Accessibility Analyst

Job Profile Summary
Responsible for conducting comprehensive accessibility audits and user experience testing of student-facing content to ensure alignment with WCAG 2.2 AA standards. This role requires a strong understanding of web accessibility principles and the ability to identify, document, and recommend solutions for a broad range of accessibility issues. Communicates audit findings to WGU stakeholders and provides remediation recommendations to external vendors. Additional responsibilities include evaluating WGU platforms and products, consulting on complex accessibility barriers, reviewing course and assessment content, coaching staff and vendors on accessibility best practices, and researching emerging accessibility innovations. The position involves working both independently and collaboratively across teams.

Primary Responsibilities
- Performs in-depth accessibility audits of websites, documents, videos, and other digital content.
- Reviews vendor-created content against accessibility acceptance criteria and provide actionable remediation guidance.
- Creates detailed reports on WCAG 2.2 AA compliance and recommend solutions for identified barriers.
- Develops remediation plans for third-party products and platforms.
- Communicates evaluation results and remediation recommendations to WGU stakeholders and vendors.
- Identifies accessibility issues within course and assessment content, WGU platforms, and websites, and propose solutions.
- Stays current on changes to WCAG guidelines, assistive technologies, and accessibility trends.
- Coaches staff and vendors in one-on-one or group settings to support implementation of accessibility best practices.
- Consults with colleagues and vendors to resolve complex accessibility challenges.
- Assists in developing and documenting team processes and evaluation procedures.
- Contributes to the research, development, and maintenance of the accessibility evaluation methodology.
- Supports the training and mentoring of new team members.
- Engages with accessibility professionals and communities to stay informed on innovations and evolving best practices.
- Performs other related duties as assigned.

This job description includes a general representation of job requirements rather than a comprehensive inventory of all required responsibilities or work activities. The contents of this document or related job requirements may change at any time with or without notice.

Qualifications
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
- Advanced knowledge of WCAG 2.2 AA standards and accessibility best practices.
- Proficient in reading and interpreting HTML, CSS, and JavaScript, with the ability to explain accessibility practices clearly.
- Familiarity with accessibility testing tools (e.g., WAVE, Axe) and assistive technologies (e.g., NVDA, JAWS).
- Strong understanding of how individuals with diverse disabilities interact with digital environments.
- Skilled in conducting content accessibility audits, identifying issues, and documenting actionable solutions.
- Ability to communicate complex technical information in simple, clear language to various audiences.
- Effective collaboration skills with both internal teams and external vendors.
- Ability to work independently on moderately complex projects and set personal objectives with limited guidance.
- Demonstrated systems-thinking approach to solving accessibility challenges and improving processes.
- Skilled at advocating for accessibility and educating others on best practices across the organization.
- Proficient in interpreting technical documentation such as WCAG 2.2 AA, Section 508, and VPATs.
- Strong time management and organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities and meet deadlines.
- Demonstrates WGU leadership principles in professional interactions and contributes to team development by mentoring or guiding less experienced staff.

Education
- Bachelor’s degree in a related field (e.g., Technology, Accessibility, Human-Computer Interaction) or equivalent work experience.

Experience
- Three (3) years of professional experience in a related field (e.g., accessibility, instructional design, user experience, or web development).
- Two (2) years of experience with HTML, CSS, and JavaScript.
- Demonstrated experience conducting accessibility audits and evaluating digital content.
- Experience working with accessibility testing tools (e.g., WAVE, Axe) and assistive technologies (e.g., NVDA, JAWS).

Experience in lieu of education
Equivalent relevant experience performing the essential functions of this job may substitute for education degree requirements. Generally, equivalent relevant experience is defined as 1 year of experience for 1 year of education and is the discretion of the hiring manager.

Preferred Qualifications
• Experience supporting accessibility in distance education settings.
• Familiarity with VPAT creation or review.
• Experience mentoring or training others in accessibility concepts and tools.
• Successful completion of Trusted Tester certification.
• Completed or in-progress IAAP Certified Professional in Accessibility Core Competencies (CPACC).