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 remote 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.
• 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.
• 1+ years of experience with web technologies (HTML, CSS, JavaScript, and ARIA).
• 1+ years of experience with WCAG accessibility standards and guidelines application and adherence.
• 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 Range: $72,000 - $82,000 annually; depending on education/qualifications/experience

Time Appointment Category: 75%-100% Appointment (If job description above does not specify appointment or expected weekly hours, assume a 100% appointment.)

Position Type: Faculty and P&A Staff

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

The University offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes:

• 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

While our salary ranges provide a framework, it is important to note that most of the time, the initial pay may not reach the maximum of the range. This approach ensures that compensation reflects the value and unique contributions of each candidate while maintaining equity within our organization. As part of our commitment to fair and equitable compensation, please be aware that the salary offered to incoming candidates will be based on their individual credentials and experience.

Applications must be submitted online. To be considered for this position, please click the Apply button and follow the instructions. You will be given the opportunity to complete an online application for the position and attach a cover letter and resume.

Additional documents may be attached after application by accessing your "My Job Applications" page and uploading documents in the "My Cover Letters and Attachments" section.

To request an accommodation during the application process, please e-mail employ@umn.edu or call (612) 624-8647.

The University recognizes and values the importance of diversity and inclusion in enriching the employment experience of its employees and in supporting the academic mission. The University is committed to attracting and retaining employees with varying identities and backgrounds.

The University of Minnesota provides equal access to and opportunity in its programs, facilities, and employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, gender, age, marital status, disability, public assistance status, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression. To learn more about diversity at the U: http://diversity.umn.edu

Any offer of employment is contingent upon the successful completion of a background check. Our presumption is that prospective employees are eligible to work here. Criminal convictions do not automatically disqualify finalists from employment.

The University of Minnesota, Twin Cities (UMTC)

The University of Minnesota, Twin Cities (UMTC), is among the largest public research universities in the country, offering undergraduate, graduate, and professional students a multitude of opportunities for study and research. Located at the heart of one of the nation's most vibrant, diverse metropolitan communities, students on the campuses in Minneapolis and St. Paul benefit from extensive partnerships with world-renowned health centers, international corporations, government agencies, and arts, nonprofit, and public service organizations.

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).