Web Accessibility Specialist

• Job Type: Officer of Administration
• Regular/Temporary: Regular
• Hours Per Week: 35
• Salary Range: $85,000 - $105,000

Position Summary

Reporting to the Director of IT Risk Management, the Web Accessibility Specialist will be responsible for ensuring that Columbia University's digital content is accessible to all users, including those with disabilities. The candidate must have a strong understanding of web accessibility standards and guidelines, including WCAG 2.x, ARIA, and Section 508 of the Rehabilitation Act. This role requires a keen eye for detail, excellent problem-solving skills, and the ability to work collaboratively with designers, developers, and content creators. The person will conduct accessibility audits, provide recommendations, and assist in the implementation of changes. Additionally, the individual is responsible to maintain up-to-date knowledge with the latest accessibility trends and technologies to ensure Columbia University's digital presence remains compliant, user-friendly and inclusive for everyone.

Responsibilities

• Provides technical assistance for managing and providing accessible curriculum material and for developing guidelines, processes for compliance with any legislative changes.
• Conducts testing of website pages for accessibility compliance with Section 508 and WCAG criteria.
• Provides detailed recommendations for accessibility improvements.
• Collaborates with designers and developers to implement accessibility solutions.
• Assists in the development of accessible web applications.
• Creates and maintains accessibility documentation and guidelines.
• Stays current with web accessibility standards and guidelines.
• Translates complex technical web accessibility requirements into clear, actionable functional requirements that are easily understood by non-technical stakeholders.
• Provides training on accessibility best practices to team members, business stakeholders, and application owners as needed.
• Tests web content for compliance with WCAG 2.x, ARIA, and Section 508.
• Monitors and reports on accessibility compliance.
• Participates in user testing with individuals with disabilities.
• Reviews third-party content for accessibility compliance.
• Provides support for accessibility-related issues.
• Works with legal and compliance teams to ensure regulatory adherence.
• All other duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree or equivalent required.
• Minimum 3-5 years' related experience.
• Strong web accessibility skills, including knowledge of online access issues and means for addressing them.
• Ability to translate complex technical web accessibility requirements into clear, actionable functional requirements that are easily understood by non-technical stakeholders.
• Knowledge of accessibility auditing and testing tools and strategies.
• Familiarity with assistive technologies, accessibility testing, relevant legal requirements, technical standards, and best practices.
• Proficiency in basic computer technologies.
• Ability to communicate digital accessibility requirements to non-technical people.
• Excellent problem-solving skills.
• Strong attention to detail.
• Ability to work collaboratively in a team environment.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to work in a fast-paced, deadline-driven environment with minimal supervision, demonstrating precision and attention to detail.
• Must be able to work weekends and off-hours as and when needed.

Preferred Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Information Technology or related field.
• Strong knowledge of WCAG 2.x, ARIA, and Section 508.
• Experience with accessibility testing tools (e.g., Axe, WAVE, JAWS).
• Knowledge of HTML, CSS, and JavaScript.
• Familiarity with Universal Design for Learning (UDL).

Equal Opportunity Employer / Disability / Veteran

Columbia University is committed to the hiring of qualified local residents.