Description
Position Description
This is a fully benefited, full-time Harvard University position that has been funded through 6/30/2027. There is the possibility of renewal, contingent on funding, university priorities and satisfactory job performance.
Harvard University Information Technology (HUIT) is a community of Information Technology professionals committed to delivering service and technological solutions in support of teaching, learning, research and administration. We are recruiting an IT workforce that has both breadth in their ability to collaborate and innovate across disciplines – and depth in specific areas of expertise. HUIT offers opportunities for IT professionals to learn and work in a unique technology landscape and service-focused environment. If you are a technically proficient, nimble, user-focused and accountable IT professional who also connects with the importance of collaborating well in a team environment, we are looking for you!
Harvard University Information Technology’s (HUIT) Office of Digital Accessibility Services (DAS) is a dynamic team that inspires, leads, and educates our colleagues about the importance of, and their role in, making Harvard’s content and technology inclusive and accessible to everyone.
The Digital Accessibility Officer for Harvard’s Faculty of Arts & Sciences (FAS) supports HUIT and FAS leadership to enhance the successful program in support of the University’s Digital Accessibility Policy. This role influences change by building key partnerships and becoming a trusted advisor across teams and units with faculty and staff at all levels. The role requires broad digital accessibility experience, technical understanding of accessibility requirements, strong business acumen, good judgment, and diplomacy.
The individual supports design, creation, and remediation of content and platforms, and implements accessibility practices across FAS. They manage projects and deliver quality consultation, operations support, data reporting, and customer service. This role reports to the DAS Director, collaborates with an expert team and coordinates efforts of Digital Accessibility Liaisons.
Principal Duties and Responsibilities:
Liaise between DAS and FAS, maintain relationships
Facilitate communication on accessibility at the enterprise and locally
Serve as a local contact on digital accessibility requirements, assessments, and prioritization, and recommend strategic solutions
Lead and coordinate with FAS to ensure local systems comply with University Digital Accessibility Policy
Recommend remediation plans that reduce the impact of barriers, produce data to demonstrate progress, and report to stakeholders
Act as initial point of contact for identified accessibility barriers and be familiar with DAS’ response playbooks and expectations
Ensure accessibility is considered and documented in technology purchases by coordinating with vendors, business owners, and DAS/procurement office(s)
Support academic leaders, faculty, and teaching teams to remediate content and plan for accessible course material adoption by design.
Partner with FAS resources focused on disability accessibility to ensure effective communication, service coordination and priorities are met.
Represent FAS across Harvard and externally as appropriate
Working Conditions
Work is performed in an office setting
Additional Information
Please provide a cover letter with your application.
Please note:
Harvard University requires pre-employment reference and background screening.
We are unable to provide work authorization and/or visa sponsorship.
This position has a 180-day orientation and review period.
The health of our workforce is a priority for Harvard University. With that in mind, we strongly encourage all employees to be up-to-date on CDC-recommended vaccines.
Accessibility:
Harvard University welcomes individuals with disabilities to apply for positions and participate in its programs and activities. If you would like to request an accommodation or have questions about the physical access provided, please contact our University Disability Resources Department.
Work Format Details
HUIT actively supports hybrid work where business needs allow. This position has been designated as a Partially on-site position (2 days per month). While this position is partially on-site, additional travel to campus may be necessary based on business needs and the nature of work and will require the person to live in one of the following commutable states (Massachusetts, Connecticut, Maine, New Hampshire, Rhode Island, Vermont). Examples include bi-annual or quarterly Town Halls, critical business meetings or other work events. Additional details will be discussed during the interview process. All remote work must be performed within one of the Harvard Registered Payroll States, which currently includes Massachusetts, Connecticut, Maine, New Hampshire, Rhode Island, Vermont, Georgia, Illinois, Maryland, New Jersey, New York, Virginia, Washington, and California (CA for exempt positions only). Certain visa types and funding sources may limit work location. Individuals must meet work location sponsorship requirements prior to employment.
About Us
More about HUIT:
Harvard University Information Technology (HUIT) is responsible for the strategy, planning, and delivery of information technology across the University. Our mission is to assure Harvard’s leadership in IT. We strive to make it easier for faculty, students, and staff to teach, research, learn and work through the effective use of information technology. HUIT’s core values are User Focused, Collaborative, Innovative and Open.
HUIT’s core values are:
User-focused
Collaborative
Innovative
Open
IT Academy (designed for IT Staff):
HUIT’s IT Academy aims to enable each IT staff person to grow professionally and become a trusted partner to her or his team. The IT Academy is built on the belief that every IT staff member across the University (including technology employees at each school and campus) can grow in her or his area of expertise as well as building strong people and project management skills. Learn more here: https://itacademy.harvard.edu/
Requirements
Basic Qualifications
Minimum of seven years’ post-secondary education or relevant work experience
Additional Qualifications and Skills
The following Additional Qualifications are strongly preferred. If you meet some, but not all, you are still encouraged to apply; we value employees with a willingness to learn.
Knowledge of accessibility technical standards including WCAG 2.1, WAI-ARIA, §508 etc. as applicable to websites, and documents
Experience withaccessibility legal requirements (e.g., ADA, §504, etc.) as applicable to postsecondary institutions and associated risks
working in a higher education environment especially related to accessibility of teaching and learning materials
Understanding of the techniques used to make websites, electronic documents, and media content accessible
Basic fluency with assistive technologies such as JAWS, NVDA, ZoomText, Dragon Naturally Speaking – and understanding of the experience for those using AT – or other accessibility features.
Ability tofind opportunity and drive results at all levels of the organization
work collaboratively and productively with colleagues and stakeholders at all levels in a large, complex organization.
Demonstrated project prioritization, management, and execution.
working in a higher education environment especially related to accessibility of teaching and learning materials
Excellent written, verbal, interpersonal and communication skills
Effective meeting facilitation and presentation skills
Certificates and Licenses
Completion of Harvard IT Academy Foundations course (or external equivalent) preferred
CPACC, WAS, ADS (IAAP) or other relevant certifications preferred
