Web Accessibility Specialist

Are we right for you?:
We set the bar higher by bringing our unique talents and point of view to the table every day. We are curious and comfortable with change and are willing to take risks to transform education. Most importantly, with everything we do, we put learning first.
What You'll Do Here::

The Web Accessibility Specialist is responsible for technical development support and promotion of Cengage’s aspiration to create inclusive, accessible learning experiences, with a focus on web accessibility. The Web Accessibility Specialist serves as the Learning Center of Excellence’s technical accessibility subject matter expert for web accessibility – providing consultation for the design, production, and modification of digital media for Cengage product and platform teams to promote compliance with WCAG 2.1 standards. This role is critical to identifying accessibility barriers in digital products and proposing solutions to overcome them.

The Web Accessibility Specialist plays a critical role in communicating clear and consistent messaging involving web accessibility to all stakeholders, implementing web accessibility processes and procedures, and helping implement accessibility best practice in platform and digital media development. The Web Accessibility Specialist will work closely with the Accessibility Manager to ensure product teams receive the training, ongoing development, and support required to design, produce, and deliver accessible digital products.

The Web Accessibility Specialist is an ambassador for Cengage’s commitment to inclusivity and accessibility both inside and outside of Cengage. Working in partnership with peers at Cengage is required to ensure stakeholders are aware of accessibility legislation and best practices that impact accessible web development, the organization and its products/platforms, and customers.
Responsibilities

Collaborates with sales, product, and platform teams regarding accessibility concerns within digital products, fostering the development of improved digital learning experiences.
Participates in accessibility evaluations of Cengage products, documenting results, and recommending improvements to enhance web accessibility.
Works directly with institutions to understand accessibility concerns and determine feasible solutions.
Collaborates with the Accessible Design Specialist to incorporate accessibility best practices and WCAG standards into Cengage products and platforms.
Participates in the creation of processes, procedures, and documentation related to web accessibility.
Provides web accessibility consultation and training for internal Cengage stakeholders.
Develops training resources related to web accessibility.
Provides consultation to Cengage product and platform teams, and vendors for developing accessible features and media.
Collaborates with external parties to establish resources and partnerships to enhance accessibility within Cengage digital media and platforms
Assists product and platform teams in prioritizing and planning web accessibility efforts based on WCAG and value to learners.
Collaborates with the Accessibility Coordinator to facilitate internal and external customer communication and support.
Assists in triaging incoming accessibility requests; monitors, investigates and responds to the requests submitted.
Performs preliminary accessibility audits with respect to customer concerns.
Participates in the creation of internal and external messaging regarding Cengage accessibility practices, philosophies, and vision.
Maintains knowledge of accessibility legislation and WCAG.
Participates in accessibility conferences, as needed.

Skills You Will Need Here::

Minimum of five years experience with accessible web development, including HTML, CSS, JavaScript, and ARIA.
Experience planning, designing, and producing accessible web content.
Demonstrated ability to develop or revise digital content to align to WCAG standards.
Experience testing manually and with commercial web accessibility tools and suggesting techniques for improvement.
Knowledge of ePub3 development.
Strong technical aptitude in creating accessible digital solutions for individuals with disabilities, preferably in higher education.
Experience with designing effective user experiences and user interfaces, specifically for learners requiring accommodations.
Strong knowledge of accessibility legislation, including ADA, Section 504, and Section 508.
Experience with assistive technologies for varying disabilities.
Strong training skills, with experience training on WCAG preferred.
Knowledge of the software development lifecycle.
Ability to be successful in a high-paced, demanding environment.
Exceptional communication and training skills
Strong interpersonal and soft skills.
Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
Self-driven with a strong ability to work independently.
Project management skills with experience in agile development.
Exceptional time management and attention to detail.
Strong organizational and multitasking skills.