Digital Accessibility Associate

Youngstown State University; Youngstown (OH); On-site; USD 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

Youngstown State University is seeking an Accessibility Specialist to ensure digital content and software meet WCAG 2.1 AA and Section 508 standards. You will audit requests, review VPATs/ACRs, and collaborate with vendors and campus departments to improve equitable access to technology.

The role requires evaluating documentation, developing checklists, and producing compliance reports for IT leadership. You will train clients and assist with testing while staying current on evolving regulations.

Qualifications

• At least a bachelor’s degree and two years of related and/or equivalent experience; OR at least an associate degree and four years of related and/or equivalent experience.
• Experience with accessibility compliance reviews for WCAG 2.1 or higher is preferred.
• Familiarity with accessibility evaluation tools and procurement processes in higher education or public sector settings.

Responsibilities

• Review software procurement requests for accessibility compliance documents like VPATs and ACRs.
• Evaluate vendor documentation against WCAG conformance criteria; note gaps for follow-up.
• Coordinate with vendors to obtain or clarify accessibility documentation.
• Develop and maintain standardized accessibility review checklists and workflows.
• Prepare periodic compliance reports for IT leadership and governance.
• Stay current on evolving accessibility requirements and adjust criteria accordingly.
• Consult with and train clients on digital accessibility best practices for public content and software.
• Conduct software and application testing per university standards.
• Communicate with supervisors and stakeholders to align training with objectives.
• Maintain accurate daily task records and prepare data reports for review.
• Participate in staff development activities and meetings.

Skills

Digital accessibility knowledge

Risk assessment

Client communication

Education

Bachelor's degree

Associate degree with experience

Tools

Axe

WAVE

NVDA

Job description

Supports the university’s efforts to make its electronic and information technology (EIT) accessible to individuals with disabilities. Serves as a subject matter expert in Section 508 of the Rehabilitation Act, Title II/III, and Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG2.1 or higher. Assists university constituents by auditing requests and technology related to this initiative. Works under general supervision and exercises professional judgment with university constituents to reduce institutional risk while improving equitable access to technology. Collaborates with departments across campus to integrate accessibility best practices into digital projects, content, and services.

Essential Functions and Responsibilities

• Reviews all new software procurement requests and annual software renewal agreements for digital accessibility compliance documentation, including Voluntary Product Accessibility Templates (VPATs), Accessibility Conformance Reports (ACRs), Higher Education Community Vendor Assessment Toolkits (HECVATs) and vendor accessibility statements.


• Evaluates vendor-submitted accessibility documentation against current WCAG conformance criteria and applicable state/federal standards; note gaps and exceptions in conformance for follow-up.


• Coordinates with vendors to request or clarify accessibility documentation when not initially provided or insufficient.


• Develops and maintains standardized accessibility review checklists, and workflow documentation to ensure consistent, auditable review of every applicable agreement.


• Prepares periodic compliance reports for IT leadership and executive governance summarizing review volume, findings, outstanding risks, and fine/penalty exposure.


• Stays current on evolving state and federal digital accessibility requirements and adjust review criteria and procedures accordingly.


• Consults with or trains clients on digital accessibility best practices, which include procuring software and creating content for public use (website, LMS).


• Conducts software and application testing in alignment with university business and academic standards.


• Communicates regularly with supervisor and stakeholders to align training with institutional objectives.


• Prepares and maintains accurate records of daily tasks in accordance with applicable policies and procedures and assures timely communication with supervisor, staff, and students where appropriate.


• Gathers data and prepares reports and other information/documentation for supervisory review?related to programs and/or services, or one or more assigned components.


• Remains informed of current developments and procedures pertinent to duties; participates in staff development activities; attends meetings, conferences, and other events.

Other Functions and Responsibilities

Assists with training new hires.

Performs other duties as assigned and/or required that are within the level of responsibility for this classification at the discretion of the supervisor.

Equipment Operated

Computer and all other standard office equipment.

Work Schedule

Typically, Monday through Friday.

Primary Location

Youngstown

Supervision Exercised

May exercise supervision over student employees.

Reports to

Associate Director

Required Certifications, Training, and/or Licensures

None

Sponsorship and/or Work Authorization Status

This position is not eligible for sponsorship.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

Knowledge of: Digital accessibility standards (WCAG 2.1 AA or higher, Section 508) and how they apply to products with a user interface; procurement processes in a higher education or public sector setting; common business technology platforms; purchasing systems; operating systems, and security practices; university policies and procedures*; office practices and procedures; department/division goals and objectives*; department/division policies and procedures*; workplace safety practices and procedures*; English grammar and spelling; records management; office management; project management.

Skill in: Using assistive technology and software to evaluate technology resources; problem solving in complex technology environments; remediation and/or recommending remediation steps for content requested for review through service management tickets; use of office equipment; typing, data entry; computer operation; use of computer software and other programs applicable to the assigned department*.

Ability to: Evaluate accessibility risks and use judgement when assessing accessibility risks against the risk matrix; read and interpret VPATs/ACRs/HECVATs and identify significant conformance gaps and request practical remediation solutions; communicate technical compliance findings clearly to non-technical stakeholders, vendors, and governance committees; consult with clients to determine skills gaps and specialized training needs; design and test content to digital compliance standards; test applications and systems while giving constructive feedback using designated testing protocols*; communicate in an understandable, polite, and professional manner with various stakeholders, both technical and non-technical; successfully work independently with clients and technical support personnel; compile and prepare reports; use proper research methods to gather data; understand a variety of written and/or verbal communications; prepare accurate documentation; maintain records according to established procedures; train or instruct others; move quickly and effectively from one task to another; work independently and in a team environment; develop and maintain effective working relationships.

(*) Developed after employment.

Minimum Qualifications

At least a bachelor’s degree and two years of related and/or equivalent experience; OR at least an associate degree and four years of related and/or equivalent experience.

Preferred

Experience with accessibility compliance reviews for WCAG 2.1 or higher and familiarity with accessibility evaluation tools (e.g., axe, WAVE, NVDA) sufficient to review vendor claims. Vendor digital accessibility risk management, or ADA/Section 508 coordination, Accessibility testing with manual or automated testing tools. Experience in higher education or large-scale organizational environments.

Physical Requirements

In accordance with the U.S. Department of Labor physical demands strength ratings, this position will perform sedentary work.

Sedentary

work involves exerting up to 10 pounds of force occasionally or a negligible amount of force frequently to lift, carry, push, pull, or otherwise move objects, including the human body. Sedentary work involves sitting most of the time but may involve walking or standing for brief periods of time. Jobs may be defined as Sedentary when walking and standing are required only occasionally, and all other Sedentary criteria are met.