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Web Accessibility Specialist

Job Description

Position Number:

129153

Title:

Specialist

Functional Title:

Web Accessibility Specialist

Category Status:

33-Exempt Regular

Applicant Search Category:

Staff

University Authorized FTE:

1.00

Unit:

DIT-ATI-Learning Technology Strategy (LTS)

Campus/College Information:

Founded in 1856, University of Maryland, College Park is the state’s flagship institution. Our 1,250-acre College Park campus is just minutes away from Washington, D.C., and the nexus of the nation’s legislative, executive, and judicial centers of power. This unique proximity to business and technology leaders, federal departments and agencies, and a myriad of research entities, embassies, think tanks, cultural centers, and non-profit organizations is simply unparalleled. Synergistic opportunities for our faculty and students abound and are virtually limitless in the nation’s capital and surrounding areas. The University is committed to attracting and retaining outstanding and diverse faculty and staff that will enhance our stature of preeminence in our three missions of teaching, scholarship, and full engagement in our community, the state of Maryland, and in the world.

Background Checks

Offers of employment are contingent on completion of a background check. Information reported by the background check will not automatically disqualify someone from employment. Prior to any adverse decision, finalists have an opportunity to provide information to the University regarding the background check.

The University reserves the right to rescind offers of employment or otherwise decline or terminate employment if the information reported by the background check is deemed incompatible with the position, regardless of when the background check is completed.

Offers are contingent on providing proof of employment eligibility in the United States no more than 3 days after the initial start date. If this proof is not provided within this timeframe, the offer may be rescinded or employment terminated.

Position Summary/Purpose of Position:

The Web Accessibility Specialist works with the IT Accessibility office of the Division of Information Technology (DIT) to lead the campus web accessibility efforts. This position will work closely with representatives of UMD academic and administrative units to evaluate the web accessibility of their websites and develop remediation plans to resolve discovered issues. This position will conduct automated and manual accessibility audits to ensure that UMD web-based platforms comply with WCAG (Web Content Accessibility Guidelines). This position will produce metrics and dashboards to demonstrate the current state and progress of web accessibility. This position will perform accessibility evaluations for websites, eTools, and applications under consideration for purchase and deployment. This position will provide support for the management of IT Accessibility services and projects and will contribute to the development of materials and training of various teams across the organization. This position will provide web accessibility expertise and guidance to the campus community, including web developers, editors, and communicators, to promote Web accessibility services and implement the UMD Web Accessibility Policy. This position will work under the general supervision of the Senior IT accessibility & UX specialist and will be a member of the Office of Academic Technology & Innovation at the Division of Information Technology.

This position is considered an essential position and may be required to work at the normal work location or an alternative location during a major catastrophic event, weather emergency, or other operational emergencies to help maintain continuity of University services.

Benefits Summary

Top Benefits and Perks:

Exempt Benefits Summary

Minimum Qualifications:

Education:
  • Bachelor’s Degree or equivalent combination of education, technical certifications, training, or work experience.

Experience:
  • A minimum of three years of experience working with digital accessibility, primarily focused on web accessibility.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:
  • Experience with web development and different CMS (e.g., Drupal, WordPress, others)
  • Knowledge and experience with web technologies (HTML/CSS, JavaScript, XML, and Web content management systems). 
  • Knowledge and experience with WCAG accessibility standards and guidelines. 
  • Experience with digital accessibility testing and evaluation (automated and manual testing)
  • Knowledge and experience testing web-based information with assistive technologies (JAWS, VoiceOver, Dragon NaturallySpeaking, others). 
  • Experience with reporting web accessibility and producing metrics and dashboards.
  • Strong organizational and project management skills to lead multiple projects simultaneously and meet tight deadlines.
  • Demonstrated ability to effectively and independently lead projects to completion. Able to work within deadlines, ensuring timely, cost-effective delivery and customer satisfaction.
  • Effective written and oral communication skills.
  • Effective meeting facilitation and presentation skills
  • Excellent interpersonal skills with the ability to interact with all levels of employees and campus stakeholders.
  • Enthusiasm and flexibility in acquiring new or emerging technology skills.

Preferences:

Preferences:
  • Bachelor’s degree in Information Technology, Telecommunications, Human-Computer Interaction or related field, Education, Special Education, or Bachelor’s degree in another related field.
  • A minimum of six years of broad experience in the field of IT or Web Development.
  • Certifications in web accessibility (e.g., IAAP Certified Professional in Accessibility Core Competencies; Trusted Tester)
  • Knowledge of disability law including but not limited to the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act (Section 504).
  • Experience working with digital accessibility in Higher Education.
  • Experience designing and delivering training in person and online.
  • Experience with accessibility remediation of documents (e.g., PDFs, complex images, others)
  • Knowledge of professional captioning strategies and best practices.
  • Knowledge of accessibility evaluation of eTools, mobile accessibility testing, LMS, and LTIs accessibility.
  • Experience with ServiceNow or other ticketing systems.

Additional Information:

Benefits Included:

Salary range Mid $80s-Mid $90s.

**This position does not provide sponsorship for Visas.

Job Risks

Not Applicable to This Position

Physical Demands

  • This is primarily a sedentary position involving extensive use of desktop computers. 
  • The position requires in-person attendance at meetings on campus and travel between buildings on a university campus to attend meetings. 
  • This position is considered an essential position and may be required to work at the normal work location or an alternative location during a major catastrophic event, weather emergency, or other operational emergencies to help maintain continuity of University services.

Posting Date:

09/09/2024

Open Until Filled

Yes

Best Consideration Date

09/30/2024

Diversity Statement:

The University of Maryland, College Park, an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer, complies with all applicable federal and state laws and regulations regarding nondiscrimination and affirmative action; all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment. The University is committed to a policy of equal opportunity for all persons and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, physical or mental disability, protected veteran status, age, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, creed, marital status, political affiliation, personal appearance, or on the basis of rights secured by the First Amendment, in all aspects of employment, educational programs and activities, and admissions.

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