UX Accessibility, Sr. Consultant
π Job Overview
Job Title: UX Accessibility, Sr. Consultant
Company: Perficient
Location: Saint Louis, MO (Creve Coeur)
Job Type: Full time
Category: Strategy & Experience Design / Consulting
Date Posted: 2026-06-23
Experience Level: Mid-Senior Level (2-5 years inferred)
Remote Status: On-site
π Role Summary
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Lead and champion accessibility and inclusive design principles across a diverse range of digital products and client engagements.
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Drive the integration of Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) standards into design systems, workflows, and product development lifecycles.
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Collaborate closely with cross-functional teams, including Product Management, Engineering, and UX Research, to ensure equitable user experiences.
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Act as a strategic advisor and hands-on contributor, embedding accessibility best practices into the fabric of digital product creation.
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Influence and guide stakeholders to prioritize and implement accessibility solutions that meet both compliance and user needs.
π Enhancement Note: The "Sr. Consultant" title and the emphasis on "advancing accessibility and inclusive design practices across digital products" suggest a role that requires not only deep technical expertise in accessibility but also strong strategic thinking and the ability to influence organizational change. The inferred experience level of 2-5 years aligns with a senior individual contributor role that is expected to lead initiatives rather than manage a team, focusing on driving best practices and embedding them within existing processes. The mention of "partners with product, engineering, and research teams" highlights the collaborative nature and the need for strong communication and influencing skills.
π Primary Responsibilities
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Develop and implement comprehensive accessibility strategies and roadmaps for client projects, ensuring alignment with WCAG 2.2 standards and organizational goals.
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Conduct accessibility audits and evaluations of digital products, identifying barriers and providing actionable recommendations for remediation.
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Design and advocate for inclusive user experiences that cater to a wide range of abilities, ensuring equitable access for all users.
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Collaborate with UX/UI designers and product teams to integrate accessibility considerations from the initial concept phase through to final implementation.
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Provide expert guidance and training to internal teams and clients on accessibility best practices, tools, and compliance requirements.
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Contribute to the development and maintenance of design systems and component libraries, ensuring accessibility is a core tenet.
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Stay abreast of evolving accessibility standards, technologies, and regulatory landscapes to maintain best-in-class expertise.
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Facilitate cross-functional workshops and discussions to foster a shared understanding and commitment to accessibility.
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Support the development of accessible content creation guidelines and best practices for various digital platforms.
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Measure and report on the impact of accessibility initiatives, demonstrating progress and identifying areas for continuous improvement.
π Enhancement Note: The responsibilities are inferred based on the role title "UX Accessibility, Sr. Consultant" and the description's emphasis on "advancing accessibility and inclusive design practices," "ensuring experiences meet WCAG standards," and "embedding accessibility into design systems, workflows, and product development." The specific mention of WCAG 2.2, audits, and cross-team collaboration are standard expectations for such a senior role in the accessibility domain.
π Skills & Qualifications
Education:
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Bachelor's degree in Graphic Design, Fine Arts, Human-Computer Interaction, or a related field.
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Professional certifications such as CPACC (Certified Professional in Accessibility Core Competencies) or WAS (Web Accessibility Specialist) are highly preferred. Experience:
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A minimum of 3-5 years of direct experience in UX design with a strong focus on accessibility and inclusive design principles.
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Proven track record of applying WCAG 2.2 standards and guidelines in real-world digital product development.
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Experience in conducting accessibility audits and providing remediation guidance. Required Skills:
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Expertise in UX Design principles and best practices.
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Deep understanding of accessibility standards, particularly WCAG 2.2 (AA and AAA levels).
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Proficiency in inclusive design methodologies and user-centered design processes.
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Ability to conduct usability testing with users with disabilities.
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Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with a keen eye for detail.
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Excellent communication, presentation, and interpersonal skills, with the ability to influence cross-functional teams and stakeholders.
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Experience with accessibility testing tools (e.g., axe, WAVE, screen readers like JAWS, NVDA, VoiceOver).
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Familiarity with design and prototyping tools (e.g., Figma, Sketch, Adobe XD). Preferred Skills:
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Experience with ARIA (Accessible Rich Internet Applications).
