Technical Accessibility Specialist
About The Position
The Technical Accessibility Specialist works with UX professionals, designers, product managers, business leaders, internal clients, developers, and students to deliver accessible experiences across public-, employee-, and student-facing products. The role partners with stakeholders to develop solutions that advance accessibility and inclusion while fitting the university’s brand and supporting student success. Innovation, design, and functionality are central to the position. The specialist evaluates university platforms and products against the current version of WCAG, advises product teams on accessibility, develops remediation plans and guidance, and helps colleagues build accessibility knowledge and practices. The position also contributes to accessibility evaluation methods, team processes, and the development and mentoring of team members. Occasional travel of up to 20% is required, including attendance at designated company summits, typically one to two per year; additional business-related travel may be assigned as needed.
Requirements
- Bachelor’s degree in a related field, or equivalent relevant experience performing the essential functions of the job; equivalent experience may substitute for education at a general rate of one year of experience for one year of education, at the hiring manager’s discretion.
- Three years of experience in the accessibility field.
- Broad knowledge of WCAG, Section 508, and ADA.
- Ability to read and interpret HTML, CSS, and JavaScript and explain accessibility best practices.
- Ability to navigate multiple environments in a screen reader and understand how screen readers interact with user-agent elements.
- Understanding of how people with different disabilities experience digital environments and how to design accessible digital spaces.
- Ability to collect and analyze data accurately to identify process and performance improvements.
- Ability to explain technical and user-experience issues in simple, concise language.
- Ability to research complex topics and independently find answers.
- Ability to work on team projects under the direction of senior team members.
- Ability to study and understand complex technical documentation, including WCAG 2.x AA and Section 508.
- Self-initiative and self-motivation; ability to self-manage daily tasks and meet deadlines.
- Ability to work independently without supervision and as part of a team.
- Ability to multitask and manage multiple projects.
- Willingness to travel occasionally, up to 20%, including required attendance at designated company summits.
Responsibilities
- Run audits and accessibility tests on university platforms and products for conformance with the current version of WCAG.
- Use screen readers and other assistive technologies, including JAWS, Dragon, and NVDA.
- Create remediation plans for university platforms and products.
- Prepare evaluation documentation for university stakeholders and product teams.
- Provide expert accessibility guidance to designers, product managers, developers, and business partners to influence product development.
- Maintain knowledge of accessibility industry trends, innovations, solutions, standards, laws, and management strategies.
- Develop guidelines for architects, designers, and developers to support compliance with the current version of WCAG.
- Train and coach colleagues one-on-one and in small groups on ADA awareness, implementing solutions, and fostering accessibility-focused innovation.
- Consult with colleagues to solve challenging accessibility barriers.
- Develop and document team processes and procedures regarding accessibility.
- Assist with research, development, and maintenance of the accessibility evaluation methodology.
- Assist with training and mentoring new team members.
- Network with accessibility industry professionals.
- Perform other job-related duties as assigned.
- Attend designated company summits and other business-related events as required; travel may include conferences and visits to company locations.
Benefits
- Eligible for bonuses.
- Medical, dental, vision, telehealth, and mental healthcare coverage.
- Health savings account and flexible spending account.
- Basic and voluntary life insurance.
- Disability coverage.
- Accident, critical illness, and hospital indemnity supplemental coverages.
- Legal and identity theft coverage.
- Retirement savings plan.
- Wellbeing program.
- Discounted WGU tuition.
- Flexible paid time off without accrual.
- Flexible paid sick time without accrual.
- 11 paid holidays.
- Other paid leaves, including up to 12 weeks of parental leave.
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Mid Level
