Job Description

Academic Technology Support Services within the Office of Information Technology supports faculty in producing instructional content and learning tools for high-quality face-to-face, online, and blended courses. We currently offer the opportunity for a talented academic technologist to support our services and provide expertise to ensure accessibility for all learners, including those with disabilities.

This position reports to the manager of academic technology and will be a part of one or more cross- functional teams in a matrix-managed organization. Successful candidates will possess an ability to interact with instructors of various knowledge and comfort levels, ambition for continuous improvement and high performance standards, and experience with web accessibility standards and assistive technologies for effective consultation and implementation of instructional content and web applications.

The Accessibility Specialist is responsible for ensuring digital learning materials and online experiences meet accessibility standards and regulations.

Job Responsibilities:


Methodically assess and report on accessibility status of digital learning materials and technology-enabled learning experiences, including vendor resources.
Work with faculty and staff to produce, design, or assist in the development of compliant digital learning materials .
Assist in developing technical remediation plans for improving the accessibility of digital learning.
Recommend disability-related accommodations or technology-driven solutions.
Manage bulk conversion of inaccessible material into accessible versions.
Develop training materials and conduct workshops on accessibility guidelines as well as assist staff and/or faculty in accessibility conversion.
Consult with, train, and assist faculty and team members on web accessibility; convert digital materials, including HTML and multimedia formats that conform with Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) for purposes of course design and development.
Analyze and document interactive web-based learning software for accessibility; oversee content and course auditing program to document compliance with the University’s accessibility policy.
Provide faculty and staff recommendations on alternative approaches to providing course content based on universal design principles.
Learn new applications, technologies and skills through hands-on experimentation and direct application to client needs.
Be actively involved in academic technology ecosystems at the University.
May be asked to function as team and project lead and provides training and guidance to less experienced staff.

Qualifications
***Please document qualifications on resume***


Required Qualifications:

Bachelor’s degree and at least two years of experience or master's degree.
Understanding of inclusive design principles, guidelines, and relevant policies, including web and IT accessibility standards.
Knowledge of and interest in leading-edge academic technologies (e.g., mobile, open content, learning analytics, etc.) as well as universal design and accessibility/disability issues related to academic technology, multimedia, and education.
Preferred Qualifications:

Demonstrated expertise with web-based standards such as WCAG 2.2 and ePub3.
Web Accessibility Specialist (WAS) Certification.
Demonstrated knowledge of the implementation of WCAG 2.0 for instructional purposes.
Experience producing or assessing digital instructional materials that adhere to accessibility standards (WCAG 2.x, Sections 504 and 508 of the Rehabilitation Act, WAI-ARIA, UAAG, and ATAG).
Experience with accessibility evaluation tools such as Chrome & FireFox accessibility developer tools, UDOIT, Anthology Ally.
Experience teaching or training users (instructors, staff, students) on effective uses of technologies.
Experience with assistive technologies (eg, JAWS, NVDA, VoiceOver, Zoomtext, MAGic, Read & Write Gold and Microsoft Immersive Reader, braille keyboards, embossers, textbook conversion, speech recognition, captioning, etc) and various accessibility tools.
Solid understanding of and appreciation for higher education, especially the role of a land-grant research university.
Demonstrated commitment to equity, diversity, inclusion and access.
Benefits
Working at the University

At the University of Minnesota, you’ll find a flexible work environment and supportive colleagues who are interested in lifelong learning. We prioritize work-life balance, allowing you to invest in the future of your career and in your life outside of work.

The University also offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes:

Competitive wages, paid holidays, and generous time off
Continuous learning opportunities through professional training and degree-seeking programs supported by the Regents Tuition Benefit Program
Low-cost medical, dental, and pharmacy plans
Healthcare and dependent care flexible spending accounts
University HSA contributions
Disability and employer-paid life insurance
Employee wellbeing program
Excellent retirement plans with employer contribution
Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) opportunity
Financial counseling services
Employee Assistance Program with eight sessions of counseling at no cost
Employee Transit Pass with free or reduced rates in the Twin Cities metro area