The Usability and Accessibility Specialist at IT Partners at Education in the College of Education plays a crucial role in shaping the user experience and ensuring accessibility compliance for websites and web applications. This position involves enhancing the usability and accessibility of digital platforms for a diverse range of users by applying user-centric design principles, methodologies, and techniques to develop interactive experiences for enterprise web applications and websites. The designer works closely with users, developers, and content owners to develop websites and application design specifications for the user interface, implement designs, and evaluate and test application usability and accessibility.

Duties & Responsibilities

Interface Design 40%

Apply principles of user-centered design to the development and documentation of web applications and websites, using methods that may include design patterns, wireframes, prototypes, user research, and usability evaluations.
Design web and mobile screens (from components to full page layouts) using Figma, ensuring an intuitive and engaging user experience.
Collaborate with product managers and developers to create wireframes, prototypes, and high-fidelity designs.
Create design guidelines and standards for applications.

User Experience Research and Testing 30%

Act as a user advocate during application development.
Perform requirements gathering for data organization, display, and user interaction with websites and web applications by consulting with customers to identify, analyze, refine, and document business requirements and processes, and develop associated solutions.
Conduct user research and usability testing to gather feedback and insights both pre-design and post-implementation.
Analyze user feedback and activity to enhance the usability and functionality of our products.
Ensure designs and web content are compliant with college, university, state and federal digital accessibility (WCAG).
Perform accessibility audits and implement necessary changes to meet compliance standards.
Collaborate with project team members to implement new systems and enhance existing ones.
Communicate ideas, requirements, application behavior, and design concepts through written and verbal communications including presentations, mockups, wireframes, and interactive prototypes.

Technical Liaison 30%

Consult with customers to identify, analyze, refine and document business requirements and processes and develop associated solutions.
Establish, document, and maintain design guidelines, best practices, and standards.
Translate web and mobile screens from Figma to CMS-driven sites using CMS tools, HTML and CSS.
Train users in custom applications and CMS.
Contribute to campus technology initiatives and workgroups that further the mission of the college.
Other duties as required and/or assigned by the Assistant Director of Application Development or Executive Director of IT Partners.

Minimum Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• Any one or any combination totaling two (2) years (24 months) from the following categories:

• College coursework that includes User Experience Design, Graphic Design, Information Architecture, Information Technology (IT), IT Management, Programming, IT systems, or a closely related discipline, as measured by the following conversion table or its proportional equivalent:
- 30 semester hours equals one (1) year (12 months)
- Associate’s Degree (60 semester hours) equals eighteen months (18 months)
- 90 semester hours equals two (2) years (24 months)

• Bachelor’s Degree (120 semester hours) equals three (3) years (36 months)
• Demonstrated experience in web UI/UX design and/or web accessibility.

Preferred Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Design, Computer Science, or a related field.
• At least one (1) year of experience in UI/UX design.
• At least one (1) year of experience implementing accessible design standards.
• Experience in conducting user research and usability testing.
• Familiar in using web analytical tools e.g., Google Analytics and Google Tag Manager, to determine user engagement with websites in regards to changes and marketing campaigns.
• Experience with mobile application user interface design including responsive design for web applications.
• Experience within a university or large enterprise environment.
• Experience with Figma.
• Experience designing and creating page templates within a Content Management System (CMS).
• Experience with HTML, CSS, and web development tools and techniques.
• Knowledge of version control systems (e.g., Git).
• Experience in usability and digital accessibility testing of websites and web applications.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

Must be familiar with WCAG and ADA compliant accessible design principles.
Knowledge of user experience (UX) design principles.
Proficiency in Figma.
Knowledge of usability and accessibility testing methodologies.
Familiarity with HTML, CSS, and an understanding of how design choices translate in development.
Strong problem-solving skills and attention to detail.
Excellent communication and teamwork abilities.
Knowledge of current trends in UI/UX and digital accessibility.
Ability to work independently and in a team environment.

Appointment Information

This is a 100% full-time Civil Service 5031 - Information Technology Technical Associate position, appointed on a 12-month basis. The expected start date is as soon as possible after the closing date. The salary range for this position is $60,000 to $70,000. We strive to provide a competitive salary, considering factors such as available market data, internal equity, candidate experience and qualifications, collective bargaining agreements, and budget constraints. The final salary offer will be determined through a thorough assessment of these elements.

Work authorization sponsorship is not available for this position.

For more information on Civil Service classifications, please visit the SUCSS web site at https://www.sucss.illinois.gov/pages/classspec/default.aspx.

Application Procedures & Deadline Information

Applications must be received by 6:00 pm (Central Time) on June 11, 2025. Apply for this position using the Apply Now button at the top or bottom of this posting. In order to be considered as a transfer candidate, you must apply for this position. Applications not submitted through https://jobs.illinois.edu will not be considered. If required by the position, transcripts or other documentation of credentials are to be provided no later than the first day of employment. For further information about this specific position, please contact jonker@illinois.edu. For questions regarding the application process, please contact 217-333-2137.

The University of Illinois offers a very competitive benefits portfolio, depending on the position. Click for a complete list of Employee Benefits.

The University of Illinois System is an equal opportunity employer, including but not limited to disability and/or veteran status, and complies with all applicable state and federal employment mandates. Please visit Required Employment Notices and Posters to view our non-discrimination statement and find additional information about required background checks, sexual harassment/misconduct disclosures, and employment eligibility review through E-Verify.

Applicants with disabilities are encouraged to apply and may request a reasonable accommodation under the Americans with Disabilities Act (2008) to complete the application and/or interview process. Accommodations may also be requested on the basis of pregnancy, childbirth, and related conditions, or religion. Requests may be submitted through the reasonable accommodations portal, or by contacting the Accessibility & Accommodations Division of the Office for Access and Equity at 217-333-0885, or by emailing accessibility@illinois.edu.

Requisition ID: 1030928
Job Category: Technical
Apply at: https://jobs.illinois.edu

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