Senior Digital Accessibility Testing Consultant

Harvard University • Cambridge, MA

1d • Hybrid

About The Position

Harvard University Information Technology's (HUIT) Office of Digital Accessibility Services (DAS) is a dynamic team that inspires, leads, and educates our colleagues about the importance of, and their role in, making Harvard's content and technology inclusive and accessible to everyone. We value passion and dedication to our mission, empathy and collaboration, and a respectful working environment. DAS seeks a Senior Digital Accessibility Testing Consultant with experience and interest in testing and evaluating the accessibility of web sites, applications, and documents. This is one of several roles in the team to support the University's efforts, including the implementation of a university-wide digital accessibility policy and promotion of digital inclusion across the institution. The team works with designated digital accessibility liaisons to implement campus-wide training, communications, and provide resources to support this initiative. The Senior Digital Accessibility Testing Consultant, reporting to the Manager of Digital Accessibility Development, will work alongside team members to perform accessibility testing and assessments, provide consultation and guidance, and deliver customer service of the highest caliber. The incumbent will play a key role in assessing and improving campus technology accessibility across a variety of settings as part of a large, multiyear effort facilitated by the DAS team. This is a term limited position that will end 6/30/2027.

Requirements

• Minimum of 5 years’ post-secondary education or relevant work experience
• Understanding of Web Content Accessibility Guideline (WCAG), Accessible Rich Internet Guidelines (ARIA) Web Standards (HTML, CSS, and JavaScript) and related technologies.
• Ability to quickly trouble shoot and identify accessibility barriers.
• Fluency with assistive technologies such as JAWS, NVDA, ZoomText, Dragon Naturally Speaking – and understanding of the experience for those using assistive technologies – or other accessibility features.
• Knowledge of compatibility issues affecting assistive technology use with common enterprise and/or Harvard's systems.
• Excellent written, verbal, interpersonal and communication skills.
• Shows enthusiasm, interest, and flexibility in acquiring new or emerging technology skills.
• Familiarity with WCAG 2.1 AA standards for web accessibility.

Nice To Haves

• Drupal, WordPress or PHP experience a plus.
• CPACC, WAS, ADS (IAAP) or other relevant certifications.
• Familiarity with higher education technology landscape and Harvard experience preferred.
• Completion of Harvard IT Academy specified foundational courses (or external equivalent) preferred.

Responsibilities

• Test websites, applications, and documents for accessibility barriers with a combination of manual testing processes and automated testing tools.
• Reliably and consistently identify, document and report on accessibility issues found.
• Provide guidance and documentation on methods and efforts required to address accessibility issues identified.
• Collaborate with the team to test and provide efficient, effective, and accurate guidance.
• Works across a portfolio of websites and applications to provide established deliverables.
• Contributes to planning and documentation of tools and processes.
• Works as a conduit between DAS, campus liaisons, and partners in schools and departments.

Benefits

• Generous paid time off including parental leave
• Medical, dental, and vision health insurance coverage starting on day one
• Retirement plans with university contributions
• Wellbeing and mental health resources
• Support for families and caregivers
• Professional development opportunities including tuition assistance and reimbursement
• Commuter benefits, discounts and campus perks

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Senior
• Education Level: No Education Listed