Digital Accessibility Specialist

About the Role

Key Responsibilities

• 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.
• Evaluate vendor products for accessibility compliance and contribute to IT procurement processes. Propose alternative solutions when accessibility gaps are identified and collaborate with vendors, buyers, and department representatives to ensure equitable access.
• Define and integrate accessibility requirements into procurement bids and contracts. Monitor vendor compliance with contractual accessibility requirements. Partner with team members and stakeholders to prioritize accessible digital resource acquisitions.
• Monitor and drive progress to ensure digital learning materials and online experiences meet accessibility standards and regulations. Partner with University stakeholders to align digital presence with WCAG standards, ADA, Section 504, and other laws. Oversee vendor solution evaluations and generate compliance reports.

Requirements

• BA/BS degree plus at least two years of experience in digital accessibility, education, academic technology, instructional design, or a related field, or a master's degree.
• Experience sourcing and procuring technology resources.
• Experience using and testing assistive technologies, including screen readers, screen magnifiers, and speech-to-text applications.
• Working knowledge of 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.

Nice to Have

• 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 with an unrelated Bachelor's degree.
• Experience with web technologies (HTML, CSS, JavaScript, ARIA).
• Experience with WCAG standards and guidelines application.
• Experience working in a higher education environment.
• Experience integrating accessibility requirements into sourcing and procurement processes.
• 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 for accessibility standards.
• Experience teaching or training users on technology use.
• Knowledge of designing and testing methodologies on multiple platforms (Windows, Mac, iOS, Android).
• Demonstrated expertise with web standards such as WCAG 2.2 and ePub3.
• Web Accessibility Specialist (WAS) Certification.
• Experience working with third parties to improve digital accessibility support.

Qualifications

• BA/BS degree plus at least two years of experience in digital accessibility, education, academic technology, instructional design, or a related field, or a master's degree.

Benefits & Perks

• Competitive wages, paid holidays, and generous time off
• Continuous learning opportunities through professional training and degree-seeking programs supported by the Regents Tuition Benefit Program
• Low-cost medical, dental, and pharmacy plans
• Healthcare and dependent care flexible spending accounts
• University HSA contributions
• Disability and employer-paid life insurance
• Employee wellbeing program
• 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
• Employee Transit Pass with free or reduced rates in the Twin Cities metro area