Information Technology Analyst - Accessibility

This Information Technology Analyst – Accessibility (ITAA) position will take a comprehensive approach to evaluating the campus non-personal websites and applications, will manage and train on software used to evaluate websites and applications, will develop and maintain an assistive hardware and software technology usability laboratory, will assist with the procurement of accessible information and communication technologies, and will develop and maintain a resource kit that will be used by the campus community. This ITAA will support web masters as they update the University’s online web presence. The ITAA will work with content editors and faculty as they prepare materials for publication. Will work with IT staff in schools, colleges, and departments on the selection and use of hardware and software assistive technologies. The ITAA will collaborate with various members of our community to promote understanding of online and IT software disability issues, and have the ability to troubleshoot problems with a variety of IT assistive technologies, to build productive working relationships and ensure compliance for programs and services. The ITAA will develop and deliver training to members of the University community relating to web accessibility compliance. They will serve as a resource for the campus community on IT disability issues and will conduct educational events to improve the University community’s understanding of disability issues, and will have an obligation to advance compliance. Ultimately, the person in this position will work in a team dedicated in improving IT accessibility practices.

• Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Information Technology, human computer interaction, education or the equivalent combination of education and experience are required. Master’s degree preferred.
• Minimum of three years of relevant experience in customer service, assistive technology or a related field.
• Experience in Higher Education preferred.  
• A passion and experience with helping people with disabilities, building and making websites more accessible and usable for everyone, and for working with assistive technologies.

• Thorough knowledge of the federal disability mandates and other relevant laws and guidance (Section 504, 508, Americans with Disabilities Act Amendments (ADAA) Title III, TEACH Act) applicable to technology accessibility and tools provided in higher education
• More than two years hands-on experience using web accessibility testing tools and screen reader to evaluate web sites/web applications and testing electronic documents (PDF, Word, Excel, and PowerPoint).
• Knowledge and understanding of the Worldwide Web Consortium (W3C) WAI Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) 2.0 Standards and industry usability standards and methodologies.
• Extensive knowledge in the following areas: Web Accessibility, Compliance & Laws, Analysis, Programming (JavaScript, HTML, and CSS)
• Deep working knowledge of the scope of available assistive technologies and how they interact with web, desktop, and mobile products and services

• Evaluate products and services being purchased by the University for accessibility compliance. Teach other campus buyers how to interpret a Voluntary Production Accessibility Template and how to measure a product against the WCAG 2.0 A and AA standards using a screen reader. Supervise students who provide accessibility services to the campus community.
• Perform web accessibility testing and training based on WCAG 2.0, to include semi-automated scans, manual reviews, keyboard only, color sampling, and screen reader testing, using a combination of common web accessibility testing tools such as Compliance Sheriff, WAVE, aXe, Web Accessibility Toolbar, Colour Contrast Analyser, and Windows and Mac OS screen readers. Monitor Official University websites and develop accessibility status reports. Supervise students who provide accessibility services to the campus community.
• Provide user training and technical consultation to IT support staff in the accessible use of a variety of form factors such as mobile, tablet, and desktop workstations, electronic documents (e.g., PDF, Word, Excel, and PowerPoint), and online platforms (Blackboard, Blackboard Ally, Expressions, Answers, Cascade, SUShare, and MySlice). Supervise students who provide accessibility services to the campus community.
• Build and maintain self-help information for web and content developers on accessibility and usability tools, techniques, and standards. The website will include sections specifically on web content management systems, multimedia tools, common productivity tools, course content tools, and general guidelines on what to fix.
• Collaborate with the Office of Disability Services and SU Libraries to identify, provision, and train on assistive hardware and software for students with disabilities, e.g. screen readers, captioning tools, and text to speech.

Not Applicable

Not Applicable

In addition to completing an online application, submit a resume and cover letter for consideration.

About Syracuse University

Syracuse University is a private research university of extraordinary academics, distinctive offerings and an undeniable spirit. With a gorgeous campus in the heart of New York State, a global footprint and a history that dates to 1870, we embrace diverse backgrounds and viewpoints.

Our student population includes nearly 15,000 undergraduates and 5,000 graduate students, representing all 50 U.S. states and 123 countries. Our proud commitment to veterans and their families is unrivaled in higher education. Home to 11 schools and colleges, Syracuse University blends the foundational power of the liberal arts with the intense focus of professional programs. We offer undergraduate, graduate, and professional degrees in Architecture, Arts and Sciences, Education, Engineering and Computer Science, Sport and Human Dynamics, Information Studies, Law, Management, Citizenship and Public Affairs, Public Communications, and Visual and Performing Arts.

A medium-sized city situated in the geographic center of the state, Syracuse, N.Y., is approximately a four-hour drive from New York City, Boston, Philadelphia, Toronto and Montreal. With a metropolitan population of 700,000, Syracuse is a center for cultural, recreational and artistic events, including the Everson Museum of Art, Syracuse Stage, Symphoria, Destiny Mall, multiple sporting events, and festivals including Jazz Fest and Winterfest. The outdoor enthusiast will enjoy having the Adirondack Mountains, the Finger Lakes, Lake Ontario, and the Thousands Islands Region within easy driving distance of the Syracuse campus.

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.