Manager, Accessibility

Job Description

The manager of accessibility will lead and develop a team within WGU’s Academic Programs department. The individual will ensure accessibility standards and processes are applied to the design and development of programs and courses. The individual will ensure that all students have an exceptional student experience regardless of ability level. The manager will effectively influence change in a highly matrixed organization while ensuring timelines and objectives of departmental strategies and initiatives are met in a timely manner.

Develops and enforces standards for evaluating media content in courses for issues related to accessibility in support of projected Academic Programs’ growth
Ensures majority of courses meet WGU accessibility standards and provides plan for migrating remaining courses to WGU accessibility standards
Consults with cross-functional teams regarding accessibility concerns, fostering the development and implementation of more inclusive digital learning solutions
Advocates for inclusivity, UDL, and accessibility across WGU curriculum and assessment to promote success for all students

Maintains up-to-date knowledge of current regulations and requirements for institutions, states and federal entities, best practices in UDL and accessibility, including WCAG, ADA, Sections 504 and 508, etc.
Conducts up-to-date accessibility/UDL related workshops, trainings, webinars, other professional development opportunities
Identifies process improvements that will result in the best potential outcomes for all stakeholders
Researches business strategies and recommends best practices and changes in technology related to the performance of accessibility in Academic Programs initiatives
Collaborates with internal teams for compliance and training to ensure best practices in design and development
Maintains open communication lines with cross-functional teams so that appropriate decisions can be made towards the creation of quality and inclusive digital solutions or alternatives for all learners in a timely manner
Ensures overall quality, consistency, and functionality of all work by team members to ensure a high level of performance and engagement of all team members
Provides measurable feedback to direct reports and suggestions for improved performance
Holds direct reports accountable to performance metrics




Required Skills

Strong knowledge of ADA, Section 504, and Section 508 legislation; accessibility guidelines, including WCAG, ATAG, UAAG, and WAI-ARIA; and UDL principles
Ability to organize, coordinate, and direct team activities and results
Ability to coach and develop direct reports
Ability to work effectively in a highly matrixed organization
Ability to build relationships and influence at all levels
Ability to be an agent of change in a rapidly changing environment
Proven ability to analyze data to identify trends and drive innovative process improvement
Sound judgement and decision-making skills


Required Experience

3+ years leading and managing people, teams, or projects
Higher education experience (preferred)
Bachelor’s degree (master’s degree preferred)
Strong experience leading accessibility compliance initiatives