Part Time Digital Accessibility Assistants for Course Remediation

The Chronicle Of Higher Education, Inc.; Richmond (VA); Hybrid; USD 21,000 - 25,000; Part time

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid work arrangement

Health benefits

Tuition benefits

Job summary

Virginia Commonwealth University is seeking a part-time Digital Accessibility Assistant (up to 20 hours/week) to ensure course materials meet universal design standards. The role focuses on technical remediation, including tagging PDFs, alt-text, and accessible structures for tables and charts, ensuring an inclusive learning experience.

The successful candidate will combine technical attention to detail with a passion for digital equity, supporting accessibility across LMS platforms such as

Qualifications

• Post secondary degree (Associate or higher) required.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite and Google Workspace.
• Basic web development and media production experience.
• Experience in respectful, professional interactions with diverse populations.

Responsibilities

• Audit digital course materials for accessibility compliance and document issues.
• Remediate inaccessible PDFs via tagging, reading order, and form labels.
• Convert files to accessible formats and add alt-text and captions.
• Edit audio/video content and transcripts for quality and accessibility.
• Perform其他 duties within scope of practice.

Skills

Microsoft Office

Google Workspace

LaTeX

Web development basics

Canvas LMS

Media production

Education

Associate degree or higher

Tools

Canvas

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 onfile and you don't need to apply again.

Duties & Responsibilities

Digital Accessibility Assistants play a vital role in ensuring thateducational content is inclusive and accessible to all students. Inthis role, you will focus on the technical remediation of coursematerials, transforming complex digital assets into formats thatmeet universal design standards and compliance requirements.

A successful candidate in this role is someone who combines a highattention to technical detail with a passion for digital equity toensure a polished, accessible learning experience for the VCUcommunity.

Key Responsibilities

• Audit digital course materials for compliance and to identifybarriers; analyze and document accessibility issues and complianceconcerns in alignment with accessibility standards.
• Manually remediate inaccessible PDFs by applying sophisticatedtagging, optimizing reading order, and configuring form labels forscreen-reader compatibility
• Convert files to accessible formats and add alt-text, imagecaptions, and accessible structures to tables and charts
• Edit all audio and video files, as well as transcripts, toensure high quality and clarity
• Perform other duties, as assigned and within the scope ofpractice

Minimum Qualifications

• Post secondary degree (Associate or higher)
• Proficiency within the Microsoft Office Suite and GoogleWorkspace
• Demonstrated experience working in and fostering an environmentof respect, professionalism and civility with a population offaculty, staff, and students from various backgrounds andexperiences, 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 productionexperience

Preferred Qualifications

• Strong background in Science, Technology, Engineering orMathematics, utilizing logical problem-solving skills totroubleshoot technical barriers in digital course materials.
  • Knowledge of LaTeX strongly preferred
• Proven ability to consult with faculty members to translatecomplex academic content—specifically STEM-related material—intoaccessible digital formats
• Proven ability to analyze and document accessibility barrierswithin complex tables, charts, and technical diagrams to ensurelogical reading order and meaningful alt-text for screenreaders
• Experience navigating Learning Management Systems (specificallyCanvas) and proficiency in virtual collaboration within technicalor academic environments
• Advanced skills in basic web development and media production,with a focus on ensuring high-quality, clear audio/videotranscripts for technical subjects
• Experience guiding subject matter experts through the audit andremediation process, providing clear technical recommendations toresolve barriers in Canvas course materials while maintaininginstructional integrity

Anticipated Salary Range

• Starting wages range from $15-$18 hourly depending onexperience

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

Location

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

Schedule

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

Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis untilpositions are filled.

Benefits

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

FLSA Exemption Status

Non-Exempt

Hours per Week

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