Digital Accessibility Testing Consultant

08-Oct-2024

Digital Accessibility Testing Consultant

Harvard University Information Technology

67099BR

Position Description

This is a fully benefited, full-time Harvard University position that has been funded through 9/30/2027. There is the possibility of renewal, contingent on funding, university priorities and satisfactory job performance.

Harvard University Information Technology (HUIT) is a community of Information Technology professionals committed to delivering service and technological solutions in support of teaching, learning, research and administration. We are recruiting an IT workforce that has both breadth in their ability to collaborate and innovate across disciplines – and depth in specific areas of expertise. HUIT offers opportunities for IT professionals to learn and work in a unique technology landscape and service-focused environment. If you are a technically proficient, nimble, user-focused and accountable IT professional who also connects with the importance of collaborating well in a team environment, we are looking for you!

Harvard University Information Technology’s (HUIT) Office of Digital Accessibility Services (DAS) is a dynamic team that inspires, leads, and educates our colleagues about the importance of, and their role in, making Harvard’s content and technology inclusive and accessible to everyone.

DAS seeks a Senior Digital Accessibility Testing Specialist with experience and interest in testing and evaluating the accessibility of web sites, applications, and documents. This is one of several roles in the team to support the University’s efforts, including the implementation of a university-wide digital accessibility policy and promotion of digital inclusion across the institution. The team works with designated digital accessibility liaisons to implement campus-wide training, communications, and resources to support this initiative. The Sr Digital Accessibility Testing Specialist, reporting to the Manager of Digital Accessibility Development, will work alongside team members to perform accessibility testing and assessments, provide consultation and guidance, and deliver customer service of the highest caliber. The incumbent will play a key role in assessing and improving campus technology accessibility across a variety of settings as part of a large, multiyear effort facilitated by the DAS team.

Specific Duties:

Testing and Assessment 

• Test websites, applications, and documents for accessibility barriers with a combination of manual testing processes and automated testing tools. 
• Reliably and consistently identify, document and report on accessibility issues found.  
• Provide guidance and documentation on methods and efforts required to address accessibility issues identified. 
• Collaborate with the team to test and provide efficient, effective, and accurate guidance. 

• Works across a portfolio of websites and applications to provide established deliverables. 
• Contributes to planning and documentation of tools and processes. 
• Works as a conduit between DAS, campus liaisons, and partners in schools and departments. 

Basic Qualifications

• Minimum of five years’ post-secondary education or relevant work experience

Additional Qualifications and Skills

The following Additional Qualifications are strongly preferred. If you meet some, but not all, you are still encouraged to apply; we value employees with a willingness to learn.

• Understanding of Web Content Accessibility Guideline (WCAG), Accessible Rich Internet Guidelines (ARIA) Web Standards (HTML, CSS, and JavaScript) and related technologies. 
• Ability to quickly trouble shoot and identify accessibility barriers. 
• Fluency with assistive technologies such as JAWS, NVDA, ZoomText, Dragon Naturally Speaking – and understanding of the experience for those using assistive technologies – or other accessibility features. 
• Knowledge of compatibility issues affecting assistive technology use with common enterprise and/or Harvard’s systems. 
• Excellent written, verbal, interpersonal and communication skills. 
• Shows enthusiasm, interest, and flexibility in acquiring new or emerging technology skills. 
• Drupal, WordPress or PHP experience a plus 

Certificates and Licenses

• Completion of Harvard IT Academy specified foundational courses (or external equivalent) preferred
• CPACC, WAS, ADS (IAAP) or other relevant certifications

Working Conditions

• Work is performed in an office setting

Additional Information

Please provide a cover letter with your application.

Please note:

• Harvard University requires pre-employment reference and background screening. 
• We are unable to provide work authorization and/or visa sponsorship. 
• This position has a 180-day orientation and review period. 

The health of our workforce is a priority for Harvard University. With that in mind, we strongly encourage all employees to be up-to-date on CDC-recommended vaccines.

Accessibility:
Harvard University welcomes individuals with disabilities to apply for positions and participate in its programs and activities. If you would like to request an accommodation or have questions about the physical access provided, please contact our University Disability Resources Department.

