Accessibility Specialist (PT Contractor)
Framingham, MA

Job Description

About Framingham State University:

Framingham State University is a vibrant comprehensive liberal arts institution located in the MetroWest suburbs of Boston, which integrates an academically challenging liberal arts education with workforce preparation programs. FSU takes pride in empowering student success by providing a superior education, leading research and innovation opportunities, and a strong first-year experience.

Founded in 1839, FSU enrolls about 4,000 undergraduates and 1,500 graduate and professional students. FSU offers 36 bachelor's degrees with 57 specialized concentrations, 63 minors, and 24 master's degree programs, in a highly personalized teaching environment. FSU employs more than 330 faculty members, 89% of whom have terminal degrees.

FSU is deeply committed to inclusive excellence, encourages a supportive, diverse and collaborative learning environment, and provides a culturally relevant education. FSU is honored to be a four-time recipient of the prestigious INSIGHT into Diversity Higher Education Excellence in Diversity (HEED) award and was recently designated as a Howard Hughes Medical Institute (HHMI) Inclusive Excellence campus. FSU encourages applications from persons who share our commitment to promoting a welcoming and inclusive community.

Our founding motto, "Live to the Truth", was said at the end of each class by beloved first principal, Cyrus Peirce, who sought to discover and teach "the truth" - "truth in theory and principle,...truth in spirit and motive,...truth in manner and form,...truth intellectual and truth moral." Principal Bagnall found this motto "speaks of sincerity of spirit,...of intensity of effort, of resolution to succeed, of joy in achievement." "Live to the Truth" continues to guide our institution in practice and endeavor. FSU seeks employees who share in this quest for truth and commit to living it fully.

Visit www.framingham.edu/careers to learn more about employment opportunities at Framingham State University.

Job Description:

GENERAL STATEMENT OF DUTIES:

Framingham State is looking for a knowledgeable and resourceful Accessibility Specialist to join our Web Team within the Marketing Department. The Accessibility Specialist designs, produces, and modifies electronic information and media to ensure accessibility for disabled persons and compliance with WCAG 2.0 standards. The Specialist works directly with faculty and staff to convert various documents and web content to accessible formats, and provides training on creating new materials. Will be responsible for identifying and suggesting potential solutions for accessibility barriers based on the W3C WCAG 2.0 standards and in compliance with the ADA, Section 508 and other accessibility related laws. This position requires the ability to communicate clearly and persuasively with executives, faculty, staff, web development partners, and the public. The Accessibility Specialist will help develop policies and guidelines for Framingham State, work with the team to evaluate and provide accessible solutions for web-based and mobile products, and assist in educating and promoting the practice of building content with accessibility in mind, including using accessibility tools and techniques.

SUPERVISION EXERCISED:

None

SUPERVISION RECEIVED:

Manager of Digital Communications, Director of Marketing

EXAMPLES OF SPECIFIC DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

* Designs, constructs, and maintains accessible web content on Framingham.edu
* Works with cross-functional teams to establish and implement web accessibility standards for the organization as a whole as well as for individual projects
* Develops and deliver educational resources about the importance of accessibility and technical accessibility tutorials, including training presentations for the internal University community
* Provides guidelines to faculty and staff for formatting documents and information to ensure that they can easily be translated into an alternate format
* Serves as a technical resource to faculty and staff to ensure that electronic information is provided in an accessible format
* Represents the University and supports University teams in matters of accessibility, including selection of vendors and contractors

WORKING CONDITIONS:

Typical office environment

Requirements:

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

* Bachelor's degree from an accredited institution
* 3+ years working or consulting in the field of web accessibility
* Understanding of the current accessibility environment in higher education
* Familiarity with legislative and industry-based standards such as W3C/WAI Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) 2.0, WAI-ARIA, and ADA Section 508 guidelines
* Passion about current challenges in web accessibility
* Experience with assistive technology such as JAWS and NVDA, as well as accessibility features in Windows and Mac
* Collaboration and organization skills to work across multiple teams while functioning as a self-managing staff member

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

* Familiarity with modern front-end web development (including HTML, CSS, and JavaScript)
* Familiarity with commercial web accessibility evaluation and reporting tools

Additional Information:

This is a part-time non-benefited, contract position, not to exceed 15 hours per week. The scheduled hours are flexible, depending upon department needs/projects. The compensation rate is $25 per hour.

Framingham State University conducts criminal history and sexual offender record checks on recommended finalists prior to final employment for all positions.

Framingham State University is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer.

Members of underrepresented groups, minorities, women, veterans, persons with disabilities, and all persons committed to diversity and inclusive excellence are strongly encouraged to apply.

Application Instructions:

Candidates must apply online using the "APPLY NOW" link (located at the bottom of this page) by submitting (1) a cover letter, (2) resume, and (3) the names and contact information for three professional references.

For priority consideration, application materials must be received by July 26, 2019.

Framingham State University only accepts application materials through our online application system. We are unable to accept application materials through mail, email, fax, or hand delivery. If you experience technical issues with the online application process, please submit a helpdesk ticket.

Framingham State University understands that persons with specific disabilities may need assistance with the job application process and/or with the interview process. For confidential assistance, please contact the Human Resources Office at 508-626-4530 or humanresources@framingham.edu.