Senior Specialist, Digital Accessibility

Job Family
Information Technology

Responsible for the design, implementation, and maintenance of new and existing applications, systems architecture, and network infrastructure. Ensures operation and security of all servers and networks. Configures, installs, maintains and upgrades applications and hardware for the organization's infrastructure and for end-user devices.

Career Track and Job Level
Learning Technology

Leads the development, deployment, and support of information technology products and services used in teaching and learning.

P2: Requires knowledge and experience in own discipline; still acquiring higher-level knowledge and skills. Builds knowledge of the organization, processes and customers. Solves a range of straightforward problems. Analyzes possible solutions using standard procedures. Receives a moderate level of guidance and direction.

Role Impact
Individual Contributor

Responsibilities
The job provides professional support and solves straightforward problems in the development, deployment, and support of information technology products and services used in teaching and learning.

1) With some direction from others, performs a variety of IT activities supporting an e-learning environment, such as designing curriculum content., 2) Analyzes resources and services ranging from basic online courses to application of technology in teaching. This competence is developed by performing structured work assignments., 3) Monitors and analyzes trends, identifies opportunities, and explores innovative approaches to teaching and learning problems. Works with other units across campus to aggregate services in an academic context., 4) Identifies existing content and converts it into an e-learning environment, then creates user support materials., 5) Performs other related work as needed.

Unit-Specific Responsibilities
1) Ensures that technology-based tools and resources are accessible to and usable by any individual who participates in the University of Chicago’s programs, services and activities.

2) Collaborates across campus to resolve technological access barriers in the curricular, information and employment environments.
3) Partners with Student Disability Services and the Office for Access and Equity in solving individual student and employee information and technology access problems, conducts system and user need analysis and plans, designs, analyzes, tests and implements accessibility solution.
4) Consults on the development and implementation of accessible websites, enterprise level systems, online instruction platforms, and other information technology.
5) Develops and implements training opportunities, processes, checklists, and how-to documents to support an accessible campus EIT environment.
6) Provides technical guidance regarding the accessibility of University applications, systems analysis, design, development and implementation of accessible systems.
7) Recommends accessibility standards and techniques based on current trends, including testing standards, tools, and methods.
8) Develops tracking systems, evaluates results and creates reports.

9) Evaluates new software before purchase; confers with vendors, buyers and department representatives; identifies accommodation solutions if access problems are identified in selected software.
10) Responds to user-reported accessibility issues. Works with user and developers, if necessary, to determine a solution in a timely manner and documents solution.

Unit-Preferred Competencies
1) Skilled in using programming and scripting languages, analyzing and responding to user requests; writing technical and functional documentation; conducting applications technology research and implementing appropriate testing and documentation protocols.
2) Knowledge of applications programming theory, principles and practices; software development life cycle; current and emerging application programming and scripting languages; current and emerging technology, service protocols and standards.
3) Knowledge of assistive technologies hardware and software on multiple platforms including Windows, Mac, iOS and Android; knowledge of designing and testing methodologies on each platform.
4) Knowledge of accessibility standards and guidelines (WCAG 2.0, Section 508, ARIA); accessibility auditing and testing tools and strategies including but not limited to VPAT and WCAG 2.0 validation toolsets.
5) Ability to effectively communicate technical concepts and solutions verbally and in writing to both technical and non-technical audiences.
6) Strong understanding of IT accessibility as it relates to the higher education environment.

Working Conditions

1) Standard office environment

Education, Experience, and Certifications
Minimum requirements include a college or university degree in related field.

Minimum requirements include knowledge and skills developed through 2-5 years of work experience in a related job discipline.

Preferred Qualifications

Education

1) Bachelor's degree in (e.g. Information Science, Information Design, Computer Science,
Human Computer Interaction (HCI), Instructional Design, Quality Assurance, Learning
Technology, Assistive Technology, etc.) related field.

Experience

1) Minimum five years of experience in assistive technology application, training, and
assessment including experience in assessing accessibility compliance and creating
strategies to meet legal requirements.

2) Minimum two years of experience selecting and supporting accessibility software.
3) Minimum two years of experience auditing websites for accessibility.

4) Experience with HTML/XHTML, CSS, JavaScript, PHP, XML and web content
management systems.
5) Experience with accessibility standards and guidelines (WCAG 2.0, Section 508, ARIA);
accessibility auditing and testing tools, techniques, and strategies, including but not
limited to VPAT and WCAG 2.0 validation toolsets.
6) Experience working in a higher education environment.
7) Experience with assistive technologies hardware and software on multiple platforms
including Windows, Mac, iOS and Android; knowledge of designing and testing
methodologies on each platform.