Statewide EIR Accessibility Program Administrator - Digital Accessibility

THE OPPORTUNITY
The Texas Department of Information Resources is the state agency charged with protecting the state’s data and critical technology infrastructure, managing a multi-million dollar cooperative contracts program, and providing strategic technology leadership, solutions, and innovation to all levels of Texas government. DIR is a fast-paced and collaborative environment with highly motivated and engaged employees dedicated to achieving the best value for the state.

This is a leadership position for the statewide electronic and information resources (EIR) accessibility program. The individual selected for this position serves as the subject matter expert (SME) who understands the importance of ensuring communications, technology, websites, and digital services are accessible for customers and employees with disabilities. The position performs advanced to highly advanced (senior-level) consultative services to state agencies and institutions of higher education. Responsibilities include collaborating with DIR staff to develop or enhance processes that advance EIR accessibility goals for the state. This position works under limited to minimal supervision, with considerable to extensive latitude for the use of initiative and independent judgment.

WHAT WE DO
The ideal candidate will have the ability to highlight their strengths in the following functions:
Performs of a variety of technical, training, research, planning, policy, and administrative activities for the statewide EIR Accessibility program in support of statewide EIR accessibility goals.
Provides communication, outreach, and education to assist state agencies and institutions of higher education with understanding of and compliance with Texas EIR accessibility laws and administrative rule; provides and maintains current, relevant EIR accessibility content for DIR website.
Coordinates, conducts, and monitors surveys, studies, and specialized projects to improve statewide EIR accessibility including the EIR accessibility portion of the information resources deployment review and accessibility survey of institutions of higher education; prepares reports and recommends best practices to improve statewide EIR accessibility.
Represents DIR as the statewide EIR Accessibility SME by making presentations, participating in working groups, and collaborating as a technical advisor to advance EIR accessibility.
Collects, organizes, analyzes, and prepares material in response to requests for information about EIR accessibility standards, best practices, compliance, and requirements.
Researches, reviews, evaluates, recommends, and develops standards, policies, guidance, and procedures to facilitate statewide EIR accessibility.
Serves as an internal resource and SME on EIR accessibility matters for activities including rulemaking, procurement, and policy development.
Performs related duties as assigned.

EDUCATION
Graduation from an accredited four-year college or university with a degree in information systems management, communications, business, public administration, or related field.
Additional work-related experience may be substituted for education on a year-for-year basis.
High School diploma required.

EXPERIENCE & TRAINING REQUIRED
Minimum of five (5) years of experience working with multiple stakeholders and customers, implementing outreach and education programs, and managing projects.

EXPERIENCE & TRAINING PREFERRED
Progressive experience with EIR accessibility programs or Information and Communications Technology (ICT) accessibility.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS & ABILITIES
Knowledge of state and federal accessibility laws related to the use and application of technology in Texas government and institutions of higher education.
Knowledge of public administration, program management, research methods, and program evaluation techniques.
Strong skills in consensus-building, problem-solving and teamwork with ability to reach outcomes that gain the support and acceptance of all parties.
Skills in working on high visibility projects with multiple stakeholders with ability to plan, organize, coordinate, monitor and evaluate multiple priorities.
Proven ability to plan, develop, implement, and continuously improve education, outreach, and training programs.
Ability to gather, assemble, correlate, document, and analyze facts in support of decisions, evaluations, and data produced for reports.
Ability to prepare reports and respond to requests for information in a timely manner.
Ability to develop, evaluate, document, and interpret policies and procedures.
Ability to exercise courtesy, tact, and diplomacy including the ability to exercise discretion when handling confidential information.
Ability to establish and maintain effective and cordial working relationships at all organizational levels, including agency management, direct supervisors, co-workers, internal, and external customers.
Ability to work independently and as part of a team, and to support and contribute to a cohesive team environment.
Ability to understand, follow, and convey brief oral and/or written instructions.
Ability to communicate both verbally and in writing; in a clear and concise manner, and to make presentations to a wide range of audiences.
Ability to work a flexible schedule to meet required deadlines.
Ability to work under pressure and exacting schedules to complete assigned tasks.
Ability to comply with all agency policies and applicable laws.
Ability to comply with all applicable safety rules, regulations, and standards.

COMPUTER SKILLS
Experience using a personal computer and related applications to complete work assignments (Microsoft Word, Excel and PowerPoint, Microsoft Outlook email preferred).

OTHER REQUIREMENTS
Regular and punctual attendance.
Criminal background check.

WORK ENVIRONMENT
Frequent use of personal computer, copiers, printers, and telephones.
Frequent standing, walking, sitting, listening, and public speaking.
Occasional bending and stooping.
Frequent work under stress, as a team member, and in direct contact with others.
Occasional lifting and climbing.