Web Designer

Description

NATURE OF WORK

The Web Designer will provide primary expertise in building wireframes and static mockups as part of a user-centered design process, refining designs based on user testing and feedback, and implementing them with HTML and CSS elements in web frameworks. Knowledge of user interface design patterns and accessibility standards for web content will be critical in this role. 

The Web Designer will work closely with the Web Services Librarian, web developers and all library divisions to improve the Libraries’ web presence, and will participate in the Online User Interfaces (OUI) Committee meetings to facilitate communication, content creation and maintenance, and coordination of web-related needs and functions. 

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

(25%) Prototyping - Iteratively gather and refine requirements for UMD Libraries’ web properties to build wireframes and static mockups as part of the design process. Participate in collecting and reviewing stakeholder and site user feedback and site usage information to refine designs.

(20%) Implementation - Implement HTML and CSS web design elements in web frameworks as part of the software development process, providing strong written documentation and using tools such as Jira for issue tracking, Git for version control, and Confluence Wiki for knowledge sharing and documentation.

(20%) Standards - Continuously monitor and improve the status of our online user interfaces in the areas of User Experience, Web Accessibility, and UMD and Libraries brand compliance, using manual and automated tools; participate in assessment and alignment activities.

(20%) Support - Support content creators with HTML, CSS, and CMS usage; participate in documentation and training; participate in user and content administration in the CMS; manage support request tickets.

(5%) Research and Training - Research new technologies to recommend evolving practices and trends in content navigation and interface design.

(5%) Data and Analytics - Administer analytics accounts to ensure all web properties are well tracked, providing the necessary data to assess usability and effectiveness of Libraries' online user interfaces. Prepare reports for content owners and other stakeholder groups.

(5%) Other - Participates in university and/or library activities and training related to promoting diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility. Contributes to advancing the University’s and the Libraries’ goals related to inclusion, diversity, equity, and accessibility. Performs other duties, as assigned.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

• Normal Office duties

• Extensive use of keyboard and computer displays

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES 

None

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Education & Experience

Bachelor’s degree in web design, graphic design, computer science, or other related field, plus 2-4 years experience. Experience with HTML/CSS. Ability to work with customers, gather requirements, plan workloads, manage time, and gather feedback for improvement. Ability to translate technical concepts into language for non-technical people and listen and ask questions to find the best solutions to the problems people bring us.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Demonstrated ability to research the latest protocols for web design (e.g. HTML, CSS) and recommend how they are adopted.

• Excellent communication skills.

• A web design portfolio.

PREFERENCES

Education:

• Education or professional development, including but not limited to degrees and certificates, in a field related to the position.

Experience:

• Experience as a Drupal Content Management System administrator.

• Experience using prototyping or wireframing tools, such as Balsamiq or Figma

• Experience with Agile methodology.

• Experience using analytics and SEO tools, such as Google Analytics, Google Tag Manager, or Siteimprove.

• Experience testing with Section 508 accessibility tools such as JAWS, Dragon, Zoom and others.

• Experience with user research such as usability studies.

• Experience using software development tools for version control, such as git.

• Experience programming with JavaScript.

• Experience using design and editing software, such as Photoshop.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Demonstrated ability to analyze and solve complex technical issues

•  Familiarity with accessibility best practices. Ability to research, keep current on, and implement best practices for digital accessibility.