Head of Digital Accessibility- 2 year fixed term contract

We have an exciting opportunity to join the IT Services Department as the Head of Digital Accessibility. You will be working in the newly formed Digital Governance Unit to develop and implement an institutional wide digital accessibility strategy.

We are open to discussing this position in terms of flexible working between office and home.

IT Services is a key department that ensures that the University has robust, reliable and high-performing IT facilities it requires to support the distinctive needs of those engaged in teaching, learning, research and administration. We value and recognise our own and the contribution of others, creating a great culture to work in and a place where we all feel we belong.

What we offer

As an employer, we genuinely care about our employees’ wellbeing and this is reflected in the range of benefits that we offer including:

An excellent contributory pension scheme
38 days annual leave
A comprehensive range of childcare services
Family leave schemes
Cycle loan scheme
Discounted bus travel and Season Ticket travel loans
Membership to a variety of social and sports clubs

About the role

As the Head of Digital Accessibility, you will be expected to work with stakeholders across the University. The role will report into and work closely with the newly appointed Head of User Experience. You will be responsible for defining a clear digital accessibility strategy for The University of Oxford and developing a sustainable roadmap for delivery. You will establish a digital accessibility team to provide flexible expert support across the University and oversee a programme of cultural change to embed accessibility in all digital activities.

Key responsibilities include:

Develop digital accessibility organisational strategy, governance and priorities
Support delivery teams, content creators, programmes and projects to create user-centric, inclusive and accessible digital services
Lead a cultural shift that embeds accessibility in all digital focused projects, committees, policies and strategies
Understand and own the overall approach to digital accessibility risk and compliance
Determine and enforce an expected baseline of digital accessibility compliance, capability and expertise across the University’s digital estate

About you

To excel in this role you should:

Be a proven leader and subject matter expert on digital accessibility and UK disability law, particularly in relation to public sector bodies.
Have experience developing institutional digital accessibility strategies and confident leading on organizational change
Be comfortable communicating with a wide range of stakeholders, building consensus and managing expectations.
Have a working knowledge of WCAG 2.2 and an understanding of industry practices around digital accessibility testing and auditing

Application process

You will be required to upload a covering letter/supporting statement, CV and the details of two referees as part of your online application.

If you experience any difficulties when completing your application, please contact the Recruitment Support team at recruitment.support@admin.ox.ac.uk

The closing date for applications is 12 noon on Monday 8th April.

Interviews will take place on Monday 15th and Thursday 18th April and will take place both in person in Central Oxford and virtually on Microsoft Teams.