How to Apply
A cover letter and resume are important submissions for the hiring team to get a sense of your experience. In the cover letter, please let us know how this role aligns with your career aspirations and skills. Submit both the cover letter and resume as one file (due to system limitations).
For questions about this posting or to request accommodations, please contact [email protected].
Job Summary
The Director of Accessibility leads the University Library's accessibility program, advancing a culture of inclusion for individuals with disabilities and who face barriers to access. As the Director, you will have policy-shaping responsibilities and engagement with both physical and digital accessibility in the Library to meet established and emerging needs of scholars and learners. This will include education efforts and inclusive space planning and design, as well as overseeing the Accessibility Remediation Program and Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) Title II implementation.
Your role will include supervising and developing professional staff, advocating for resources, and managing program budgets, including for student staff. You will represent the Library in consortial and multi-consortial activities, such as the Big Ten Academic Alliance's Library Accessibility Group and the Library Accessibility Alliance.
You will report to the Associate University Librarian for the Research and Learning Division and are a member of the Research and Learning leadership team.
Responsibilities*
Leadership and Program Development (50%)
- Lead strategic development of sustainable policies for physical and digital accessibility across all areas of the Library. This partnership with Library experts and leadership aims to better provide equitable access to resources across Library programs and spaces.
- Collaborate with campus partners such as Services for Students with Disabilities and Disability Equity Office to communicate and, where applicable, co-develop Library policy.
- Collaborate on development of pilots and prototypes for emerging areas of accessibility (such as sensory inclusive space development and AI-assisted remediation efforts).
Resource Management (30%)
- Manage programmatic, salary, and hourly budgets to employ a diverse and inclusive team.
- Supervise 3-5 full-time Accessibility-focused employees, as part of a department that also employs a variety of student staff.
Library and Professional Engagement (20%)
- Participate in Library, campus, and professional/scholarly association activities.
- Contribute to research, presentations, and consortial activities. Represent the University of Michigan in national and international conversations about accessibility and libraries, including the Big Ten Academic Alliance.
Required Qualifications*
- ALA accredited MLS degree, or another relevant advanced degree and related experience.
- 3 or more years of demonstrated strategic leadership of accessibility programs in an academic library or similar setting.
- Demonstrated knowledge of current accessibility laws and regulations, including Section 504 and Section 508 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, the Revisions to Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act, the Marrakesh Treaty, and the European Accessibility Act. Additionally, demonstrated knowledge of appropriate accessibility standards, such as W3C WCAG 2.1 AA.
- Have experience with a variety of digital and physical accessibility methods and technologies. These could include screen reading software, web assessment tools, adaptive technology for physical accessibility, sensory inclusive space planning, tactile maps, and graphics.
- Demonstrated experience managing the work of multi-person teams.
- Experience adapting communications for different audiences and media.
- Demonstrated understanding of the importance of inclusion documented through a commitment to apply and incorporate the differences, complexities, and opportunities that diversity brings to an organization.
Why Work at Michigan?
In addition to a career filled with purpose and opportunity, The University of Michigan offers a comprehensive benefits package to help you stay well, protect yourself and your family, and plan for a secure future. Benefits include:
- Generous time off
- A retirement plan that provides two-for-one matching contributions with immediate vesting
- Many choices for comprehensive health insurance
- Life insurance
- Long-term disability coverage
- Flexible spending accounts for healthcare and dependent care expenses
Modes of Work
Positions that are eligible for hybrid or mobile/remote work mode are at the discretion of the hiring department. Work agreements are reviewed annually at a minimum and are subject to change at any time, and for any reason, throughout the course of employment. Learn more about the work modes.
U-M EEO Statement
The University of Michigan is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We are committed to providing an environment of mutual respect where equal employment opportunities are available to all applicants, including protected veterans and individuals with disabilities.