Web accessibility development and operations lead

Web accessibility development and operations lead
The W3C Web Accessibility Initiative (WAI) is seeking a full-time staff member, based in Europe, as a development and operations lead for work on digital accessibility standards and supporting materials and approaches.

This is an opportunity for a unique individual to contribute to the vision of an accessible digital future, and help drive development of accessible next generation digital technology standards for millions of people with disabilities around the world, while working with industry, disability, research and government organizations to ensure accessibility of the web, mobile, and other web-based technologies.

As the recognized leader for the technical development of the World Wide Web, W3C is seeking an individual with project management, operational, and fundraising experience, as well as expertise in multiple areas of digital accessibility. Enthusiasm for the mission and spirit of W3C is important.

Responsibilities
The successful candidate will be responsible for providing project management and operational oversight of key areas of WAI work, such as integrating accessibility conformance approaches into next generation accessibility standards and guidelines, exploring accessibility innovations in emerging technologies, developing training materials on accessible web design and development, liaising with European standards bodies, and expanding networks and partnerships with organizations in the digital accessibility field to promote uptake of W3C standards. They will seek and help maintain follow-on funding for European projects to support accessibility of web-based technology standards.

Their work will be conducted in close coordination with the WAI Director and other members of the WAI team, and with other W3C functional leads to ensure full integration into W3C’s overall work. Work will take place in collaboration with chartered W3C Working Groups under the iterative and consensus-based W3C process, and together with W3C Member organizations and the public including industry, disability organizations, the research community, government and other stakeholder groups.

Requirements
Extensive knowledge of digital accessibility, including web and mobile accessibility standards and guidelines
Extensive knowledge of accessibility requirements across different types of disabilities, including auditory, cognitive, neurological, physical, speech and visual
Success in identifying funding opportunities, writing proposals, and fundraising from diverse sources including government
Experience managing European Commission grants or contracts, including preparation of reports and reviews
Experience in project management, including operational supervision and support of project staff
At least a Bachelor’s degree or equivalent in a relevant field of study
Excellent oral and written communication skills in English; samples requested
Ability to work independently with remote colleagues in an international and highly distributed setting Unrestricted European Union working permit, and ability to travel internationally.
Beneficial skills and experience
Applied knowledge of WCAG, UAAG, ATAG, WAI-ARIA, and related W3C WAI specifications
Applied knowledge of accessibility conformance testing as an integrated part of accessibility standards and guidelines
Familiarity with accessibility issues in technologies that are emerging on the web, including virtual reality and internet/web of things, and risks and opportunities of artificial intelligence in digital accessibility
Experience with development of educational materials including training curricula
Familiarity with European standards bodies, and experience promoting harmonization of accessibility standards
Experience developing regional and local partnerships and networks to jointly promote digital accessibility
Ability to negotiate proposals and to build trust and consensus among different stakeholder groups
Proficiency in one or more languages other than English.
Work starts on September 1, 2021.

Position is grant-funded, and is affiliated with the European Research Consortium for Informatics and Mathematics (ERCIM), the W3C host for Europe, in Sophia-Antipolis – France. Remote work-from-home is available. Because W3C facilitates in-person meetings among global stakeholders, when the global health situation permits, this role will require the ability to travel internationally.

Applicants will not be discriminated against on the basis of race, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, disability, age, genetic information, veteran status, ancestry, or national or ethnic origin.

To apply, please send a cover letter, and your resume or curriculum vitae to team-wai-jobs@w3.org.

Edit: the job description was edited after its announcement, to remove the number of years of experience required, which we deemed a possible filter that might exclude a number of people, including prevent women from applying.