Web Editor & Digital Accessibility Specialist

Dakota State University is seeking a skilled and dynamic Web Editor & Digital Accessibility Specialist to join our team. The successful candidate will play a pivotal role in managing and enhancing the university’s public websites and internal intranet, ensuring digital accessibility compliance, optimizing site performance, and leading strategic initiatives. This role requires a blend of technical expertise, creative content creation, and strong project management skills.

Key Responsibilities:

Content and Design Management: Utilize expertise in CMS products, including SharePoint, Cascade, and WordPress, to design, develop, and maintain innovative and user-friendly web applications. Ensure seamless integration of content updates and feature enhancements. Oversee and execute updates to the DSU.edu website ensuring accuracy, relevance, and consistency across all pages. Provide content including graphics, images, video, and embedded elements and APIs.
Digital Accessibility Coordination: Lead efforts to ensure DSU websites comply with accessibility standards, providing guidance and training on automated testing and manual testing (using screen readers and keyboard navigation). Identify and remediate accessibility issues, ensuring compliance with OCR requirements.
Site and Search Engine Optimization: Implement search optimization techniques to enhance the visibility and usability of DSU web applications. Utilize tools such as Google Analytics to analyze website traffic and user behavior, providing insights for continuous improvement in SEO strategies. Utilize tools like SiteImprove for comprehensive site audits, identifying opportunities for improvement in SEO, accessibility, and overall site performance.
User Experience Design: Collaborate with stakeholders to lead the strategic vision for the DSU website, spanning design, development, implementation, and optimization. Conduct research, define project roadmaps, and establish requirements to ensure a seamless user experience.
Web Governance and Security: Provide expertise in web governance, assisting in the creation and updating of policies to ensure compliance with industry standards and best practices. Collaborate with IT teams to develop and implement processes to ensure the security and integrity of DSU web applications.
Intranet (Portal Replacement) Project Leadership: Lead the planning, development, and implementation of the university’s Intranet Project, overseeing all aspects of the project lifecycle and ensuring alignment with strategic objectives.
Quality Assurance: Conduct regular audits and usability testing to identify and address technical issues, broken links, and usability barriers. Implement solutions to improve website functionality and user experience.
Training and Support: Provide training and support to content contributors, website administrators, and project team members on digital accessibility best practices, CMS usage, and SEO optimization techniques.

Qualifications:

Bachelor’s degree in communications, Information Technology, or related field.
Proven experience (3+ years) in web content management, digital accessibility coordination, SEO, and UX design.
Proficiency in content management systems such as Cascade, WordPress, and tools like SiteImprove for site optimization.
Strong understanding of digital accessibility standards (WCAG), automated testing tools, and manual testing methodologies.
Experience leading web-related projects, including research, and execution.
Excellent communication and project management skills.
Ability to work collaboratively with cross-functional teams and prioritize tasks in a fast-paced environment.
Must be authorized to work in the U.S. Sponsorship is not available for this position.

Benefits:

Flexible benefits package – including paid time off, health and retirement benefits
Life and disability insurance options
Reduced tuition, longevity pay and training opportunities
Professional liability coverage

How to Apply:

DSU accepts applications through an on-line employment site. To apply, visit https://yourfuture.sdbor.edu. Please submit a cover letter, resume, unofficial transcripts, and a list of at least three references.

Applications will begin to be reviewed immediately and continue until the position is filled.

About Dakota State University:

In addition to the exciting professional opportunities at Dakota State University, employees will have the privilege of enjoying the benefits of Madison, South Dakota. Nestled in the heart of the state, Madison offers a unique blend of small-town charm and modern amenities, creating an ideal environment for work-life balance.

The city boasts a range of recreational activities, from picturesque parks to outdoor events, fostering a sense of community engagement and well-being. Madison’s scenic landscapes and proximity to nearby lakes provide ample opportunities for outdoor enthusiasts, whether it be fishing, hiking, or simply enjoying the beauty of the great outdoors.

Madison’s location within South Dakota provides easy access to larger cities, cultural events, and regional attractions. Madison is only a short 50 minute drive from South Dakota’s largest city, Sioux Falls.

Equal Employment Opportunity:
DSU is committed to equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local laws.

Applicants with disabilities are invited to identify any necessary accommodations required in the application process. E-Verify, EOE.