Senior Accessibility Consultant, Campus Built Environment

Harvard University; Cambridge (MA); On-site; USD 70,000 - 90,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Generous paid time off

Medical, dental, and vision health insurance

Retirement plans

Professional development opportunities

Commuter benefits

Job summary

Harvard University is seeking a Senior Accessibility Consultant to lead efforts in ensuring the campus environment is accessible for individuals with disabilities. The role involves overseeing compliance with ADA and MAAB regulations, collaborating on design initiatives, and assessing barriers to accessibility.

Qualified candidates will hold a Bachelor's degree and have over 7 years of relevant experience in accessibility within built environments. The position offers competitive benefits including generous paid time off and health insurance from day one.

Qualifications

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

Responsibilities

• Lead design and implementation of the Barrier Removal Framework Plan.
• Provide guidance to ensure ADA compliance across the campus.
• Engage partners in barrier-removal strategies.

Skills

Accessibility expertise

Communication skills

Project management

Knowledge of ADA regulations

Data analysis

Education

Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field

Tools

Facilities data systems

Capital planning tools

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. The Senior Accessibility Consultant, Campus Built Environment reports to the Sr. Director of UDR and serves as a subject matter expert on programmatic and physical accessibility related to the built environment. The consultant leads campus-wide compliance, best practices, and inclusive design initiatives and supports the development and implementation of the University-wide Barrier Removal Framework Plan.

Responsibilities

Key duties include:

• Leading the design, implementation, and continuous refinement of the Barrier Removal Framework Plan, coordinating multi‑year, campus‑wide strategies to identify, prioritize, and remove physical accessibility barriers.
• Providing expert guidance to planners, designers, and facilities staff to maintain compliance with the ADA, Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act, and Massachusetts Architectural Access Board (MAAB) regulations.
• Consulting on accessibility of furniture, equipment, and disability‑related training delivery.
• Supporting Accessibility Consultants in accommodation requests and built‑environment consults for events and other University functions.
• Applying inclusive design and universal design principles across the University and promoting their use campus‑wide.
• Managing campus‑wide accessibility audit data, setting data standards, evaluating barrier removal targets, and tracking progress toward a barrier‑free campus.
• Engaging campus partners in designing and advancing multi‑year barrier‑removal strategies, including Planning and Design, Capital Projects, and unit operations.
• Assisting with periodic evaluation of the Framework Plan and recommending adjustments based on data and stakeholder feedback.
• Acting as a core member of the Harvard Capital Projects Review Committee to ensure accessibility is a priority in new construction and major renovation.
• Participating in the University Accessibility Committee’s Facilities Working Group to promote physical accessibility across the campus.
• Guiding Accessibility Consultants in built‑environment consultations across a wide range of facilities.
• Conducting site visits as needed and preparing site‑visit reports.
• Assessing training and educational needs of internal partners and developing related training materials.
• Tracking changes to federal, state, and local accessibility regulations and advising on implications for University projects.
• Researching new technology, tools, and design solutions to enhance accessibility and advance inclusive design principles.
• Providing additional related services as required.

Qualifications

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

Additional Qualifications and Skills

• Degree in Facilities Management, Architecture, or a related field is strongly preferred.
• Experience working with facilities data systems, capital planning platforms, or similar tools; ability to interpret and communicate data to non‑technical 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 assessing accessibility of steps, grasping, bending, viewing, and lifting.
• Superior communication skills for writing, speaking, and presenting to diverse audiences.
• Ability to manage competing priorities and timelines while bringing initiatives to completion.
• Skill in navigating a decentralized environment.
• 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: Harvery University requires reference and background screenings for identity and education.
• Orientation and review period: 3‑month orientation and review period.

Salary Grade and Ranges

This position is 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 and Non‑Discrimination Commitment Statement

Harvard University is committed to equal opportunity and non‑discrimination. Harvard seeks talent from all parts of society and the world, and strives to ensure everyone at Harvard thrives. Our differences help our community advance Harvard’s academic purposes.

Harvard has an equal employment opportunity policy that outlines our commitment to prohibiting discrimination on the basis of race, ethnicity, color, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, veteran status, religion, disability, or any other characteristic protected by law or identified in the University’s non‑discrimination policy. These policies help all community members participate fully in work and campus life free from harassment and discrimination.