor's ability to manage remote workers. Departments and/or Human Resources may amend, alter, change, delete, or modify eligibility.

Advertised Pay Range:

$58,000 to $70,000 commensurate with experience

Advertised Pay Range Statement:

All hiring rates are commensurate with relevant experience up to the advertised amount considering internal alignment.

University Salary Range:

U10

Benefits Summary Statement:

William & Mary offers our employees a full array of benefits including retirement, health insurance with options for expanded dental and vision along with group and optional life insurance with coverage for spouse and children, flexible spending accounts, and an EAP (Employee Assistance Program).


Our employees enjoy additional university benefits such as educational assistance, professional development, wellness benefits, and a robust holiday schedule. All employees have access to fitness facilities on campus. Staff members also have access to the university libraries, and much more. To learn more, go to: https://www.wm.edu/offices/uhr/benefits/index.php?type=none

Job Open Date:

09/19/2024

Review Begin Date:

10/10/2024

Open Until Filled:

No

Special Application Instructions:

Applications submitted before the Review Begin Date will be given priority consideration.

Background Check Statement:

William & Mary is committed to providing a safe campus community. W&M conducts background investigations for applicants being considered for employment. Background investigations include reference checks, a criminal history record check, and when appropriate, a financial (credit) report or driving history check.

EEO Statement:

William & Mary values diversity and invites applications from underrepresented groups who will enrich the research, teaching and service missions of the university. The university is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer and encourages applications from women, minorities, protected veterans, and individuals with disabilities.

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