Accessibility Technologist

The Accessibility Technologist is the technology leader on campus to proactively and systemically support, assess and provide technical direction for the implementation and maintenance of accessible technologies at Mines. The Accessibility Technologist will assist with new and on-going accessibility efforts for a broad portfolio of technologies, including the Mines website, learning management system, educational technology tools, academic course materials and more. The incumbent is the hands-on technical expert working directly with campus partners to identify, remediate and educate on digital accessibility challenges and opportunities. They are an individual who has a passion for digital accessibility and are excited by the opportunity to contribute to Mines’ efforts to create and sustain an inclusive digital environment for our faculty, staff, students and visitors. They will support the Information and Technology Solutions (ITS), Disability Support Services (DSS), the Office of Compliance, the Trefny Innovative Instruction Center, and other departments understand how to build, buy, and implement accessible technology. They will host dialogues on accessible technology, developing useful resources and tools, and helping implement policies that promote the accessibility of Mines technologies. They will take the lead in developing standards of practice and uniform business processes that create repeatable and meaningful impacts on the level of compliance of technology to accessibility laws and national standards.
RESPONSIBILITIES:
Digital Technologies Support

• Develop, implement and support campus accessibility technology standards, best practices and uniform business processes to create repeatable and meaningful impacts on the level of compliance of technology to accessibility laws and national standards.

• Develop processes and schedules to audit and assess existing technologies for accessibility compliance issues or concerns

• Organize and manage projects to remediate and improve accessibility of large-scale technologies including the Mines website, video hosting/captioning, LMS, e-textbooks, etc.

• Provide technical guidance and strategies to ensure the Mines’ websites are inclusive and optimized for a variety of audiences and their diverse needs.

• Create and implement strategies that promotes continuous improvement of Mines’ accessibility status and advances our community towards broader accessibility and inclusivity goals.

• Maintain and track inventory of dedicated accessibility hardware and software; selecting, designing, fitting, customizing, adapting, applying, retaining, repairing, or replacing of hardware and software as needed.

• Keep up to date on new requirements/regulations surrounding web/online course content/materials as they are issued by the Office of Civil Rights, Federal Government, U.S. Access Board, etc. (e.g., ICT Standards and Guidelines, WCAG 2.0, etc.).

• As a member of the Mines Accessibility Committee, provide guidance, information and support to campus constituents regarding their technical and functional accessibility needs and help develop, communicate and execute policies, procedures and remediation plans.

• Provide accessibility training to various campus stakeholders, including students, staff, faculty and executives.

• Create and communicate training materials and documentation to enhance and advocate for accessibility awareness.

• Serve as a campus accessibility technology expert for a variety of projects, committees and teams by providing insight and expertise on potential accessibility concerns and methods to mitigate or resolve issues.

• Develop processes for evaluating technology assets, platforms, and services for their ability to comply with accessibility standards. The incumbent will organize and prioritize accessibility

Instructional Technology Support

• Collaborate with Disability Support Services to evaluate and accommodate the needs of students with disabilities to ensure equitable access to academic technologies and materials- including alternative text and other specific resources.

• Evaluate, test, document and report on accessibility of new and existing instructional tools and make recommendations regarding best practices for various use cases.

• Remediate course materials and resources (PDFs, publisher content, Canvas tools, instructor development content) to ensure minimum levels of accessibility.

• Develop best practices for providing universally designed STEM learning experiences.

• Find solutions for meeting accessibility requirements for complex images, graphs, simulations, and other STEM related materials.

• Collaborate with Trefny Innovative Instruction Center staff to provide faculty training and

• Provide faculty training and awareness on how to make content accessible, relevant to Federal requirements (ADA, 504, 508, etc.) and any legal implications for the institution faculty members.

• Keep up to date on new requirements/regulations surrounding web/online course content/materials as the Office of Civil Rights issues them, Federal Government, U.S. Access Board, etc. (e.g., ICT Standards and Guidelines, WCAG 2.0, etc.).

Application and Client Support

• Keep current in and develop a working knowledge of a variety of computer hardware and software programs to assess and recommend the appropriate systems.

• Work one-on-one with users and developers to provide hands-on testing and support of accessibility tools.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:
Bachelor’s degree in Instructional Technology or related discipline, business administration and/or a field related to engineering, technology or computer science. Individuals without a degree may be considered if they demonstrate possession of substantially the same knowledge level as found in a degree but have attained the advanced knowledge through a combination of work experience and intellectual instruction.

Three years of relevant work experience in web accessibility, or web design/development.

ABOUT MINES & GOLDEN, CO:
Mines is consistently ranked among the top engineering colleges in the United States and ranks number one as the best public school in the state for best value colleges. Mines is located in the heart of Golden, Colorado, a western suburb of Denver. The campus location offers a small-town ambiance with close proximity to all that the Denver metropolitan area has to offer with an abundance of cultural events, museums, theaters and sporting venues. An arid climate and an average 300 days of sunshine per year make the area an ideal place to live, work and play. We seek individuals who value a diverse and inclusive community – offering different perspectives, experiences, and cultures that enrich the educational and work experience.
EQUAL OPPORTUNITY:
Colorado School of Mines is committed to equal opportunity for all persons. Mines does not discriminate on the basis of age, sex, gender (including gender identity and gender expression), ancestry, creed, marital status, race, ethnicity, religion, national origin, disability, sexual orientation, genetic information, veteran status or current military service. Further, Mines does not retaliate against community members for filing complaints regarding or implicating any of these protected statuses.

Mines’ commitment to nondiscrimination, affirmative action, equal opportunity and equal access is reflected in the administration of its policies, procedures, programs and activities and in its efforts to achieve a diverse student body and workforce.

Through its policies, procedures and resources, Mines complies with federal law, Colorado state law, administrative regulations, executive orders and other legal requirements to prevent discrimination (including harassment or retaliation) within the Mines campus community and to address potential allegations of inequity or concerns for safety.

PAY RANGE:
$88,700 - $98,100

Mines takes into consideration a combination of candidate’s education, training and experience as well as the position’s scope and complexity, the discretion and latitude required in the role, work location, and external market and internal value when determining a salary level for potential new employees.

TOTAL REWARDS: Mines is proud to provide exceptional benefits that include pay, health & wellness and work/life balance offerings. Our portfolio of benefits includes medical, dental, vision, disability insurance, flexible spending accounts, life insurance, and retirement savings plans. Additionally, Mines employees are eligible for tuition benefits (for employees and dependents), generous paid holidays and leaves and discount programs. For more information, visit Mines benefits.
HOW TO APPLY: Applicants will be asked to complete an online application (personal information, demographic information, references, veterans status) and upload a resume and cover letter (required). References will not be contacted until later in the selection process and you will be informed before that contact is made.