Skip to main content

This job has expired

Accessibility Specialist

Posting Details



Job # 037786 Department Code 20661-5462 Department SU Libraries Job Title Accessibility Specialist Location Syracuse, NY Pay Range Commensurate with Experience Staff Level S5 FLSA Status Exempt Hours
Standard University business hours

8:30am – 5:00pm (academic year)

8:00am – 4:30pm (summer)

Hours may vary based on operational needs. Job Type Full-time Campus Syracuse, NY Unionized Position Code Not Applicable Job Description
The Accessibility Specialist is the IT accessibility expert for the Syracuse University Libraries. They recommend prioritization of current and future accessibility work including testing, documentation, and procurement to comply with University’s accessibility policy for hardware, software, content, and procurement. They partner with and advise the application development team to create accessible systems and provide recommended remediation for systems that don’t meet accessibility standards. Will develop, maintain, and document accessibility best practices for current and future systems and content across multiple audiences including IT developers, librarians, and staff. Perform as the libraries¿ primary contact for campus-wide IT accessibility teams and procurement process. Collaborate with subject librarians to manage and maintain the libraries¿ research guides and integration with the Learning Management System (Blackboard). Technical lead contact with third-party provider Springshare for the LibApps suite of software. Create workshops, tutorials, and videos to inform and train staff on new technologies and accessibility testing, etc. Stay current on WCAG 2.X/3.X, ADA Sections 504 and 508 policy, state, and federal agency accessibility best practices, etc. Qualifications
The Syracuse University Libraries is dedicated to an inclusive and equitable workforce. We are fully committed to hiring and developing diverse talent and believe deeply in equity, diversity of race/ethnicity, gender identity, abilities, veteran status, and all the other fascinating characteristics that make us different. We are committed to reducing physical barriers in the workspace and ensuring that all applicants and employees receive reasonable accommodations to perform the essential functions of any given role. We strongly encourage applicants who share these values to apply.
  • Bachelor’s degree in Information Technology or related field or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
  • Two years or more professional experience evaluating and applying accessibility standards to existing or new websites, systems, and content types.
  • IAAP CPACC / WAS and/or DHS Trusted Tester Certification for Web desired
  • Experience developing and delivering technology related training sessions (online and/or classroom)
Job Specific Qualifications
  • Exceptional interpersonal and communication skills
  • Ability to work cooperatively in a demanding and rapidly changing environment
  • Ability to work effectively in a collegial multi-disciplinary team environment to explore and promote the application of new technologies
  • Effective time management and organizational skills
  • Knowledge of and experience with web technologies including HTML5 / CSS3, PHP, Python, JavaScript, XSLT, XML, and JSON
  • Practical knowledge of WordPress and theme/plugin development
  • Expert knowledge of web accessibility best practices, technologies, and policies including WCAG 2.x/AA
  • Expert knowledge and experience with web accessibility testing tools such as Monsido and Wave.
  • Experience using and testing accessibility using screen reader technologies such as Jaws, NVDA and VoiceOver
  • Practical knowledge of accessibility features in Windows and Mac
  • Knowledge of contemporary issues in web development and responsive design
Responsibilities
IT Accessibility
  • IT accessibility expert for Libraries.
  • Responsible for testing and documenting system and content accessibility issues.
  • Partner with and advise application development team to create accessible systems and provide recommended remediation for systems that don’t meet accessibility standards.
  • Recommend prioritization of current and future accessibility work including testing, documentation, and procurement to comply with University’s accessibility policy for hardware, software, content, and procurement.
  • Develop, maintain, and document accessibility best practices (toolkit / guide) for current and future systems / content across multiple audiences including IT developers, librarians, and staff.
  • Collaborate with third party service web providers to ensure that their systems and content meets accessibility policies.
  • Collaborate with other accessibility experts on campus to share knowledge and expertise.
  • Provide guidance and leadership on accessibility issues with electronic resources and technologies use for learning and teaching to faculty, staff, and students.
  • Perform as the Libraries¿ primary contact for campus-wide IT accessibility teams and procurement (testing, submission, appeals) process.
Web Content Management and Support
  • Collaborate with subject librarians to manage and maintain the Libraries¿ research guides and integration with the Learning Management System (Blackboard). Perform as the technical lead contact with third-party provider Springshare for the LibApps suite of software.
  • Troubleshoot and resolve Libraries’ owned web content and website issues for usability and accessibility as reported by patrons and staff.
  • Utilize information design and interface design principles to recommend and support the Libraries’ web site development initiatives.
Training
  • Create workshops, tutorials, and videos to inform and train librarians and staff on new technologies and accessibility testing, remediation, and documentation.
  • Create system documentation as needed for new and existing systems.
  • Create user documentation including video for various user applications and tools.
Professional Development
  • Maintain awareness of professional developments, issues, and practices through research and activities that increase one’s knowledge and abilities, and that positively impact one’s performance.
  • Stay current on WCAG 2.0/3.0, ADA Sections 504 and 508 policy, and state and federal agency accessibility best practices, tools, and checklists
  • Participate in cross-functional library teams as assigned and work collaboratively and creatively to implement and enhance services that benefit the Libraries
  • Applying web accessibility standards and best practices
  • Inject appropriate emerging web-based technologies to advance project team goals
  • Scan horizon technology trends, standards, and issues in academic libraries and higher education and propose technologies for possible implementation
Physical Requirements Tools/Equipment Application Instructions
In addition to completing an online application, please attach a resume and cover letter. About Syracuse University
Syracuse University is a private, international research university with distinctive academics, diversely unique offerings and an undeniable spirit. Located in the geographic heart of New York State, with a global footprint, and nearly 150 years of history, Syracuse University offers a quintessential college experience.

