IT Accessibility Associate Director

The University of Cincinnati serves the people of Ohio, the nation, and the world as a premier, public, urban research university dedicated to undergraduate, graduate, and professional education, experience-based learning, and research.  We are committed to excellence and diversity in our students, faculty, staff, and all of our activities. We provide an inclusive environment where innovation and freedom of intellectual inquiry flourish.  Through scholarship, service, partnerships, and leadership, we create opportunity, develop educated and engaged citizens, enhance the economy and enrich our University, city, state and global community.

The University of Cincinnati's Information Technologies invites applications for IT Accessibility Associate Director to join a thriving and engaged team of scholars and professionals supporting excellence in learning technologies.

Essential Function

The Office of Information Technology has long collaborated with other campus offices to provide technology and support for students, faculty and staff for eLearning.  Under the general supervision of the Assistant Vice President, Innovation and Partnerships, the IT Accessibility Associate Director provides the entire university with leadership and professional technical expertise in partnership with UC Central Purchasing to ensure all technology purchases are vetted and implemented to support the EIT Accessibility Policy and WCAG 2.0AA guidelines.  The IT Accessibility Associate Director will be responsible for review of VPATs, RFPs for technology purchases, attending technology vendor demos when applicable, and supporting the UCIT Project Management Office in ensuring accessibility of new systems. The IT Accessibility Associate Director will also have a focus on ensuring the development, revision, publication and maintenance of accessible web, digital and mobile content in conjunction with emerging technologies and industry transformation.  

The IT Accessibility Associate Director, in collaboration with the program sponsors from UCIT, will serve in a leadership capacity on the Accessibility Network, collaborating with key partners around the university to support the strategic priorities of the program’s governance. This individual will also lead Accessibility Network efforts to educate the university community about ADA/504/508 accessibility compliance initiatives (e.g. workshops, seminars, and consultations) centered on UCIT technology purchases

This position contributes to ongoing operations of the Accessibility Network such as:

• Develops procedure surrounding external inquiries or concerns regarding the accessibility of electronic and information technology.

• Supports the development of corrective action strategies to address accessibility audit concerns, particularly around third party systems and applications being purchased or upgraded

• Represent the Accessibility Network in IT@UC Governance process to ensure that university processes, policies and standards ensure compliance with applicable laws.

• Other duties as assigned

Candidates must have the ability to organize and effectively communicate complex information, problem solve, and apply creative solutions. Other essential qualities include a strong team orientation, flexibility, interpersonal communication skills, public speaking experience, program development, strong time management, and prior teaching/training. 

Minimum Qualifications

Bachelor's degree –OR- equivalent combination of education and experience.  A minimum of two (2) years of experience, and at least one (1) year of supervision.  Possesses broad and deep knowledge of own area and related areas and contributes through setting and/or implementing strategic direction.

Preferred qualifications for this position include:

• Experience supporting faculty/staff in the implementation of accessibility requirements and best practices for purchasing; specifically related to technology purchases.

• Understanding of regulatory standards and requirements for web accessibility (such as WCAG 2.0 and Section 508 accessibility standards).

• At least 1 year of experience implementing new processes in a structured environment.

• Excellent verbal and written communication skills; ability to interact with stakeholders from all levels of a complex organization.

• Strong understanding of functional accessibility of websites, web applications, and electronic documents for people with disabilities.

• Experience with disability non-discrimination provisions of state and federal laws or at least 1-year experience in regulatory compliance.

• Significant knowledge of current and emerging accessibility development practices and assistive technology.

The University of Cincinnati, as a multi-national and culturally diverse university, is committed to providing an inclusive, equitable and diverse place of learning and employment. As part of a complete job application you will be asked to include a Contribution to Diversity and Inclusion statement.

As a UC employee, and an employee of an Ohio public institution, if hired you will not contribute to the federal Social Security system, other than contributions to Medicare. Instead, UC employees have the option to contribute to a state retirement plan (OPERS, STRS) or an alternative retirement plan (ARP).

The University of Cincinnati is an Affirmative Action / Equal Opportunity Employer / M / F / Veteran / Disabled.