Work Format Details

HUIT actively supports hybrid work where business needs allow. This position has been designated as a Hybrid position (2 days per month). While this position is partially on-site, additional travel to campus may be necessary based on business needs and the nature of work and will require the person to live in one of the following commutable states (Massachusetts, Connecticut, Maine, New Hampshire, Rhode Island, Vermont). Examples include bi-annual or quarterly Town Halls, critical business meetings or other work events. Additional details will be discussed during the interview process. All remote work must be performed within one of the Harvard Registered Payroll States, which currently includes Massachusetts, Connecticut, Maine, New Hampshire, Rhode Island, Vermont, Georgia, Illinois, Maryland, New Jersey, New York, Virginia, Washington, and California (CA for exempt positions only). Certain visa types and funding sources may limit work location. Individuals must meet work location sponsorship requirements prior to employment.

About Us

More about HUIT:
Harvard University Information Technology (HUIT) is responsible for the strategy, planning, and delivery of information technology across the University.  Our mission is to assure Harvard’s leadership in IT. We strive to make it easier for faculty, students, and staff to teach, research, learn and work through the effective use of information technology.  HUIT’s core values are User Focused, Collaborative, Innovative and Open.

HUIT’s core values are: 

• User-focused 
• Collaborative 
• Innovative 
• Open 

IT Academy (designed for IT Staff):
HUIT’s IT Academy aims to enable each IT staff person to grow professionally and become a trusted partner to her or his team. The IT Academy is built on the belief that every IT staff member across the University (including technology employees at each school and campus) can grow in her or his area of expertise as well as building strong people and project management skills. Learn more here: https://itacademy.harvard.edu/

Benefits

We invite you to visit Harvard's Total Rewards website (https://hr.harvard.edu/totalrewards) to learn more about our outstanding benefits package, which may include:

• Paid Time Off: 3-4 weeks of accrued vacation time per year (3 weeks for support staff and 4 weeks for administrative/professional staff), 12 accrued sick days per year, 12.5 holidays plus a Winter Recess in December/January, 3 personal days per year (prorated based on date of hire), and up to 12 weeks of paid leave for new parents who are primary care givers.
• Health and Welfare: Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision benefits, disability and life insurance programs, along with voluntary benefits. Most coverage begins as of your start date.
• Work/Life and Wellness: Child and elder/adult care resources including on campus childcare centers, Employee Assistance Program, and wellness programs related to stress management, nutrition, meditation, and more.
• Retirement: University-funded retirement plan with contributions from 5% to 15% of eligible compensation, based on age and earnings with full vesting after 3 years of service.
• Tuition Assistance Program: Competitive program including $40 per class at the Harvard Extension School and reduced tuition through other participating Harvard graduate schools.
• Tuition Reimbursement: Program that provides 75% to 90% reimbursement up to $5,250 per calendar year for eligible courses taken at other accredited institutions.
• Professional Development: Programs and classes at little or no cost, including through the Harvard Center for Workplace Development and LinkedIn Learning.
• Commuting and Transportation: Various commuter options handled through the Parking Office, including discounted parking, half-priced public transportation passes and pre-tax transit passes, biking benefits, and more.
• Harvard Facilities Access, Discounts and Perks: Access to Harvard athletic and fitness facilities, libraries, campus events, credit union, and more, as well as discounts to various types of services (legal, financial, etc.) and cultural and leisure activities throughout metro-Boston.

Job Function

Information Technology

Department Office Location

USA - MA - Cambridge

Job Code

I0758P Applications Professional IV

Work Format

Hybrid (partially on-site, partially remote)

Sub-Unit

------------

Salary Grade

058

Department

Information Security and Data Privacy

Union

00 - Non Union, Exempt or Temporary

Time Status

Full-time

Appointment End Date

30-Sep-2027

Pre-Employment Screening

Identity

Commitment to Equity, Diversity, Inclusion, and Belonging

Harvard University views equity, diversity, inclusion, and belonging as the pathway to achieving inclusive excellence and fostering a campus culture where everyone can thrive. We strive to create a community that draws upon the widest possible pool of talent to unify excellence and diversity while fully embracing individuals from varied backgrounds, cultures, races, identities, life experiences, perspectives, beliefs, and values.

EEO Statement

We are an equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, gender identity, sexual orientation, pregnancy and pregnancy-related conditions, or any other characteristic protected by law.

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