Accessibility Administrative Assistant - Department of Neuroscience

Overview

The Accessibility Administrative Assistant will be working on coordinating efforts to update course materials used by educators in the Department of Neuroscience. This could include modifying the instructor's PowerPoints to be WCAG compliant and working with Generative AI to create alt text and long text descriptions of all images used in the PowerPoint files. Some background knowledge of neuroscience or similar will be helpful in determining if the descriptors chosen are accurate. Some courses will need support in taking previous versions of lab manuals and making them digitally accessible, for which this role may need to explore new tools for organizing and presenting material. It is expected that most of the first year will be devoted primarily to getting all departmental course materials digitally accessible. In subsequent years, the position will take on a greater role in developing/improving digital materials used in the Neuroscience Department, including, but not limited to, web pages and Canvas sites.

In the first year, the effort will be approximately:

70% Adapting current course materials to be WCAG compliant
20% Testing existing Canvas sites for digital accessibility and making appropriate changes
10% Working with/training faculty on how to maintain their PowerPoint files and Canvas sites to be WCAG compliant and creating job aids and and resources for faculty to follow in the future

Responsibilities

Coordinate efforts to update and digitize department course materials to meet WCAG accessibility standards.
Modify PowerPoints for accessibility and collaborate with Generative AI to create image alt text and long descriptions.
Assess and improve digital materials, including lab manuals, and explore tools for organizing and presenting material.
Support faculty in maintaining accessible PowerPoint files and Canvas sites; develop job aids and resources for ongoing accessibility.

Qualifications

Required Qualifications: BA/BS degree, or combined education and experience to equal at least 4 years.
Good working knowledge of Microsoft and Google programs for word processing, spreadsheet and slide presentation.
Preferred Qualifications: Administrative coordination in an education setting.
Some experience with education technology.
A basic understanding of lab science.
Successful completion of several Neuroscience courses.

About the Department

Neuroscience is the scientific study of the nervous system. It is an interdisciplinary science that collaborates with other fields such as chemistry, computer science, engineering, linguistics, mathematics, medicine and allied disciplines, philosophy, physics, and psychology.

The Department of Neuroscience is committed to providing excellence in research, education, and public service. The Department of Neuroscience is part of the University of Minnesota's Medical School.

Pay and Benefits

Pay Range: $22.65 - $25.66 per hour; depending on education/qualifications/experience

Time Appointment Category: 75%-100% Appointment (If job description above does not specify appointment or expected weekly hours, assume a 100% appointment.)

Position Type: Civil-Service & Non-Faculty Labor Represented Staff

Please visit the Office of Human Resources website for more information regarding benefit eligibility.

Competitive wages, paid holidays, and generous time off
Continuous learning opportunities through professional training and degree-seeking programs supported by the Regents Tuition Benefit Program
Low-cost medical, dental, and pharmacy plans
Healthcare and dependent care flexible spending accounts
University HSA contributions
Disability and employer-paid life insurance
Employee wellbeing program
Excellent retirement plans with employer contribution
Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) opportunity
Financial counseling services
Employee Assistance Program with eight sessions of counseling at no cost
Employee Transit Pass with free or reduced rates in the Twin Cities metro area

How To Apply

Applications must be submitted online. To be considered for this position, please click the Apply button and follow the instructions. You will be given the opportunity to complete an online application for the position and attach a cover letter and resume. Additional documents may be attached after application by accessing your "My Job Applications" page and uploading documents in the "My Cover Letters and Attachments" section.

To request an accommodation during the application process, please e-mail [email protected] or call (612) 624-8647.

Diversity

The University recognizes and values the importance of diversity and inclusion in enriching the employment experience of its employees and in supporting the academic mission. The University is committed to attracting and retaining employees with varying identities and backgrounds.

The University of Minnesota provides equal access to and opportunity in its programs, facilities, and employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, gender, age, marital status, disability, public assistance status, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression. To learn more about diversity at the U: http://diversity.umn.edu

Employment Requirements

Any offer of employment is contingent upon the successful completion of a background check. Our presumption is that prospective employees are eligible to work here. Criminal convictions do not automatically disqualify finalists from employment.

About the U of M

The University of Minnesota, Twin Cities (UMTC)

The University of Minnesota, Twin Cities (UMTC), is among the largest public research universities in the country, offering undergraduate, graduate, and professional students a multitude of opportunities for study and research. Located at the heart of one of the nation's most vibrant, diverse metropolitan communities, students on the campuses in Minneapolis and St. Paul benefit from extensive partnerships with world-renowned health centers, international corporations, government agencies, and arts, nonprofit, and public service organizations.

At the University of Minnesota, we are proud to be recognized by the Star Tribune as a Top Workplace for 2021, as well as by Forbes as Best Employers for Women and one of America's Best Employers (2015, 2018, 2019, 2023), Best Employer for Diversity (2019, 2020), Best Employer for New Grads (2018, 2019), and Best Employer by State (2019, 2022).