Senior ADA Specialist
- Grand Forks, North Dakota, United States
- Civil Rights & Title IX Office
Salary/Position Classification
- $70,000 to $75,000 Annual, Dependent on Experience, Exempt
- 40 hours per week
- 100% Remote Work Availability: Yes
- Hybrid Work Availability (requires some time on campus): Yes
Purpose of Position
This position serves as the deputy ADA/504 coordinator at the University. The Senior ADA Specialist is a University leader in ADA/Section 504 compliance with a focus on digital accessibility. In consultation with the ADA Coordinator, the position is responsible for identifying, planning, and implementing accessibility-related strategic initiatives for the department and University. The Senior ADA Specialist chairs accessibility-related committees and working groups and serves as the lead coordinator for the University’s efforts to meet digital accessibility standards.
The Senior ADA Specialist is responsible for evaluating and testing software, web/mobile applications, and other digital content to ensure compliance with accessibility standards. The position also acts as a liaison for the department to internal and external partners and visitors, presents accessibility and policy compliance education to students and employees, and drafts and implements policies and procedures.
Duties & Responsibilities
- Oversee University’s digital accessibility compliance
- Lead UND’s efforts to comply with applicable digital accessibility regulations and standards
- Maintain deep technical knowledge of digital accessibility compliance to serve as UND’s expert in this regard
- Maintain superior knowledge of current trends, new technologies, and best practices within the digital accessibility field
- Provide guidance and consultation to ensure effective technical implementation of digital accessibility requirements
- Review ACRs for compliance with UND policy and appropriate technical standards; communicate accessibility concerns effectively with key stakeholders; and work with stakeholders and vendors to develop alternative access plans
- Manually test high impact web content and applications for compliance with accessibility criteria; effectively communicate results; and work with stakeholders and vendors to develop alternative access plans
- Lead or participate in evaluation of RFPs and RFIs related to digital accessibility
- Serve as the Deputy ADA/Section 504 Coordinator
- In partnership with the AVP, oversee UND’s general accessibility compliance efforts
- Provide campus leadership and expertise on creating an accessible campus, through, among other tasks, co-chairing the Campus Accessibility Working Group and serving on applicable campus-wide committees
- Coordinate with Facilities to maintain and update accessibility of the University’s physical buildings
- Collaborate with AVP to develop, implement, and continuously improve disability-related policies, procedures, and accommodation processes
- Collaborate and consult with campus partners to resolve accessibility barriers, provide guidance, and promote universal design principles
- Remain knowledgeable on current and emerging accessibility standards, agency guidance, and relevant case law affecting higher education and public institutions
- Create and present campus education on accessibility-related topics and policy compliance
- Independently develop, design, and facilitate presentations and training concerning accessibility, disability-related federal and state law, and relevant UND policies and procedures.
- Promote and facilitate inclusion and universal design through presentations, education, advocacy, and developing creative solutions for equal access
- Provide training and technical assistance on relevant WCAG and/or other digital accessibility standards
- Other duties as assigned
Required Competencies
- Deep understanding of digital accessibility standards
- Expertise in ADA/Section 504 compliance
- Ability to analyze complex issues, problems, and data efficiently and correctly.
- Superior verbal and written communication skills.
- High level of professional integrity
- Ability to adhere to confidentiality and privacy requirements
- Collaborative working style
- Ability to work independently
- Ability to maintain neutrality and calm demeanor in sensitive or stressful situations
- Ability to work with individuals from diverse backgrounds and cultures.
- Ability to independently identify all accessibility barriers
Minimum Requirements
- Bachelor’s Degree
- Five years of experience in digital accessibility compliance and concepts
- Five years of experience in ADA or Section 504 compliance
- Two years of experience teaching and/or creating and leading training
- Two years of experience reviewing and assessing completed VPATs (ACRs)
- Experience with digital content remediation processes
- Experience and thorough knowledge of WCAG standards at various levels
- Experience using Excel, Word, Adobe Acrobat Pro, and PowerPoint or other presentation software, with specific knowledge of accessibility functions
- Successful completion of a Criminal History Background Check
In compliance with federal law, all persons hired will be required to verify identity and eligibility to work in the US and to complete the required employment eligibility verification form upon hire. This position does not support visa sponsorship for continued employment.
Preferred Qualifications
- Master’s or higher in related field, or Juris Doctor
- Experience working within university environment
- Experience using Maxient
- Experience testing accessibility of mobile apps
- Certifications/credentials relevant to duties, e.g. ADA Coordinator Training Certification, DHS Trusted Tester Certification, IAAP certifications, etc.
To Apply
Submit cover letter, resume and online application by closing date