Job Abstract

New ideas are all around us, but only a few will change the world. That’s our focus at JPL. We ask the biggest questions, then search the universe for answers—literally. We build upon ideas that have guided generations, then share our discoveries to inspire generations to come. Your mission—your opportunity—is to seek out the answers that bring us one step closer. If you’re driven to discover, create, and inspire something that lasts a lifetime and beyond, you’re ready for JPL.

Located in Pasadena, California, JPL has a campus-like environment situated on 177 acres in the foothills of the San Gabriel Mountains and offers a work environment unlike any other: we inspire passion, foster innovation, build collaboration, and reward excellence.

Job responsibilities: 

• As an accessibility advocate, ensures that employees with disabilities are seen as valued members of the JPL community, and their voices are included in accessibility-related decisions

• In partnership with the Chief Inclusion Officer and Operations Manager, develop and implement a comprehensive accessibility strategy aligned with JPL’s DEIA goals. 

• Design and recommend pilot programs and resources to enhance and advance accessibility at JPL, working in collaboration with stakeholders including Human Resources, Facilities, Office of General Counsel, Acquisitions, Employee Resource Groups, and the broader disability community. 

• Oversee the OOI Digital Accessibility Working Group, running biweekly meetings, setting priorities, providing guidance on implementation, connecting working group members with relevant stakeholders, and working with other OOI staff to remove roadblocks where necessary. 

• Research, recommend and lead accessibility assessments in partnership with relevant JPL stakeholders; identify and refine lab-wide accessibility metrics and develop targeted plans to prioritize and address gaps. 

• Ensure industry accessibility best practices are researched and considered for all ongoing improvements to DEIA programs 

• Manage design and delivery of training programs to raise awareness of DEIA issues, with a particular focus on accessibility, and promote best practices across the organization 

• Builds and manages relationships with all relevant JPL, Campus and NASA stakeholders to ensure strategic alignment in accessibility efforts. 

• This is a part time position (estimated to be roughly 20 hours per week)

Qualifications: 

• Bachelor’s degree with a minimum of 3 years of related experience

• Knowledge of best practices in workplace accessibility

• Demonstrated experience leading workplace accessibility efforts, preferably in a non-profit environment

• Experience identifying and developing accessibility-awareness communication and education initiatives in the workplace

• Demonstrated experience developing and delivering effective presentations on accessibility-related topics to a wide-range of audiences, from company-wide to executive leaders

• Experience managing and successfully implementing organization-wide accessibility projects. 

• Demonstrated sensitivity to and understanding of working with individuals with disabilities.  

• Demonstrated cross-cultural competencies, including strong emotional intelligence and the ability to engage in and build effective working relationships. 

• Proven ability to research, gather information, and recommend solutions to fit the strategic vision and organizational needs in consideration of available resources and competing priorities. 

• Ability to successfully negotiate complex systems and work in a decentralized environment.  

• Demonstrated ability to influence and bring resources together to implement solutions and enact change within the framework of ongoing activities within JPL. 

• Excellent time and project management skills, the ability to manage multiple projects at once and work in a fast-paced, ever-changing environment. 

Preferred Qualifications: 

• Strong knowledge of policies and procedures related to accessibility efforts, is a plus 

• An understanding of assistive technologies for persons with disabilities is a plus. 

• Ability to integrate accessibility best practices and new ideas into STEM environment

• Knowledge of JPL / NASA policies and procedures

• Working knowledge of and Section 508/WCAG guidelines and requirements

Note: As a temporary position, this assignment may last up to 36 months in duration with approvals based on 12-month assignments. However, please note that you are not under any employment contract and your temporary employment status can be terminated at any time, with or without notice.

JPL has a catalog of benefits and perks that span from the traditional to the unique. This includes a variety of health, dental, vision, wellbeing, and retirement plans, paid time off, learning, rideshare, childcare, flexible schedule, parental leave and many more. Our focus is on work-life balance, and living healthy, fulfilling lives as we Dare Mighty Things Together. For benefits eligible positions, benefits are effective the first day of the month coincident with or immediately following the employee’s start date.

For further benefits information click Benefits and Perks

The hiring range displayed below is specifically for those who will work in or reside in the location listed. In extending an offer, Jet Propulsion Laboratory considers factors including, but not limited to, the candidate’s job related skills, experience, knowledge, and relevant education/training. Hiring range for this job may be adjusted based on primary work location outside of Pasadena, California. This adjusted range will be provided to candidates by the Recruiter when applicable.

The typical full time equivalent annual hiring range for this job in Pasadena, California.

JPL is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to sex, race, color, religion, national origin, citizenship, ancestry, age, marital status, physical or mental disability, medical condition, genetic information, pregnancy or perceived pregnancy, gender, gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, protected military or veteran status or any other characteristic or condition protected by Federal, state or local law.

In addition, JPL is a VEVRAA Federal Contractor.

EEO is the Law.

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Pay Transparency Nondiscrimination Provision

The Jet Propulsion Laboratory is a federal facility. Due to rules imposed by NASA, JPL will not accept applications from citizens of designated countries or those born in a designated country unless they are U.S. Citizens, Legal Permanent Residents of the U.S or have other protected status under 8 U.S.C. 1324b(a)(3). The Designated Countries List is available here.