Senior Accessibility Consultant, Campus Built Environment

Harvard Central Administration (CADM) Talent Acquisition; Cambridge (MA); Hybrid; USD 80,000 - 100,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Generous paid time off

Health insurance

Retirement plans

Professional development opportunities

Job summary

Harvard Central Administration (CADM) Talent Acquisition is seeking a Senior Accessibility Consultant to lead efforts in ensuring a compliant and accessible built environment at the university. This critical role involves collaborating with various university departments to implement strategies for barrier removal and promote inclusive design practices.

The consultant will provide expert guidance and conduct accessibility audits while managing training needs related to barrier removal. Candidates should possess a strong background in accessibility regulations and demonstrate exceptional communication skills.

Qualifications

• 7+ years of progressive experience with accessibility in the built environment.
• Current knowledge of the ADA and MAAB requirements.

Responsibilities

• Implement the Barrier Removal Framework Plan for accessibility improvements.
• Guide planners and designers on compliance with accessibility laws.
• Conduct site visits to assess physical accessibility.
• Provide disability-related training for university staff.

Skills

Accessibility expertise

Communication skills

Project management

Universal design principles

Education

Bachelor’s degree

Tools

Facilities data systems

Job description

Job Description

University Disability Resources (UDR) provides leadership to university efforts to ensure an accessible, welcoming working and learning environment for individuals with disabilities while ensuring compliance with federal and state regulations. UDR serves as a central resource on disability-related information, procedures and services for the University community and provides expertise in the development, implementation, and acquisition of standard disability-related University practices, procedures, and resources.

Reporting to the Sr. Director of UDR, the Senior Accessibility Consultant, Campus Built Environment, is a subject matter expert on programmatic and physical accessibility, as related to the built environment. The Senior Accessibility Consultant, Campus Built Environment, leads University efforts on compliance as well as best practices and promoting inclusive design.

Responsibilities

• Design, implement, and continuously refine the University-wide Barrier Removal Framework Plan, driving multi-year, campus-wide strategies to identify, prioritize, and remove physical accessibility barriers.
• Provide expert guidance to planners, designers, and facilities staff to support a campus environment compliant with the Americans with Disabilities Act, Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act, and Massachusetts Architectural Access Board regulations.
• Consult on accessibility of furniture and equipment, and develop and deliver disability-related training.
• Apply inclusive design/universal design expertise and promote its use University-wide.
• Support Accessibility Consultants in accommodation requests and built environment consultations.
• Serve as a critical leadership role in campus-wide accessibility audit data management, including evaluation of barrier removal targets, oversight of plan implementation, and tracking progress toward a barrier-free campus.
• Engage with campus partners to design and advance a multi-year, University-wide strategy for barrier removal, partnering with Planning and Design, Capital Projects, and other units.
• Recommend adjustments to the Barrier Removal Framework Plan based on data and stakeholder feedback.
• Serve as a core member of the Harvard Capital Projects Review Committee, ensuring accessibility is a prioritized consideration in new construction and major renovation.
• Serve as a core member of the University Accessibility Committee’s Facilities Working Group, promoting physical accessibility across the University.
• Guide Accessibility Consultants in built environment consultations, including academic, residential, commercial, athletic, entertainment, library, museum, recreational, research, dining, office, and assembly spaces.
• Conduct site visits as appropriate.
• Assess training and educational needs for internal partners and develop training materials and curricula related to barrier removal and accessibility.
• Track and synthesize changes to relevant accessibility regulations and advise on implications for University projects.
• Conduct continuous research to remain current in technology, tools, and design solutions that increase accessibility in built environments.
• Provide other related services as needed.

Basic Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree with 7+ years of progressive experience with accessibility in the built environment.
• Current knowledge of the ADA and MAAB requirements for accessibility in the built environment.

Additional Qualifications and Skills

• Degree in Facilities Management, Architecture or related field is strongly preferred.
• Experience working with facilities data systems, capital planning platforms, or similar tools; ability to interpret and communicate data and metrics to nontechnical stakeholders.
• Ability to read and correctly interpret construction documents.
• Familiarity with the planning, design, and construction process.
• Understanding of inclusive/universal design principles.
• Ability to perform site reviews at various buildings and spaces, assessing aspects such as climbing steps, grasping, bending, viewing, and lifting.
• Superior communication skills; ability to write, speak, and present information effectively and persuasively to various audiences.
• Ability to manage competing priorities and timelines while bringing initiatives to completion.
• Ability to navigate in a decentralized environment.l>
• Familiarity with assistive technology, resources, and indications for utilization.

Additional Information

• Standard Hours/Schedule: 35 hours per week.
• Visa Sponsorship: Harvard University is unable to provide visa sponsorship for this position.
• Pre-Employment Screening: Harvard University requires pre-employment reference and background screenings – Identity and Education.
• Orientation: This position will have a 3-month orientation and review period.

Work Format Details

This position may be performed at a non-Harvard location. The work schedule and location will be set by the department based on operational needs. When not working at a Harvard or Harvard-designated location, employees in hybrid positions must work in a Harvard-registered state in compliance with the University’s Policy on Employment Outside of Massachusetts. Additional details will be discussed during the interview process. Certain visa types and funding sources may limit work location. Individuals must meet work location sponsorship requirements prior to employment.

Salary Grade and Ranges

Salary grade level 058. Please visit Harvard’s Salary Ranges to view the corresponding salary range and related information.

Benefits

• Generous paid time off including parental leave.
• Medical, dental, and vision health insurance coverage starting on day one.
• Retirement plans with university contributions.
• Wellbeing and mental health resources.
• Support for families and caregivers.
• Professional development opportunities including tuition assistance and reimbursement.
• Commuter benefits, discounts and campus perks.

EEO/Non-Discrimination Commitment Statement

Harvard University is committed to equal opportunity and non-discrimination. We seek talent from all parts of society and the world, and we strive to ensure everyone at Harvard thrives. Harvard’s equal employment opportunity policy and non-discrimination policy help all community members participate fully in work and campus life free from harassment and discrimination.