Head of Digital Accessibility

Head of Digital Accessibility- 2 year Fixed Term contract

The University of Oxford is a stimulating work environment, which enjoys an international reputation as a world-class centre of excellence. Our research plays a key role in tackling many global challenges, from reducing our carbon emissions to developing vaccines during a pandemic.

We have an exciting opportunity to join the IT Services Department as the Head of Digital Accessibility. You will be working in the newly formed Digital Governance Unit to develop and implement an institutional wide digital accessibility strategy.

We are open to discussing this position in terms of flexible working between office and home.

IT Services is a key department that ensures that the University has robust, reliable and high-performing IT facilities it requires to support the distinctive needs of those engaged in teaching, learning, research and administration. We value and recognise our own and the contribution of others, creating a great culture to work in and a place where we all feel we belong.

What We Offer

As an employer, we genuinely care about our employees’ wellbeing and this is reflected in the range of benefits that we offer including:

• An excellent contributory pension scheme
• 38 days annual leave
• A comprehensive range of childcare services
• Family leave schemes
• Cycle loan scheme
• Discounted bus travel and Season Ticket travel loans
• Membership to a variety of social and sports clubs

About the Role

As the Head of Digital Accessibility, you will be expected to work with stakeholders across the University. The role will report into and work closely with the newly appointed Head of User Experience. You will be responsible for defining a clear digital accessibility strategy for The University of Oxford and developing a sustainable roadmap for delivery. You will establish a digital accessibility team to provide flexible expert support across the University and oversee a programme of cultural change to embed accessibility in all digital activities.

Key responsibilities include:

• Develop digital accessibility organisational strategy, governance and priorities
• Support delivery teams, content creators, programmes and projects to create user-centric, inclusive and accessible digital services
• Lead a cultural shift that embeds accessibility in all digital focused projects, committees, policies and strategies
• Understand and own the overall approach to digital accessibility risk and compliance
• Determine and enforce an expected baseline of digital accessibility compliance, capability and expertise across the University’s digital estate

About You

To excel in this role you should:

• Be a proven leader and subject matter expert on digital accessibility and UK disability law, particularly in relation to public sector bodies.
• Have experience developing institutional digital accessibility strategies and confident leading on organizational change
• Be comfortable communicating with a wide range of stakeholders, building consensus and managing expectations.
• Have a working knowledge of WCAG 2.2 and an understanding of industry practices around digital accessibility testing and auditing

Application Process

You will be required to upload a covering letter/supporting statement, CV and the details of two referees as part of your online application.

In your Cover letter/supporting statement, please address each of the selection criteria outlined for this role and demonstrate how your skills, experiences, and qualifications align with these criteria.

If you experience any difficulties when completing your application, please contact the Recruitment Support team at [email protected]

The closing date for applications is 12 noon on Monday 8 April.

Interviews will take place on Monday 15 and Thursday 18 April and will take place both in person in Central Oxford and virtually on Microsoft Teams.