Asst Director, Digital Accessibility

The Ohio State University is committed to diversity and a campus culture of inclusion that is necessary for a rich learning environment and essential in preparing students to work, live, and contribute to in an increasingly complex society. As part of this effort, the University is committed to the full inclusion of individuals with disabilities and continually improving the accessibility of our campus, programs, and activities.

We are seeking an experienced professional who is passionate about equity and inclusion and dedicated to digital accessibility to serve as the Assistant Director of the ADA Digital Accessibility Center at The Ohio State University.

Reporting to the Deputy ADA Coordinator who oversees the ADA Digital Accessibility Center (ADA DAC), this position will support The Ohio State University's digital accessibility compliance initiatives across all campuses. Under general direction, the Assistant Director of Digital Accessibility will define, implement, and manage processes and procedures to ensure effective and efficient flow of work for the ADA DAC, including overseeing, tracking, and reporting on processing of accommodation-based exception requests, accessibility requests and complaints, and overall metrics. The Assistant Director will independently manage policy exception reviews across campuses and coordinate and document accommodation request resolutions, and investigations, including communication regarding sensitive matters (e.g., interviews of complainant and relevant unit staff). The Assistant Director will be responsible for preparing and curating materials to support digital accessibility programs, including training documents and job-aids. In collaboration with ADA DAC Director and staff, the Assistant Director will assist with reviews and audits of Ohio State units’ compliance with digital accessibility policies and standards.

Essential Duties

40% Exceptions

Independently assess routine and non-routine exception requests
Analyze Voluntary Product Accessibility Template (VPAT®) Accessibility Conformance Reports and Accessibility Evaluations
Identify deficiencies in exception requests and use knowledge and experience to guide units in addressing them before final submission
Guide units in identifying appropriate accommodations for inaccessible products, services, and information
Assist units with developing compliance plans
Meet with units to work through more complex exceptions and facilitate productive dialogue about ways to address accommodation-based exception deficiencies
Assist units with vendor meetings
Make recommendations regarding approval or denial to the Deputy ADA Coordinator/ADA Digital Accessibility Center Director
25% Office and Project Management

Monitor incoming communications channels and efficiently resolve or, in appropriate circumstances, assign tasks to appropriate staff
Lead design and documentation of internal processes, including creation and tracking of program metrics
Lead internal process improvement efforts
Develop project timelines, schedules, charts, and documents
Handle orientation of new staff and provides guidance for less experienced staff
20% Digital Accessibility Audits

Perform functions related to the execution of digital accessibility program auditing of campus units to ensure compliance with the Digital Accessibility Policy
Identify and collect necessary supporting documents and information from units
Communicate audit expectations to selected units
Communicate results, and work with unit leadership and staff to understand results and develop remediation plans to address any concerns identified
10% Accessibility Policy Requests and Complaints

Assign accessibility policy requests and complaints to appropriate DAC staff and assist with and document their resolution.
5% Other duties as assigned

Required qualifications
Bachelor's degree in Business Administration, Information Technology, Operations Management, Non-profit Administration, Disability Studies, Rehabilitation Sciences, OR equivalent combination of education and experience; at least four (4) years of professional experience in a relevant field, with at least one (1) of those years in an operations, supervisory, program management, or procurement role; Demonstrated facility with technologies in a relevant field; Excellent verbal and written communication skills; Excellent attention to detail and organizational skills; Demonstrated ability to make sound decisions and work independently with minimal oversight; Excellent analytical and writing skills; High Emotional Intelligence.

Desired qualifications
Master’s degree in Business Administration, Operations Management, or related field; At least two (2) years’ experience in a higher education or non-profit environment; Proven ability to successfully design and implement business processes; Experience with project or work tracking software; Experience working with people with disabilities; Experience analyzing Voluntary Product Accessibility Template (VPAT®) Accessibility Conformance Reports; Experience in product procurement processes; Experience with analyzing barriers to access to digital information and services and how it affects people with disabilities; Demonstrated understanding of the barriers poor design can create for people with disabilities; Experience in regulatory compliance; Demonstrated experience in consensus-building, persuading others to consider different options, and influencing without authority a wide range of audiences at various organizational levels including content creators and managers; Holds a certification from the International Association of Accessibility Professionals, or other relevant certification or job experience.

Proposed hiring range: $79,000-$105,000

Career Roadmap

Function: Information Technology

Sub-Function: Systems Accessibility

Career Band: Individual Contributor - Specialized

Career Level: Senior – S3

Regular 40 First Shift