Lead – Center of Excellence in Nonvisual Access

Description

The National Federation of the Blind is a membership organization of blind people from each of the fifty states, the District of Columbia, and Puerto Rico. As America's civil rights organization of the blind, the Federation is a coordinated network of skilled advocates, resources, and programs that raise expectations of the blind in society and create opportunities for blind people to live the lives they want. The staff of the Federation are central to the organized blind movement by providing support, professional expertise, and daily contributions to the success of the organization. Working under the direction of the Federation's elected President, the staff advise the organization's leadership and contribute to the vibrant, energetic, and collaborative culture of the organization that raises expectations throughout society.

The Lead for the Center of Excellence in Nonvisual Access (CENA) works directly with the executive director of Blindness Initiatives and is responsible for the development and execution of the Federation’s access technology training and evaluation projects, and other related programs as defined and directed by the President. This role requires proficient organizational, time management, communication, and interpersonal skills. It requires a breadth of knowledge about access technology and how it is used by blind people; familiarity with WCAG principles, relevant sections of the Americans with Disabilities Act, and the Rehabilitation Act; and requires the ability to effectively communicate access technology and accessibility concepts to audiences with various levels of technical expertise. This role requires the ability to effectively manage a team responsible for designing, executing, monitoring, and evaluating multiple short-term and long-term projects, and ensuring compliance with associated contract/grant requirements. Candidate must have the ability to work a flexible schedule including evenings, weekends, various day trips, and overnight travel. 

Responsibilities

  • Work closely with the executive director of Blindness Initiatives and other NFB staff to develop and execute a robust portfolio of accessibility and nonvisual access projects and programs. 
  • Ensure the administrative responsibilities, both programmatic and financial, of the programs and initiatives are handled in a timely, efficient, fiscally responsible manner.
  • Prepare monthly reports and invoices for contract and grant-related projects.
  • Design, develop, execute, and evaluate accessibility training to increase knowledge of the best practices toward providing nonvisual access to education, employment, and public information and services.
  • Promote the enculturation of accessibility through an increased presence via webinars and live presentations at professional conferences.
  • Administer the NFB Accessibility Inclusion Fellowship program, which assists college professors to include accessibility in their curricula.
  • Manage the International Braille and Technology Center (IBTC), including equipment inventory, planning acquisition of new equipment, evaluating and publishing information on accessibility of various technologies, archiving or disposing of outdated items, and scheduling individual and group tours.
  • Conduct and report on the accessibility evaluations of other products and services.
  • Facilitate the tracking and documenting of website evaluations conducted by CENA staff for internal and external entities.
  • Develop and maintain relationships with key leaders in accessibility. 
  • Engage with the members of the organization, especially with Divisions, Committees, and Groups with interest and expertise in matters related to access technology.
  • Assist in the identification and acquisition of funding from appropriate sources whose priorities and funding opportunities align with identified program needs.
  • Assist in preparing for and conducting the NFB national convention.
  • Performing other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

  • Ability to effectively use common nonvisual access technologies, including screen reading software, Braille displays, and accessible mainstream devices .
  • Strong working knowledge of Apple and Android operating systems and related access technologies.
  • Natural curiosity about new technologies and ability to learn technologies quickly.
  • Working knowledge of WCAG principles and relevant sections of the Americans with Disabilities Act and the Rehabilitation Act. 
  • Ability to effectively communicate access technology and accessibility concepts to audiences with various levels of technical expertise.
  • Proficient organizational, time management, communication, and interpersonal skills.
  • Strong technical proficiency in the use of Microsoft Office suite of programs (e.g., Outlook, OneDrive, Word, Excel, and PowerPoint).
  • Ability to effectively manage a team responsible for designing, executing, monitoring, and evaluating multiple short-term and long-term projects. 
  • Ability to prioritize and transition between tasks and manage multiple projects effectively.
  • Excellent oral, written, and presentation skills.
  • Strong commitment to diversity and inclusion.

Education and Experience

  • Bachelor’s degree in business or technology, or four years of experience in a related field.
  • Two or more years of experience managing staff.
  • Two or more years of experience working directly with access technology and supporting users of access technology in an education or employment environment.

Compensation and Benefits

The pay range for this position is 52,000 to 72,000 dollars.
Please go to our benefits brochure to learn about the employee benefits offered by the National Federation of the Blind. 

How to Apply

We seek individuals who wish to identify with a cause and to assist in advocacy for a group long denied equal opportunity to succeed or fail based on ability, and not be denied opportunity based on society’s stereotypes.

This job is open until filled. Applicants should send, preferably via email, a résumé and cover letter indicating salary requirements to: Talent Resource Coordinator, National Federation of the Blind, 200 East Wells Street at Jernigan Place, Baltimore, MD 21230; telephone 410-659-9314, ext. 2413; fax 410-685-5653; email [email protected].

The National Federation of the Blind is an equal opportunity employer.  Accordingly, all terms and conditions of employment will be carried out without regard to race, creed, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, nationality, marital status, age, or disability.  For more detailed information about our commitment to equal opportunity in employment, please email a request to [email protected].