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Web Strategy Documentation Library

Accessible organizational chart guide

Function: Used to represent the internal structure of an organization or team. It outlines the relationships and relative hierarchy of positions within the organization.

Purpose Statement: Organizational (org) charts are a valuable addition to a website and beyond, providing visitors with information about an organization’s structure and hierarchy. However, because they are often highly visual and depict complex relationships, making them accessible can be challenging. To ensure that your org chart is inclusive and accessible to all visitors—including those who use screen readers, have low vision, or experience other disabilities—please follow this guide.

Step 1. Create a textual outline

We suggest using any word processor, such as Microsoft Word, to create a document containing a list version of your organizational chart. Start by outlining the organization’s departments and listing the roles within each department in hierarchical order using an unordered list. Be sure to include any joint or dual reports (see the example org chart below). This textual outline will serve as the foundation for your accessible organizational chart.

Step 2. Create your visual (optional)

If you do not already have a visual of your org chart but wish to include one, you can use the outline to develop one using any diagramming tool of your choice. Leverage the UW brand site to ensure that there is consistency with logos, colors, and accessibility standards.

Step 3. Build and publish to webpage

Organizations are structured in different ways. The following is a rough outline for how we suggest building an accessible org chart. Be sure to keep header hierarchy in mind when laying out your own org chart.

Outline of org chart components:

  • Use a heading level 2 (H2) for the title of the org chart
  • Include a last updated date for your org chart
  • Include the head of the organization as a heading level 3 (H3) — optional
  • Use an accordion with accordion sections for each department
    • Heads of each department should be formatted as heading level 4 (H4)
    • List names in an unordered list using nested lists for reports below each role
  • Insert a graphical org chart
    • Be sure to include alt text directing users to the text version (e.g. “Graphical version of department organizational chart. See above for text version”)
  • Link to a downloadable PDF of graphical org chart (optional)
    • See ATS page for more guidance on formatting documents and PDFs

See below for an accessible org chart example.

Note: In the example below, “First Last” is used as a placeholder for first and last name. This is not representative of an actual org chart.

 

Example Organizational Chart

Last updated 4/30/25

First Last, Vice President for Marketing & Communications

  • First Last, Executive Assistant

Reporting to the Vice President for Marketing & Communications:

Accessible Accordion

First Last, Asst. Vice President, Communications & University Spokesperson

  • First Last, Executive Assistant (dual report)

Reporting to Asst. Vice President, Communications & University Spokesperson:

First Last, Media Relations
  • First Last, Asst. Director, UW News
  • First Last, Public Information Specialist
(Vacant) Assoc. Director, UW News
  • First Last, Public Information Specialist
  • First Last, Sr. Public Information Specialist
  • First Last, Public Information Specialist
First Last, Director, Exec Communications
  • First Last, Executive Communications Specialist
Joint Reports
  • UW Magazine
    • First Last, Director, Editorial Communications
  • Office of the Provost
    • First Last, Senior Director, Communication & Marketing

First Last, Asst. Vice President, Digital Strategy

  • First Last, Executive Assistant (dual report)

Reporting to Asst. Vice President, Digital Strategy:

First Last, Director, Digital Engagement
  • First Last, Digital Automation Specialist
  • First Last, Digital Automation Specialist
  • First Last, Digital Automation Specialist
First Last, Director, Web Strategy
  • First Last, Assoc. Director, Web Development
    • First Last, Web Developer
    • First Last, Front End Developer
    • First Last, Front End Developer
  • First Last, Asst. Director, Content Strategy and User Experience
    • First Last, User Experience Specialist
  • First Last, Systems Engineer
  • First Last, Systems Engineer
  • Vacant, Full Stack Developer
First Last, Asst. Director, Social Media Strategy
  • First Last, Social Media Coordinator and Community Manager
  • First Last, Digital Strategy Project Manager

First Last, Sr. Director, Finance & Operations

Reporting to Sr. Director, Finance & Operations:

First Last, Operations Specialist
First Last, Fiscal Coordinator

Joint Reports to the VP of Marketing & Communications

Market Research Analytics & Insights
  • First Last, Sr. Director, MRAI
    • First Last, Director, Data Science & Analytics
    • First Last, Assoc. Director,Digital & Marketing Analytics
    • First Last, Assoc. Director, Advancement Data Science
    • First Last, Assoc. Director, Market Research
UW Bothell
  • First Last, Associate Vice Chancellor for Marketing & Communications
Arts & Sciences
  • First Last, Executive Director, Marketing & Communications
Human Resources
  • First Last, Chief of Staff
UW Tacoma
  • First Last, Associate Vice Chancellor for Branding & Communication
Graphical version of example org chart, see above for text version
Click to view larger

 

View printable version (PDF format)