Digital accessibility Specialist - University of Minnesota : Job Details

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University of Minnesota provided pay range

This range is provided by University of Minnesota. Your actual pay will be based on your skills and experience — talk with your recruiter to learn more.

Base pay range

$72,000.00/yr - $82,000.00/yr

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Talent Acquisition | IT Recruiting @ The University of Minnesota

Digital Accessibility Specialist

Please note, we are not offering H-1B or Green Card sponsorship for this position. This position does not offer a STEM OPT training program.

The University of Minnesota is committed to fostering local talent through employment opportunities. While this position utilizes a hybrid modality, prospective applicants must be located either in the state of Minnesota or near the Wisconsin border or otherwise open to relocation.

Position Overview:

This Digital Accessibility Specialist position within the Office of Digital Accessibility supports the University's commitment to providing accessible digital experiences for all individuals. The Academic Technology team provides a variety of functions focused on advancing the teaching and learning, research, and outreach missions of the University through thoughtful application of technology. This specialist will report to the Manager of Academic Technology and will be a part of one or more cross-functional teams in a matrix-managed organization. They will play a key role in enhancing and advancing the accessibility of web resources, IT tools, and digital learning materials. This includes evaluating, sourcing, and procuring accessible vendor products and ensuring compliance with relevant accessibility standards and laws.

Responsibilities:

• Digital Accessibility Analysis and Implementation: Lead analysis, design, implementation, and testing efforts to improve the accessibility of University-designed web applications, software, and vendor products. Collaborate with IT teams and stakeholders to provide expert guidance on accessibility best practices and solutions.
• Vendor Product Review: Evaluate vendor products for accessibility compliance and contribute to IT procurement processes. When accessibility gaps are identified, propose alternative solutions and collaborate with vendors, buyers, and department representatives to ensure equitable access.
• Sourcing and Procurement: Define and integrate accessibility requirements and responsibilities into procurement bids and contracts processes. Monitor vendor compliance with contractual requirements related to accessibility. Partner with team members and internal stakeholders to prioritize accessible digital resource acquisitions..
• Standards and Compliance: Monitor and drive progress to ensure digital learning materials and online experiences meet accessibility standards and regulations. Partner with University stakeholders to align the University's digital presence and IT infrastructure with compliant W3C WCAG standards, ADA, Section 504, and other accessibility-related laws. Oversee the evaluation of vendor solutions to document compliance with the University's accessibility policy and generate reports detailing progress for the advancement of digital accessibility.
• Training and Support: Assist with and support training sessions, workshops, and webinars on accessibility guidelines, standards, and best practices. Provide direct assistance to staff and faculty in accessibility production and the creation of instructional materials.

Please document qualifications on resume.

Required Qualifications

• BA/BS plus at least two years of experience in digital accessibility, education, academic technology, instructional design, or a related field, or master's degree.
• Experience sourcing and procuring technology resources.
• 1+ years of experience with WCAG accessibility standards and guidelines application and adherence.
• Experience using and testing assistive technologies, including screen readers, screen magnifiers, and speech-to-text applications.
• Working Knowledge with digital accessibility audit and quality assurance tools and processes.
• Knowledge of disability law, including the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act.
• Effective written and oral communication skills.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in a related field (web development/design, information technology, computer science, human-computer interaction) and four years of experience in digital/IT accessibility analysis and implementation; OR six years of experience in digital/IT accessibility analysis and implementation with an unrelated Bachelor's degree.
• Experience working in a higher education environment.
• Experience integrating accessibility requirements into sourcing and procuring technology resources process.
• Experience with web accessibility testing tools like PopeTech, Deque WorldSpace Comply, Siteimprove, etc.
• Experience evaluating and responding to accessibility compliance reports, such as VPATs.
• Experience assessing digital instructional materials that adhere to accessibility standards (WCAG 2.x, Sections 504 and 508 of the Rehabilitation Act, WAI-ARIA, UAAG, and ATAG).
• Experience teaching or training users (instructors, staff, students) on effective uses of technologies.
• Knowledge of designing and testing methodologies on multiple platforms (Windows, Mac, iOS, Android).
• Demonstrated expertise with web-based standards such as WCAG 2.2 and ePub3.
• Web Accessibility Specialist (WAS) Certification.
• Experience working with third parties to improve support for digital accessibility (e.g., through product accessibility roadmaps).

Pay and Benefits:

Pay Range: $72,000- $82,000 annually; depending on education/qualifications/experience

Time Appointment Category: 100% Appointment

Position Type:P&A Staff

The University Offers a Comprehensive Benefits Package That Includes

• Competitive wages, paid holidays, and generous time off
• Continuous learning opportunities through professional training
• Low-cost medical, dental, and pharmacy plans
• Healthcare and dependent care flexible spending accounts
• University HSA contributions
• Disability and employer-paid life insurance
• Excellent retirement plans with employer contribution
• Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) opportunity
• Financial counseling services
• Employee Assistance Program with eight sessions of counseling at no cost

Please visit the Office of Human Resources website for more information regarding benefit eligibility.

About the U of M

The University of Minnesota is one of the most comprehensive universities in the country and ranks among the most prestigious research universities in the world. The University has scholars, scientists, artists, and teachers of national and international reputation as well as a strong tradition of public engagement. It has the special distinction of being Minnesota's land-, sea-, and space-grant university, dedicated to serving the public good; and its globally engaged flagship research institution, charged with positioning the state at the forefront of emerging knowledge and educating highly skilled workers, professionals, leaders, and global citizens to thrive in a diverse and changing world. The University plays a major role in shaping an economically strong, culturally vibrant, and civic-minded state.

At the University of Minnesota, we are proud to be recognized by the Star Tribune as a Top Workplace for 2021, as well as by Forbes as Best Employers for Women and one of America's Best Employers (2015, 2018, 2019, 2023), Best Employer for Diversity (2019, 2020), Best Employer for New Grads (2018, 2019), and Best Employer by State (2019, 2022).

Seniority level

• Seniority levelMid-Senior level

Employment type

• Employment typeFull-time

Job function

• Job functionInformation Technology and Education
• IndustriesHigher Education and Information Services

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Inferred from the description for this job

Medical insurance

Vision insurance

Pension plan

Paid maternity leave

Paid paternity leave

Tuition assistance

Disability insurance

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