Accessibility Analyst

WGBH enriches people's lives through programs and services that educate, inspire, and entertain, fostering citizenship and culture, the joy of learning, and the power of diverse perspectives.

DEPARTMENT OVERVIEW

Making any digital service or product accessible increases opportunities for organizations to broaden their reach to the largest possible audience. WGBH’s National Center for Accessible Media (NCAM) partners with industries of all types that have recognized the need for accessible content, interactivity and functionality throughout all stages of the digital experience. However, "accessibility" means something different for each industry, organization, audience and product. With that in mind, NCAM tailors its consulting services to meet a broad range of needs and expectations.

JOB OVERVIEW

WGBH/NCAM has an immediate opening for an Accessibility Analyst. The primary purpose of this job is to identify and document accessibility obstacles in Web sites and applications on desktop and mobile devices. The Accessibility Analyst will work with NCAM's clients to test and validate materials against accessibility policies, regulations and best practices, and to consult on the effective integration of techniques to create materials that are as accessible as possible. This position offers the unique opportunity to learn from pioneers in the field of broadcast and digital accessibility, and to expand personal expertise through project work and directed learning.

RESPONSIBILITIES

Perform accessibility audits of Web sites, desktop applications and mobile apps, using accessibility-testing tools and assistive technology including but not limited to screen readers and screen magnifiers. These tests will verify compliance with common accessibility policies and regulations, such as the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines and Section 508.
Create reports that concisely describe accessibility obstacles as well as provide technical guidance and recommendations to resolve those obstacles.
Help deliver testing results to clients, and will participate in conference calls and follow-up discussions in order to create a roadmap to improve the accessibility and usability of clients' assets.
Assist in projects related to accessible content including image and video description, captions, usability, and universal design.

SKILLS REQUIRED & EXPERIENCE

The ideal candidate must demonstrate an ability to explain difficult things in simple, clear and accurate language. At the same time, the candidate must be able to speak confidently about complex, technical matters using vocabulary that is appropriate for the subject. NCAM communicates directly with clients at both non-technical and technical levels, and it is imperative that the candidate inspire confidence when speaking.
Candidates for this position will have a fundamental understanding of basic Web-development technologies-- e.g., HTML, CSS and JavaScript-- and how they impact accessibility.
NCAM tests Web sites, desktop applications and mobile apps for conformance with accessibility policies and regulations. Candidates should have an understanding of basic accessibility policies, such as the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines; experience using assistive technologies, such as screen readers and screen magnifiers; and a basic understanding of the accessibility problems facing developers and designers as well as users with disabilities.
Candidates must demonstrate an ability to attend to precise details in both testing and reporting. Candidates must also be able to work independently as and as part of a team.
Candidates must possess strong verbal and written communication skills, and should have familiarity with HTML, CSS and JavaScript.
Working familiarity with how people with disabilities use technology, including computers and mobile devices.
Effective working knowledge of accessibility-testing tools, assistive technology and common accessibility policies and regulations.

EDUCATION

A bachelor’s degree or equivalent work experience. A liberal-arts background is preferred; a computer-science background is helpful but not required. Relevant experience in the field of digital accessibility is a bonus.