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Knowledge of accessibility regulations in different regions (e.g., Section 508, ADA).
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Experience in developing and maintaining design systems with an accessibility focus.
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Familiarity with front-end development principles (HTML, CSS, JavaScript) to understand implementation constraints.
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Experience in a consulting environment, working with multiple clients and project types.
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Mentoring or training experience in accessibility.
π Enhancement Note: The AI-generated requirements summary mentioned "3-5 years of digital design experience," "WCAG 2.2," "CPACC or WAS certifications," a "bachelor's degree in Graphic Design or Fine Arts," and a "current portfolio." This has been expanded to include broader relevant fields of study and specific accessibility certifications, along with detailing the required and preferred technical and soft skills expected for a senior consultant role in this specialized area.
π Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements
Portfolio Essentials:
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A curated portfolio showcasing a minimum of 2-3 significant projects where accessibility was a primary consideration.
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Demonstrate a clear understanding of user needs, particularly for users with diverse abilities, and how design decisions addressed them.
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Include examples of accessibility audits, problem identification, and proposed solutions with clear rationale.
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Highlight contributions to design systems or style guides that incorporate accessibility standards.
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Quantify impact where possible, e.g., improvements in user satisfaction, compliance scores, or reduction in user friction for specific user groups. Process Documentation:
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Examples of accessibility workflows and how they were integrated into existing product development processes.
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Documentation of accessibility testing methodologies and reporting formats used.
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Case studies illustrating the process of embedding inclusive design principles from concept to launch.
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Guidance or best practice documents created to support teams in implementing accessibility.
π Enhancement Note: For a Senior Consultant role focused on UX Accessibility, a strong portfolio is crucial. The requirements are tailored to showcase not just design output but also strategic thinking, problem-solving, and the ability to integrate accessibility into process. This goes beyond just showing visually appealing designs; it's about demonstrating the how and why of accessibility implementation.
π΅ Compensation & Benefits
Salary Range:
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Estimated Salary Range: $95,798 - $135,640 per year.
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This range is based on industry benchmarks for Senior UX Consultants specializing in Accessibility in the St. Louis, MO area, considering the provided AI-estimated salary data. Factors such as specific experience, certifications, and client project scope can influence the final offer. Benefits:
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Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance plans.
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401(k) retirement savings plan with company match.
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Paid time off (PTO), including vacation, sick leave, and holidays.
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Opportunities for professional development, training, and certifications (e.g., CPACC, WAS).
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Employee Assistance Program (EAP) for mental health and well-being support.
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Potential for performance-based bonuses or profit sharing.
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Life and disability insurance. Working Hours:
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Standard full-time position, typically 40 hours per week.
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Consulting roles often require flexibility to meet client needs and project deadlines, which may involve occasional extended hours or adjustments to the work schedule.
π Enhancement Note: The salary range is directly derived from the AI-provided salary data (minvalue: 95798, maxvalue: 135640, unittext: YEAR). Benefits are standard for a full-time consulting role at a firm like Perficient, with specific emphasis on professional development relevant to the accessibility domain.
π― Team & Company Context
π’ Company Culture
Industry: Technology Consulting (focusing on AI and Digital Transformation).
Company Size: Perficient is a large organization, employing over 7,000 advisors, engineers, and designers globally. This size suggests a structured environment with established processes and a broad range of client engagements.
Founded: Perficient was founded in 1997. This long history indicates stability and a deep understanding of the consulting landscape.
Team Structure:
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The role is part of the "Strategy and Experience Design" team, suggesting a specialized group focused on user-centric solutions and digital transformation initiatives.
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As a Senior Consultant, you will likely report to a Manager or Director within the Experience Design practice, with direct collaboration across various project teams.
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Cross-functional collaboration is inherent, working alongside product managers, engineers, researchers, and client stakeholders to deliver integrated solutions. Methodology:
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Perficient emphasizes an "AI-first" approach, integrating artificial intelligence into their solutions.
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The company focuses on "implementing AI-first solutions that break conventions and deliver outcomes that matter," suggesting an innovative and results-oriented culture.
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"Deep industry expertise and data-driven design" are highlighted, indicating a commitment to leveraging insights and analytics in their consulting work.
