Part Time Digital Accessibility Assistants for Course Remediation

Virginia Commonwealth University; Richmond (VA); Hybrid; USD 21,000 - 25,000; Part time

Benefits offered by this job

Benefits package

Job summary

Virginia Commonwealth University is seeking a part-time Digital Accessibility Assistant to ensure inclusive, accessible course materials. The role focuses on technical remediation of digital assets and compliance with universal design standards, supporting the VCU community with high attention to detail.

The position offers hybrid work arrangements, up to 20 hours per week, and a 4–6 month appointment with potential extension. A background in web development and media production is valued.

Qualifications

• Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite and Google Workspace.
• Experience fostering a respectful, professional environment with diverse faculty, staff and students.
• Commitment to the university’s mission, values and goals.
• Basic web development skills and media production experience.
• Knowledge of LaTeX preferred.

Responsibilities

• Audit digital course materials for accessibility compliance and document issues.
• Remediate inaccessible PDFs by tagging, reading order, and form labels for screen readers.
• Convert files to accessible formats with alt-text and captions for tables and charts.
• Edit audio and video files and transcripts to ensure quality and clarity.
• Perform other duties within the scope of practice.

Skills

MS Office

Google Workspace

Web development basics

Media production

Education

Associate or higher degree

Tools

Canvas LMS

Job description

Unit

Office Of The Provost MBU

Department

Provost General Admin

Repost Notice

We are re-opening applications for this role! If you’ve already applied, thank you—we have your information on file and you don't need to apply again.

Duties & Responsibilities

Digital Accessibility Assistants play a vital role in ensuring that educational content is inclusive and accessible to all students. In this role, you will focus on the technical remediation of course materials, transforming complex digital assets into formats that meet universal design standards and compliance requirements.

A successful candidate in this role is someone who combines a high attention to technical detail with a passion for digital equity to ensure a polished, accessible learning experience for the VCU community.

Key Responsibilities

• Audit digital course materials for compliance and to identify barriers; analyze and document accessibility issues and compliance concerns in alignment with accessibility standards.
• Manually remediate inaccessible PDFs by applying sophisticated tagging, optimizing reading order, and configuring form labels for screen-reader compatibility
• Convert files to accessible formats and add alt-text, image captions, and accessible structures to tables and charts
• Edit all audio and video files, as well as transcripts, to ensure high quality and clarity
• Perform other duties, as assigned and within the scope of practice

Minimum Qualifications

• Post secondary degree (Associate or higher)
• Proficiency within the Microsoft Office Suite and Google Workspace
• Demonstrated experience working in and fostering an environment of respect, professionalism and civility with a population of faculty, staff, and students from various backgrounds and experiences, or a commitment to do so as a staff member at VCU
• Commitment to the university’s strategic plan, mission, vision, values, and goals
• Basic web development skills and media production experience

Preferred Qualifications

• Strong background in Science, Technology, Engineering or Mathematics, utilizing logical problem-solving skills to troubleshoot technical barriers in digital course materials.
• Knowledge of LaTeX strongly preferred
• Proven ability to consult with faculty members to translate complex academic content—specifically STEM-related material-into accessible digital formats
• Proven ability to analyze and document accessibility barriers within complex tables, charts, and technical diagrams to ensure logical reading order and meaningful alt-text for screen readers
• Experience navigating Learning Management Systems (specifically Canvas) and proficiency in virtual collaboration within technical or academic environments
• Advanced skills in basic web development and media production, with a focus on ensuring high-quality, clear audio/video transcripts for technical subjects
• Experience guiding subject matter experts through the audit and remediation process, providing clear technical recommendations to resolve barriers in Canvas course materials while maintaining instructional integrity

Anticipated Salary Range

• Starting wages range from $15-$18 hourly depending on experience

Position Details

Digital Accessibility Assistant positions are part-time (up to 20 hours per week) with an estimated duration of 4-6 months. Extension of this appointment is possible, contingent upon departmental needs and budget availability.

Location

Hybrid arrangement allowing for a mix of in-office collaboration and remote work based on task requirements

Schedule

This position offers some flexibility with schedule with the requirement to attend pre-scheduled team meetings and key stakeholder sessions, as needed.

Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis until positions are filled.

Benefits

• All full-time university staff are eligible for VCU’s robust benefits package that includes comprehensive health benefits, paid annual and holiday leave, generous tuition benefits, retirement planning and savings options, tax-deferred annuity and cash match programs, employee discounts, well-being resources, abundant opportunities for career development and advancement, and more.

FLSA Exemption Status

Non-Exempt

Hours per Week

Variable, pending project needs, up to 20 hours per week