Digital Accessibility Consultant

Harvard University Information Technology (HUIT) is a community of Information Technology professionals committed to delivering service and technological solutions in support of teaching, learning, research and administration. We are recruiting an IT workforce that has both breadth in their ability to collaborate and innovate across disciplines – and depth in specific areas of expertise. HUIT offers opportunities for IT professionals to learn and work in a unique technology landscape and service-focused environment. If you are a technically proficient, nimble, user-focused, and accountable IT professional who also connects with the importance of collaborating well in a team environment, we are looking for you!

HUIT seeks a Digital Accessibility Consultant with demonstrated experience in Accessibility and Inclusive Design. `This is one of several roles in the Digital Accessibility Services (DAS) team to support the University’s efforts, including the implementation of a university-wide web accessibility policy and promotion of digital inclusion across the institution The Digital Accessibility Consultant, reporting to the DAS Assistant Director, will work alongside Digital Accessibility Developers and Consultants as part of the DAS team to deliver expert consultation, operations support, and customer service of the highest caliber.

DAS works with digital content owners from across the university to provide accessibility assessments, liaise with third party providers, and advise or augment remediation development efforts. The team works in coordination with designated web accessibility liaisons to implement campus-wide training, communications, and resources in support of this initiative. Digital Accessibility Consultants inspire, lead, and educate their colleagues about the importance of, and their role in, making Harvard’s information accessible. Experience improving accessibility in postsecondary teaching and learning settings, including collaborating with faculty, teaching support staff, academic technologists, instructional designers or librarians across many academic disciplines is desirable. Other duties as needed or required.

Typical Core Duties :

• Participate fully in software development life cycle
• Research, design, and implement technical solutions to deliver business requirements
• Identify opportunities to improve and simplify applications portfolio and implement related enhancements
• Contribute to creation and maturing of software development best practices and new technologies
• Draw on relationship and technical skills to act as technical liaison to internal and external clients and to mentor junior staff
• Abide by and follow the Harvard University IT technical standards, policies and Code of Conduct

Basic Qualifications :

• Minimum of five years’ post-secondary education or relevant work experience

Additional Qualifications and Skills :

The following Additional Qualifications are strongly preferred. If you meet some, but not all, you are still encouraged to apply; we value employees with a willingness to learn.

• Minimum of 5+ years working directly in efforts to improve digital accessibility
• Expertise in Section 508, WCAG 2.1, WAI-ARIA, HTML5 and related Web Standards.
• Understanding of the techniques used to make websites, electronic documents, and media content accessible.
• Knowledge and demonstrated experience with cross-browser and cross-platform issues (IE, Firefox, Safari, OS, Windows, etc.) when making accessibility recommendations.
• Basic fluency with assistive technologies such as JAWS, NVDA, ZoomText, Dragon Naturally Speaking – and understanding of the experience for those using assistive technologies – or other accessibility features.
• Experience working in a higher education environment especially related to accessibility of teaching and learning materials and environments (including LMSes and online learning)
• Experience working with vendors on testing and contracts to ensure accessibility
• Knowledge of compatibility issues affecting assistive technology use with common enterprise and/or Harvard’s systems
• Knowledge of- and experience with- user experience methods and deliverables
• Ability to manage multiple concurrent initiatives and adapt to their changing needs.
• Willingness to function in a fast-paced, evolving environment.
• Excellent written, verbal, interpersonal and communication skills

Working Conditions:
Interview and onboarding activity for this position may be conducted via telephone & Zoom video conferencing, based on the department’s current presence on campus.
This position will be based in Cambridge, MA. HUIT / FAD actively supports hybrid work where business and team needs allow. Additional detail pertaining to this position will be discussed during the interview process. All remote work must be performed in a state in which Harvard is registered to do business (CA, CT, MA, MD, ME, NH, NY, RI, and VT).

The University requires all Harvard community members to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 and remain up to date with COVID-19 vaccine boosters, as detailed in Harvard’s Vaccine & Booster Requirements. Individuals may claim exemption from the vaccine requirement for medical or religious reasons. More information regarding the University’s COVID vaccination requirement, exemptions, and verification of vaccination status may be found at the University’s “COVID-19 Vaccine Information” webpage: http://www.harvard.edu/coronavirus/covid-19-vaccine-information/.

Harvard continues to place the highest priority on the health, safety and wellbeing of its faculty, staff and students, as well as the wider community. Information and details can be found via Harvard’s Coronavirus Workplace Policies website: https://hr.harvard.edu/corona-virus-workplace-policies.

Additional Information:

Please provide a cover letter with your application.

Please note:

• Harvard University requires pre-employment reference and background screening.
• We are unable to provide work authorization and/or visa sponsorship.
• This position has a 180-day orientation and review period.

More about HUIT:

Harvard University Information Technology (HUIT) is responsible for the strategy, planning, and delivery of information technology across the University. Our mission is to assure Harvard’s leadership in IT. We strive to make it easier for faculty, students, and staff to teach, research, learn and work through the effective use of information technology. HUIT’s core values are User Focused, Collaborative, Innovative and Open.

IT Academy (designed for IT Staff):

HUIT’s IT Academy aims to enable each IT staff person to grow professionally and become a trusted partner to her or his team. The IT Academy is built on the belief that every IT staff member across the University (including technology employees at each school and campus) can grow in her or his area of expertise as well as building strong people and project management skills. Learn more here: https://itacademy.harvard.edu/

Total Rewards:

Harvard’s Total Rewards Program is designed to attract, retain, and reward the performance of talented employees. As a Harvard staff member, you enjoy many perks that come with working for one of the top employers in Massachusetts, including:

Paid Time Off: 3 - 4 weeks accrued vacation days, 12 accrued sick days, 12.5 paid holidays plus winter recess, and 3 personal days awarded each calendar year.

Medical/Dental/Vision: We offer a variety of excellent medical plans, dental & vision plans.

Retirement: University-funded retirement plan with full vesting after 3 years of service.

Tuition Assistance Program (TAP): $40 per class at the Harvard Extension School and discounted options through participating Harvard grad schools.

Harvard University Employees Credit Union: Our employees credit union provides a complete line of services for all your financial needs. https://huecu.org

Transportation: 50% discounted MBTA pass as well as additional options to assist employees in their daily commute.

Wellness options: A variety of programs and classes at little or no cost, including stress management, massages, nutrition, meditation and complimentary health services.

Access to athletic facilities, libraries, campus events and many discounts throughout metro Boston.

Learn more: https://hr.harvard.edu/totalrewards

Accessibility:

Harvard University IT plays an important role in supporting Harvard's commitment by seeking to create, procure and deploy technologies that are accessible to all, including and especially those who live with disability. Harvard welcomes individuals with disabilities to apply for positions and participate in its programs and activities. If you would like to request accommodations or have questions about the physical access provided, please contact our University Disability Resources Department.