Company Website: https://www.perficient.com/
π Enhancement Note: Information about Perficient's industry, size, founding date, and core methodologies is synthesized from the provided company description and URL. The team structure and collaboration style are inferred based on the role title and typical consulting firm organization.
π Career & Growth Analysis
Operations Career Level: This role is positioned as a Senior Consultant, indicating a mid-to-senior level individual contributor. It requires significant expertise and the ability to lead initiatives independently, mentor junior colleagues, and influence client strategies. The focus is on deep specialization in UX Accessibility and its application within broader digital transformation projects.
Reporting Structure:
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As a Senior Consultant, you would typically report to a Manager or Director within the Strategy and Experience Design practice.
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You will be part of project-based teams, collaborating with other consultants, designers, engineers, and client personnel. The structure is matrixed, meaning you'll have both a functional reporting line and project-specific team assignments. Operations Impact:
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The "operations" in this context refer to the operationalization of accessibility best practices within client organizations. This role directly impacts the usability, inclusivity, and legal compliance of digital products, thereby enhancing user experience and mitigating business risks.
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By embedding accessibility into design systems and workflows, this role drives systemic improvements that have a lasting impact on how clients develop and deliver digital solutions. Growth Opportunities:
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Specialization Advancement: Progress to Principal Consultant or Subject Matter Expert in UX Accessibility, leading even larger and more complex initiatives.
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Leadership Development: Transition into management roles, leading teams of accessibility specialists or managing client accounts.
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Broader Consulting Skills: Develop expertise in other areas of UX, digital strategy, or AI consulting through cross-training and project diversification.
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Client Relationship Management: Grow into roles focused on strategic client advising and business development within the Experience Design practice.
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Industry Recognition: Contribute to thought leadership through speaking engagements, publications, or internal best practice development.
π Enhancement Note: This analysis infers growth paths based on the "Sr. Consultant" title and the consulting industry standard for career progression. The focus is on how an individual in this specialized role can grow both technically and managerially within a large consulting firm.
π Work Environment
Office Type: Perficient operates with a hybrid or on-site model. The specific location in Saint Louis (555 Maryville University Drive, Ste 600) suggests a professional office setting conducive to client meetings and collaborative work. The company's nature as a consulting firm implies a dynamic environment where consultants may also spend time at client sites.
Office Location(s):
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Primary location: Saint Louis, MO (specific address provided).
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Perficient has numerous offices globally, indicating potential for internal mobility or client engagements across different regions. Workspace Context:
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The office environment is designed for collaboration, client presentations, and focused work. Expect access to modern office amenities and technology infrastructure.
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As a consultant, you will likely utilize company-provided hardware and software, including specialized accessibility testing tools and design software.
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Opportunities for interaction with a diverse team of experienced professionals, fostering a culture of learning and knowledge sharing. Work Schedule:
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Standard business hours (e.g., 9 AM - 5 PM) are typical, but the consulting nature of the role demands flexibility. Project deadlines, client needs, and team collaboration may require adjustments to this schedule, including potential evening or weekend work on occasion.
π Enhancement Note: The work environment description is based on the provided location details and general understanding of large consulting firm office settings. The emphasis is on the professional, collaborative, and potentially client-facing aspects of the role.
π Application & Portfolio Review Process
Interview Process:
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Initial Screening: A recruiter or hiring manager will review your application and conduct an initial phone screen to assess your background, experience, and fit for the role.
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Technical/Skills Interview: Expect interviews focused on your UX design and accessibility expertise. This may include discussions about WCAG standards, accessibility testing methodologies, and your approach to inclusive design.
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Portfolio Review: A dedicated session where you will present your portfolio. Be prepared to walk through specific projects, detailing your role, challenges, solutions, and the impact of your accessibility work.
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Behavioral/Situational Interview: Questions designed to assess your problem-solving skills, collaboration style, client management approach, and ability to influence others within a consulting context.
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Final Interview: Potentially with a senior leader or practice lead to confirm overall fit and discuss career aspirations.
Portfolio Review Tips:
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Structure: Organize your portfolio logically, highlighting projects that best demonstrate your UX accessibility expertise. For each project, clearly define the problem, your approach, your specific contributions, the accessibility challenges faced, the solutions implemented, and the measurable outcomes.
