Inclusive Technology Manager

Fixed Term (15 months), with possibility of progression to permanent

The Tech Team’s role is to champion inclusive technologies and connect everyone at RNID and in our communities with new technologies. We do that in three keyways:

1. Our bespoke consultancy works with corporate clients to make their products and services more accessible to our communities, such as helping Sonos develop features for their flagship soundbar.
2. Working on major strategic technology projects, such as ensuring the roll-out of Auracast has maximum benefit for people with hearing loss, and a world first public dialogue on the use of AI for BSL applications.
3. Developing resources and content which help people understand how technology can support them in everyday life. We share these through our range of channels and with our RNID Near You volunteers.

This is an exciting opportunity for someone who is passionate about technology and how it can be used to improve people’s lives.

You will be:

• Undertaking technology-focused consultancy work for corporate clients including desk research, user experience testing (remote and in-person), surveys, focus groups and listening tests. You’ll be involved in meeting with clients developing proposals, delivering the day-to-day work, writing reports and building strong relationships with clients.
• Managing and establishing new relationships with collaborators from industry, academia, R&D and the third sector.
• Working with colleagues from our Inclusion, Employment and Health programmes and those from across the charity to identify, develop, deliver and disseminate strategic technology projects.
• Representing RNID and our communities at standards bodies, industry groups and technology groups within government, to influence technology policy and standards.
• Supporting with the creation of content and publications – from thought leadership papers and conference presentations to articles and blogs for our website.

You

• You are enthusiastic but pragmatic about technology and how it can be used to support those who are deaf, have hearing loss and tinnitus.
• You have strong experience in co-design and working with individuals who are deaf of have hearing loss, or tinnitus to develop and evaluate technologies.
• You enjoy being involved in multiple projects simultaneously and working with colleagues from across the matrix and across other organisations to deliver these.
• You have an existing network of academic or industry relationships to support RNID in building collaborations and creating impact.

Qualifications

Applicants should hold a science or engineering degree, preferably masters or PhD, or have equivalent technology industry experience.

We are particularly looking for applicants with degrees and/or experience in: audio, acoustics, psychoacoustics, digital signal processing or machine learning.

BSL qualifications or proficiency in BSL is a bonus but not required.

We are RNID.  Together we’ll make life more inclusive for deaf people and those with hearing loss or tinnitus. Our charity has been through a complete transformation, while building on the best of our past.  We’ve returned to our former, much-loved name, become wholly remote working, and established a new strategy, focused on reaching the 12 million people in the UK who are deaf, have hearing loss or tinnitus.

We are creating a radically different culture which is externally focused, curious, evidence-based, deliberate, agile, and future orientated.  Our values are at the heart of what we do.

We strive to be and continue to be connected to our communities, insightful and confident in what we do and who we are, curious in everything we do and passionate about our purpose.

We champion the value of difference and equality and celebrate our diverse and inclusive workforce. We actively encourage applications from eligible candidates from BAME backgrounds or who are deaf or hard of hearing. With almost 20% of our employees having a disability we proudly hold Disability Confident Leader status and guarantee an interview for disabled applicants meeting the minimum essential criteria.