Digital Accessibility Specialist

Job # 041437
Department Code 20701-6026
Department VP Information Technology/CIO
Job Title Digital Accessibility Specialist
Location Syracuse, NY
Pay Range $62,000 - $70,000
Pay Determination
Pay rates at Syracuse University are based on a combination of factors including, but not limited to, the job responsibilities; the candidate’s education, training, work experience and key competencies; the university’s strategic priorities; internal peer equity; applicable federal, state, local laws, grant funding and contractual requisites; and external market analyses.
Staff Level S5
FLSA Status Exempt
Hours
Standard University business hours

8:30am – 5:00pm (academic year)
8:00am – 4:30pm (summer)

Hours may vary based on operational needs.
Job Type Full-time
Campus Syracuse, NY
Unionized Position Code Not Applicable
Job Description
The Digital Accessibility Specialist will help to promote a culture of digital accessibility across Syracuse University by educating the campus community and providing resources for creating accessible digital content. This role will focus on empowering the community to apply accessibility principles when designing and delivering digital experiences, including documents, videos, websites and other media. The ideal candidate will have a working knowledge of how people with disabilities navigate and access digital content using native and third-party assistive technologies on desktop and mobile platforms. They will collaborate with cross-functional teams to incorporate accessibility at each stage of the digital content lifecycle and provide expert guidance in inclusive design.
Education and Experience

Bachelor’s degree in computer science, information technology, education, communications, or a relevant field is required.
Globally recognized certification(s) in digital accessibility preferred. Examples include the DHS Trusted Tester for web; IAAP’s Certified Professional in Accessibility Core Competencies, Web Accessibility Specialist (WAS), and Accessible Document Specialist (ADS) certifications; and Freedom Scientific JAWS and ZoomText certifications.

Skills and Knowledge

Knowledge of applicable state and federal laws in the higher education setting including Title III of the Americans with Disabilities Act as amended (ADAA) and section 504 and 508 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 as amended.
Proficiency in using Microsoft 365 tools and web conferencing software (Zoom, Teams) required; experience with Blackboard Ultra, Jira, WordPress, and SharePoint preferred.
Experience using Adobe Acrobat Pro DC, CommonLook, or other tools to remediate PDF documents.
Possess an authentic passion to create accessible digital experiences for all.
Knowledge and awareness of how persons with disabilities may navigate and access digital content, including websites, web-based software, electronic documents, and mobile apps, and ability to identify access barriers.
Knowledge of commonly used third-party and native assistive technologies on desktop/mobile platforms.
Working knowledge of the W3C Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) version 2.1 levels A and AA.
Working knowledge on how to conduct automated and manual accessibility testing of digital content using a variety of approaches, including WAVE, color contrast analyzers, keyboard-only navigation, screen magnification software, and screen readers (JAWS, NVDA, and VoiceOver) preferred.
Ability to work both independently and as part of a team, plan and facilitate meetings, and organize and present information in a clear, concise manner.
Exceptional written and oral communication as well as organizational skills, with attention to detail.
Ability to research unique challenges and propose realistic, pragmatic solutions.
High motivation to continue learning and developing skills in digital accessibility.

Responsibilities

Identify and consult with the campus community on training programs that can be used to improve digital accessibility design, build, and evaluation skills.
Maintain and develop a repository of targeted and consumable digital accessibility resources for our campus community.
Serve as a subject matter expert for digital accessibility, providing consultation and training to internal teams; including developers, designers, content creators, and leadership; as well as campus units and organizations.
Topics include accessibility best practices, available tools and assistive technology solutions, and legal requirements.
Work closely with internal ITS units, including the ITS Contracts team, as well as a network of Digital Accessibility Liaisons, Purchasing, Legal, and other campus partners to assist in the evaluation and procurement of accessible technologies consistent with the University’s Information and Communication Technology (ICT) Accessibility Policy.
Support efforts to compel vendor remediation of accessibility barriers addressed by the campus community.
As appropriate, conduct accessibility testing of digital products using assistive technologies and other tools to ascertain a product’s state of accessibility and conformance level with WCAG 2.1 AA success criteria.
Contribute towards the future vision of digital accessibility at Syracuse University through partnerships and collaboration with key stakeholders.
Participate in cross-organizational committees and councils in serving as a subject matter expert for digital accessibility.
Engage with external stakeholders and participate in cross-industry accessibility communities, keeping abreast of changes in the legal landscape as well as tends in higher education and among our peer institutions.

Physical Requirements
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Tools/Equipment
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Application Instructions
In addition to completing an online application, please attach a resume and cover letter.
About Syracuse University
Syracuse University is a private, international research university with distinctive academics, diversely unique offerings, and an undeniable spirit. Located in the geographic heart of New York State, with a global footprint, and over 150 years of history, Syracuse University offers a quintessential college experience.

The scope of Syracuse University is a testament to its strengths: a pioneering history dating back to 1870; a choice of more than 200 majors, 100 minors, and 200 advanced degree programs offered across the University’s 13 schools and colleges; over 15,000 undergraduates and over 6,000 graduate students; more than a quarter of a million alumni in 160 countries; and a student population from all 50 U.S. states and 123 countries. For more information, please visit http://www.syracuse.edu.
About the Syracuse area
Syracuse is a medium-sized city situated in the geographic center of New York State approximately 250 miles northwest of New York City. The metro-area population totals approximately 500,000. The area offers a low cost of living and provides many social, cultural, and recreational options, including parks, museums, festivals, professional regional theater, and premier shopping venues. Syracuse and Central New York present a wide range of seasonal recreation and attractions ranging from water skiing and snow skiing, hiking in the Adirondacks, touring the historic sites, visiting wineries along the Finger Lakes, and biking on trails along the Erie Canal.
EEO Statement
Syracuse University is an equal-opportunity, affirmative-action institution. The University prohibits discrimination and harassment based on race, color, creed, religion, sex, gender, national origin, citizenship, ethnicity, marital status, age, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity and gender expression, veteran status, or any other status protected by applicable law to the extent prohibited by law. This nondiscrimination policy covers admissions, employment, and access to and treatment in University programs, services, and activities.
Commitment to Supporting and Hiring Veterans
Syracuse University has a long history of engaging veterans and the military-connected community through its educational programs, community outreach, and employment programs. After World War II, Syracuse University welcomed more than 10,000 returning veterans to our campus, and those veterans literally transformed Syracuse University into the national research institution it is today. The University’s contemporary commitment to veterans builds on this historical legacy, and extends to both class-leading initiatives focused on making an SU degree accessible and affordable to the post-9/11 generation of veterans, and also programs designed to position Syracuse University as the employer of choice for military veterans, members of the Guard and Reserve, and military family members.
Commitment to a Diverse and Inclusive Campus Community
Syracuse University maintains an inclusive learning environment in which students, faculty, administrators, staff, curriculum, social activities, governance, and all other aspects of campus life reflect a diverse, multi-cultural, and international worldview. The University community recognizes and values the many similarities and differences among individuals and groups. At Syracuse, we are committed to preparing students to understand, live among, appreciate, and work in an inherently diverse country and world made up of people with different ethnic and racial backgrounds, military backgrounds, religious beliefs, socio-economic status, cultural traditions, abilities, sexual orientations and gender identities. To do so, we commit ourselves to promoting a community that celebrates and models the principles of diversity and inclusivity.
Quick Link https://www.sujobopps.com/postings/107117
Job Posting Date 11/07/2024