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Accessibility Focus: Explicitly detail how accessibility was integrated into each project. Showcase your understanding of WCAG, inclusive design principles, and user testing with diverse abilities.
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Tools & Processes: Be ready to discuss the tools and processes you used for design, testing, and collaboration.
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Storytelling: Craft a narrative for each project that highlights your strategic thinking and ability to drive impact. Focus on the "why" behind your design decisions.
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Conciseness: Be prepared to present your portfolio within a set timeframe, focusing on the most impactful examples.
Challenge Preparation:
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Case Study: You might be given a hypothetical design challenge or asked to critique an existing digital product from an accessibility perspective. Prepare to analyze the situation, identify accessibility barriers, and propose actionable, prioritized recommendations.
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Scenario-Based Questions: Be ready to answer questions about how you would handle specific situations, such as client resistance to accessibility recommendations, balancing accessibility with business constraints, or advocating for accessibility within a tight deadline.
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Technical Depth: Brush up on WCAG 2.2 guidelines, common accessibility issues, and remediation techniques.
π Enhancement Note: This section provides actionable advice for navigating the interview process at a consulting firm, emphasizing the critical role of the portfolio and the need for strong communication and problem-solving skills relevant to UX accessibility.
π Tools & Technology Stack
Primary Tools:
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Design & Prototyping: Figma, Sketch, Adobe XD (proficiency expected for UI/UX design tasks).
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Accessibility Testing: axe DevTools, WAVE Web Accessibility Evaluation Tool, Lighthouse (for Chrome DevTools).
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Screen Readers: JAWS, NVDA (Windows), VoiceOver (macOS/iOS), TalkBack (Android) for manual testing and validation.
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Collaboration Platforms: Microsoft Teams, Slack, Jira, Confluence (for team communication, project management, and documentation).
Analytics & Reporting:
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Web Analytics: Google Analytics, Adobe Analytics (for understanding user behavior and identifying potential accessibility-related drop-offs).
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Reporting Tools: Tableau, Power BI (potentially used for creating dashboards on accessibility compliance or user engagement metrics).
CRM & Automation:
- While not directly central to the UX Accessibility role, familiarity with CRM systems (e.g., Salesforce) and project management/workflow automation tools might be beneficial for understanding client environments and project lifecycles.
π Enhancement Note: The tools listed are standard for UX designers and accessibility specialists. The emphasis is on tools used for design, testing, and collaboration, with a specific focus on accessibility evaluation software and screen readers.
π₯ Team Culture & Values
Operations Values:
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Excellence: A commitment to delivering high-quality, impactful solutions that exceed client expectations, with accessibility as a key component of excellence.
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Collaboration: A strong emphasis on teamwork and cross-functional partnerships to achieve shared goals, fostering an environment where diverse perspectives are valued.
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Innovation: Encouraging creative problem-solving and the adoption of new technologies and methodologies, including leveraging AI to enhance digital experiences.
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Integrity: Upholding high ethical standards in all client interactions and project deliveries, ensuring transparency and trust.
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Client Focus: Dedication to understanding and meeting client needs, driving business outcomes through strategic consulting.
Collaboration Style:
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Perficient fosters a collaborative environment where consultants work closely with colleagues and clients. This involves active listening, open communication, and a willingness to share knowledge and best practices.
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The "Strategy and Experience Design" team likely operates with a strong emphasis on user-centered design principles, encouraging iterative feedback and co-creation.
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Expect a culture that values continuous learning and professional development, with opportunities to learn from experienced peers and leaders.
π Enhancement Note: These values and collaboration styles are inferred from Perficient's company description emphasizing "AI-first solutions," "disrupting the traditional consulting model," and "deep industry expertise."
β‘ Challenges & Growth Opportunities
Challenges:
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Client Education & Buy-in: Persuading clients and stakeholders on the importance and ROI of accessibility, especially when budget or timelines are constrained.
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Integrating Accessibility into Existing Workflows: Adapting and embedding accessibility practices into diverse client development processes and legacy systems.
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Keeping Pace with Evolving Standards: Continuously updating knowledge of WCAG updates, new assistive technologies, and legal requirements.
