Accessibility Copywriter

As a community of over 800 researchers, practitioners, consultants, and administrative professionals from all backgrounds and life experiences, we are committed to making a qualitative difference in the lives of youth, children, and adults. We conduct and apply research, develop evidence-based solutions, and provide consulting services across the country in both rural and urban communities to improve equitable outcomes for individuals from infancy through adulthood. Serving as trusted partners in the areas of education, health, and justice, our teams enhance capacity within communities and school districts to prioritize impact — asking the right questions, customizing methodologies, developing relevant tools, and implementing best practices specific to a diverse range of stakeholder needs.

Furthering diversity, equity, and inclusion is core to who we are and how we work. We are committed to working with our clients to illuminate and address disparities, value and elevate diverse voices, and ensure equitable access to our resources and services. Please review our Commitment to Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion.

Come and join us!

SPECIAL NOTICE REGARDING THE WORK LOCATION OF THIS POSITION—Currently, all staff at WestEd are working from home until further notice. Although a remote option may have been listed as one location option for this position, the default location for all WestEd positions is in one of WestEd’s offices. However, candidates may submit a request to work from home.

As of December 8, 2021, all WestEd employees are required to provide proof of full COVID-19 vaccination. New employees will be required to provide proof of full vaccination no later than December 8. If you want to be considered for a medical or religious exemption, you will have an opportunity to provide appropriate documentation.

The Opportunity

The Early Childhood Integrated Systems and Policies team is seeking an entry-level, part-time Accessibility Copywriter responsible for proofreading, copyediting, and formatting alternative text and audio descriptive scripts following style guides and brand identity requirements.

The Accessibility Copywriter will support the digital strategist and project teams to deliver high-quality digital products following overall quality assurance processes. The position requires a deep understanding of WCAG 2.1 and ADA 508 Compliance and experience applying accessibility writing in Microsoft Office and Adobe Acrobat.

The Accessibility Copywriter must have effective communication skills and excellent writing skills.

Core Focus Areas

Author appropriate alternative text and audio descriptive scripts for digital media such as photos, illustrations, and video clips using plain language techniques
Understand California state agencies’ interpretation of the WCAG 2.1 accessibility requirements and be able to navigate the related implications on accessibility writing
Collaborate with designers, content writers, digital strategist, 508 compliance specialists, and other professionals
Ensure style guidelines and brand identity requirements on language are realized
Use SEO principles to maximize accessibility
Using accessibility standards, edit and proofread alternative text, audio descriptive scripts, or other copy in various digital formats
Manage multiple tasks and priorities under tight timelines

What We're Looking For

BS/BA in English, Journalism, Education, or related field
Proven experience authoring alternative text and audio descriptive scripts, copywriting, or related role
Ability to work with high levels of concentration and accuracy under tight timelines
Excellent, reliable, and consistent proofreading and copyediting skills
Excellent and reliable communications skills
Understanding of WCAG 2.1 and ADA 508 Compliance accessibility requirements
Working knowledge of Microsoft Office and Adobe Acrobat, especially track-changes editing and accessibility functionality
Experience with accessibility standards and guidelines (WCAG, WAI-ARIA) and assessing digital materials to meet standards

Note: Visa sponsorship is not available for this position. Successful candidates must be authorized to work in the United States.

SALARY AND BENEFITS: Salary for this role is competitive, set at a WestEd level E, and commensurate with experience. WestEd offers a generous benefits package including medical, dental, and vision coverage, as well as Life, AD&D and Disability insurance. We also offer various retirement plan options and Flexible Spending Accounts for medical, childcare, and commuter expenses. WestEd offers generous paid holidays and paid time off (PTO), among other benefits.

Committed to the diversity of race, ethnicities, perspectives, and opportunities, WestEd offers a variety of social and professional learning communities, such as Employee Resources groups, the Data Intelligence, Insights, and Innovation PLC, and the WestEd Parent Community, just to name a few. We hope you’ll consider joining us to build better schools, communities, learning pathways, and more!

Equal Opportunity Employer/Protected Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities

The contractor will not discharge or in any other manner discriminate against employees or applicants because they have inquired about, discussed, or disclosed their own pay or the pay of another employee or applicant. However, employees who have access to the compensation information of other employees or applicants as a part of their essential job functions cannot disclose the pay of other employees or applicants to individuals who do not otherwise have access to compensation information, unless the disclosure is (a) in response to a formal complaint or charge, (b) in furtherance of an investigation, proceeding, hearing, or action, including an investigation conducted by the employer, or (c) consistent with the contractor’s legal duty to furnish information. 41 CFR 60-1.35(c)