Web Authoring Tools Accessibility Specialist

The W3C Web Accessibility Initiative (WAI) is looking for a full-time staff member, based in Europe, as a Web Authoring Tools Accessibility Specialist.

Accessibility support in web authoring tools is essential to achieving and maintaining accessible desktop and mobile websites and applications. This is an opportunity for a unique individual to be part of the team responsible for designing internationally recognized strategies, standards, and resources to make the Web accessible for people with disabilities. As the recognized leader for technical developments of the World Wide Web, W3C is seeking an individual with applied expertise in the design, development, and configuration of a wide range of authoring tools, as well as in accessibility requirements for people with different disabilities using a wide range of technologies. This includes excellent understanding of the WAI Guidelines, including WCAG, ATAG, and their supporting resources, passion for educating others on accessibility support in authoring tools, and enthusiasm for the mission and spirit of W3C.

Responsibilities
The individual will lead the design and development of industry-specific technical guidance on accessibility support in web authoring tools, and promote uptake and implementation of ATAG for accessible web and mobile content authoring. The individual will be responsible for evolving technical and educational resources as primary editor through the W3C consensus process, in close coordination with relevant W3C/WAI working groups, in particular the Education and Outreach Working Group (EOWG) and the Accessibility Guidelines Working Group (AGWG). The work includes designing and drafting the resources based on careful analyses and input from the working groups. It also includes leading guided discussions through the open, distributed, collaborative, and iterative process, as well as coordinating with a broad variety of stakeholders.

Requirements
Proven expertise in the design, development, and configuration of web authoring tools;
Applied knowledge of WCAG, ATAG, and related the W3C technical specifications;
In-depth understanding of the technical and educational resources from W3C/WAI;
Proven expertise in designing and editing educational materials on digital accessibility;
Applied experience in promoting, advocating, and campaigning for digital accessibility;
Proven ability to work in a cross-disability setting following universal design principles;
Proven ability in technical writing and negotiation, and in building trust and consensus;
Excellent oral and written communication skills in English (samples requested);
Ability to work independently with remote peers in a highly distributed setting;
Unrestricted European Union working permit and ability to travel internationally;
A master’s degree or equivalent in a relevant field of study highly recommended;
Experience in working in an international and distributed organization is a plus.
Work is for a period of three years, as part of the WAI-Guide Project.

This position is affiliated with the European Research Consortium for Informatics and Mathematics (ERCIM), the W3C host for Europe, in Sophia Antipolis, France. Remote work-from-home might be acceptable in specific circumstances.