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Measuring Accessibility Impact: Quantifying the business value and user impact of accessibility initiatives beyond mere compliance.
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Balancing Technical Constraints with User Needs: Finding practical solutions that meet both accessibility standards and technical feasibility.
Learning & Development Opportunities:
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Advanced Certifications: Pursuing and maintaining advanced accessibility certifications (e.g., IAAP's CPACC, WAS, ADS).
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Specialized Training: Access to internal and external training programs on emerging accessibility topics, assistive technologies, and inclusive design techniques.
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Mentorship: Opportunities to be mentored by senior accessibility experts or to mentor junior consultants.
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Cross-Disciplinary Learning: Exposure to AI, data analytics, and other digital transformation areas within Perficient to broaden consulting capabilities.
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Conferences & Events: Participation in industry conferences like CSUN, axe-con, or IAAP events to network and stay current.
π Enhancement Note: Challenges are typical for senior roles in specialized consulting fields, focusing on influence, integration, and continuous learning. Growth opportunities are aligned with career progression in consulting and the specific domain of accessibility.
π‘ Interview Preparation
Strategy Questions:
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"Describe a time you had to advocate for accessibility with a resistant stakeholder. How did you approach it, and what was the outcome?" (Focus on your influencing skills, understanding of business value, and problem-solving approach.)
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"Walk us through your process for conducting an accessibility audit on a complex web application. What tools do you use, and how do you prioritize findings?" (Demonstrate your systematic approach, technical proficiency, and ability to manage findings.)
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"How do you ensure accessibility is integrated into a design system from its inception, rather than being an afterthought?" (Showcase your understanding of proactive design and systemic integration.) Company & Culture Questions:
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"What interests you about Perficient and our approach to digital transformation and AI?" (Research Perficient's recent projects, values, and stated mission.)
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"How do you see UX Accessibility contributing to Perficient's 'AI-first' strategy?" (Connect your expertise to the company's broader strategic direction.)
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"Describe your ideal collaborative environment and how you contribute to team success." (Align your collaboration style with a consulting firm's needs.) Portfolio Presentation Strategy:
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Selectivity: Choose 2-3 projects that best showcase your ability to solve complex accessibility challenges and drive meaningful impact.
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Narrative: For each project, tell a compelling story: the client's challenge, your strategic approach, the specific accessibility solutions you implemented, the tools and processes used, and the measurable results.
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Demonstrate Process: Clearly articulate your thought process, decision-making criteria, and how you navigated constraints.
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Quantify Impact: Whenever possible, use data or metrics to illustrate the effectiveness of your accessibility work (e.g., improved compliance scores, reduced user error rates, positive user feedback).
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Engagement: Be prepared for questions about your work, demonstrating deep understanding and a passion for accessibility.
π Enhancement Note: Interview preparation advice is tailored to a senior consulting role in UX Accessibility, focusing on strategic thinking, client management, and the ability to articulate complex concepts and demonstrate tangible results.
π Application Steps
To apply for this UX Accessibility, Sr. Consultant position:
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Submit Your Application: Navigate to the Perficient careers portal via the provided link and complete the online application form.
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Tailor Your Resume: Ensure your resume highlights your experience with UX design, accessibility standards (WCAG 2.2), inclusive design, accessibility testing tools, and any relevant certifications (CPACC, WAS). Quantify achievements where possible.
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Prepare Your Portfolio: Curate your strongest UX accessibility projects. Be ready to present a clear narrative for each, detailing your role, process, solutions, and impact. Ensure it's easily accessible (e.g., via a website or PDF).
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Research Perficient: Familiarize yourself with Perficient's services, client base, company values, and recent news, particularly their AI and digital transformation initiatives.
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Practice Interview Responses: Prepare for behavioral, technical, and portfolio-based questions using the strategies outlined above. Be ready to discuss your passion for accessibility and how you contribute to inclusive digital experiences.
β οΈ Important Notice: This enhanced job description includes AI-generated insights and operations industry-standard assumptions. All details should be verified directly with the hiring organization before making application decisions.
Application Requirements
Requires 3-5 years of digital design experience and familiarity with WCAG 2.2, preferably with CPACC or WAS certifications. A bachelor's degree in Graphic Design or Fine Arts and a current portfolio are required.