The scope of Syracuse University is a testament to its strengths: a pioneering history dating back to 1870; a choice of more than 200 majors and 100 minors offered through 13 schools and colleges; nearly 15,000 undergraduates and 5,000 graduate students; more than a quarter of a million alumni in 160 countries; and a student population from all 50 U.S. states and 123 countries. For more information, please visit www.syracuse.edu. About the Syracuse area
Syracuse is a medium-sized city situated in the geographic center of New York State approximately 250 miles northwest of New York City. The metro-area population totals approximately 500,000. The area offers a low cost of living and provides many social, cultural, and recreational options, including parks, museums, festivals, professional regional theater, and premier shopping venues. Syracuse and Central New York present a wide range of seasonal recreation and attractions ranging from water skiing and snow skiing, hiking in the Adirondacks, touring the historic sites, visiting wineries along the Finger Lakes, and biking on trails along the Erie Canal. EEOC
Syracuse University is an equal-opportunity, affirmative-action institution. The University prohibits discrimination and harassment based on race, color, creed, religion, sex, gender, national origin, citizenship, ethnicity, marital status, age, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity and gender expression, veteran status, or any other status protected by applicable law to the extent prohibited by law. This nondiscrimination policy covers admissions, employment, and access to and treatment in University programs, services, and activities. Commitment to Supporting and Hiring Veterans
Syracuse University has a long history of engaging veterans and the military-connected community through its educational programs, community outreach, and employment programs. After World War II, Syracuse University welcomed more than 10,000 returning veterans to our campus, and those veterans literally transformed Syracuse University into the national research institution it is today. The University’s contemporary commitment to veterans builds on this historical legacy, and extends to both class-leading initiatives focused on making an SU degree accessible and affordable to the post-9/11 generation of veterans, and also programs designed to position Syracuse University as the employer of choice for military veterans, members of the Guard and Reserve, and military family members. Commitment to a Diverse and Inclusive Campus Community
Syracuse University maintains an inclusive learning environment in which students, faculty, administrators, staff, curriculum, social activities, governance, and all other aspects of campus life reflect a diverse, multi-cultural, and international worldview. The University community recognizes and values the many similarities and differences among individuals and groups. At Syracuse, we are committed to preparing students to understand, live among, appreciate, and work in an inherently diverse country and world made up of people with different ethnic and racial backgrounds, military backgrounds, religious beliefs, socio-economic status, cultural traditions, abilities, sexual orientations and gender identities. To do so, we commit ourselves to promoting a community that celebrates and models the principles of diversity and inclusivity. Quick Link https://www.sujobopps.com/postings/90060 Job Posting Date 11/22/2021 Application Deadline Full Consideration By Job Category Staff Message to Applicants

Get job alerts

Create a job alert and receive personalized job recommendations straight to your inbox.

Create alert