POSITION: Designer, Accessible Media Specialist
REPORTS TO: Director of Media and Accessible Design Lab (MAD Lab)
STATUS: Non-exempt
JOB PURPOSE: The Media and Accessible Design (MAD) Lab is seeking a professional with strong Illustrator skills, someone keen to help us get into fabrication and help us develop the business, spreading the MAD Lab far and wide.
By providing individuals who are unable to read conventional print with access to the printed word and visually-conveyed information, the MAD Lab supports the rights of individuals to accessible information. While Braille and audio production remain cornerstones of the operation, our work extends to the creation of tactile graphics, maps, and educational materials. Innovative multi-modal approaches that encompass sense of touch, hearing and new technologies enable people who are blind or low vision and of varying abilities to enjoy full, independent lives. We design with these principles in mind. Talent and technology allow us to deliver quality product at competitive prices on deadline.
The essential components of the MAD Lab are:
- Tactile maps and graphics – embossed, 3D printed, or otherwise fabricated for optimal legibility.
- Accessibility Consultation – Typically businesses, government agencies, museums, exhibitors and designers with a focus on making their information and interpretive exhibits accessible.
- ADA/CBC signage – compliance review and fabrication.
- Alternative Formats – Braille translation; Audio recording; e-text production (Large Print, accessible .PDF, DAISY).
QUALIFICATIONS:
Education or equivalent: B.A. or M.A. in architecture, graphic design, design or related field.
Experience: Work history that parallels the needs of the department, as detailed below. Items marked with an asterisk are desirable/preferred, but are things we can, and will, teach on the job as necessary:
- Advanced knowledge of design and layout software including Illustrator, InDesign, Acrobat Pro, Photoshop, AutoCAD
- Ability to address design problems from varying approaches, incorporating elements of 2D and 3D design
- Experience/interest in 3D modeling and printing, and knowledge of various fabrication methods and materials*
- Experience with Design Research
- Aptitude for learning computer programs
- Proficient in MS Office suite of software (Word, Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint, etc.)
- Strong verbal, written, and visual communication skills
- Experience recording/editing digital audio and/or video
- Working knowledge of 2010 ADA Standards and 2013/2016 CBC Title 24*
- Familiarity with Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG 2.0) and 508 standards*
- Fluency in Spanish a plus
- Experience using Braille translation software*
- Braille literacy (English American Braille Grades 1 and 2, and UEB)*
Other: This position requires strong organizational skills; flexibility and ability to work independently and collaboratively; capacity to handle multiple projects simultaneously. Strong interpersonal skills to relate to staff, board members, volunteers, blind and visually-impaired clients, and persons in the community with varied backgrounds and viewpoints.
PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:
Able to sit at a desk and perform computer-intensive work for long periods of time; operate standard office equipment; move 20lbs independently.
ACCOUNTABILITIES:
- Learn applicable skills and tools, anticipating advances in the field, and applying new skills to projects.
- Provide training to colleagues on necessary skills and tools.
- Train and oversee volunteer’s efforts, as needed.
- Ensure continuing standards and quality of production of designed materials.
- Collect and document relevant information to standardize department practices and products.
- Participate in research and development of new alternative media technologies and tools, building organizational capacity and meeting emergent needs.
- Collaborate with O&M instructors and other intra-agency partners.
- Collaborate with partners in related fields on research and design.
- Develop design standards and best practices for new tools and products.
- Produce information in Braille and other alternative formats.
- Work independently to fulfill requests from individuals, non-profits, government organizations and businesses for alternative format projects.
- Provide quotes / estimates for cost and turn-around time of deliverables.
- Coordinate all aspects of production, from prototype to completion, including translation, proofing, embossing, collating, labeling, 3D printing, delivery of finished product, customer billing and check requests.
- Anticipate and meet client needs.
- Maintain Agency’s HIPAA compliance standards when handling, discussing or producing accessible Personal Health Information (PHI) for clients.
WORKING CONDITIONS:
LightHouse for the Blind and Visually Impaired is an equal opportunity employer to all. We strive to maintain a scent-free environment and a drug-free workplace. We also operate under a mutual “employment at will” policy.
TO APPLY:
Please submit a cover letter and résumé as Word attachments (no .PDFs please), to hr@lighthouse-sf.org, including the job title in the subject line. If applying to a design position, please provide a link to your design portfolio. We will not consider videos or hyperlinks to online profiles. Due to time constraints we will only respond to complete submissions in which there is serious interest; thanks for your understanding.
