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 actively supports hybrid work where business and team needs allow. Additional detail 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.

Job Function
Information Technology

Location
USA - MA - Cambridge

Job Code
I0758P Applications Professional IV

Sub-Unit
-

Department
Academic Technology

Time Status
Full-time

Salary Grade
058

Union
00 - Non Union, Exempt or Temporary

Pre-Employment Screening
Education, Identity

Commitment to Equity, Diversity, Inclusion, and Belonging
Harvard University views equity, diversity, inclusion, and belonging as the pathway to achieving inclusive excellence and fostering a campus culture where everyone can thrive. We strive to create a community that draws upon the widest possible pool of talent to unify excellence and diversity while fully embracing individuals from varied backgrounds, cultures, races, identities, life experiences, perspectives, beliefs, and values.

EEO Statement
We are an equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, gender identity, sexual orientation, pregnancy and pregnancy-related conditions, or any other characteristic protected by law.