Front End Web Designer - University Marketing and Communications

The Front End Web Designer is a professional who is responsible for building, designing and executing front-end strategies of the website in support of the university’s recruitment goals, branding efforts and mission to transform lives. The position reports to the Web Content Strategist for University Marketing and Communications.

This role requires an organized, proactive, hands-on, results-oriented person with the ability to collaborate closely with cross-functional teams to plan, build, and maintain high-quality, accessible, responsive web pages and user interfaces. Having a keen eye for content, design and strong understanding of UX/UI, along with willingness to take the reins on a project and own the development process is key.

Responsibilities:

• Executes front-end builds for the website: Organizes, develops and updates website content in collaboration with campus CMS users. Builds accessible, responsive, and maintainable user interfaces that bring designs to life. Optimizes pages for SEO. Prepares the website for integration into marketing campaigns and other communication calls to action. Follows the vision set for the website and executes tasks in concert with UMC and IT Services colleagues for moving the website forward as needs/goals/technologies evolve. Partners with IT Services to manage ongoing updates and site needs/replacements. Maintains site architecture and navigation layout. Produces Google Analytics reporting.
• Serves as a leader in web design and the user experience: Assists with style guide updates and best practices for web design. Ensure the UI is easy to navigate and UX is positively optimized. Addresses UX issues with modifications to achieve marketing and communications goals. Troubleshoots front-end issues, fixes broken links and images. Keeps current on digital trends, and engages in forward thinking about upcoming content needs. Assists with collecting and analyzing data.

Key Job Responsibilities: Provides design maintenance of websites and other electronic publications and applications. Schedules work and/or supervises staff as needed. Develops and designs the overall navigation flow, layout of specific pages, and creation of individual graphic elements; ensures that all design elements, templates, and finished solutions work within a variety of browser types and screen settings along with the constraints set by development and design. Serves as a subject matter expert and unit liaison to other departments to design graphics and layouts. Develops and implements strategic digital media initiatives, priorities, objectives, and best practices in collaboration with leadership and other functional work units. Implements graphical and style standards for web sites.

Department: University Marketing and Communications.

Compensation: Well-qualified candidates can expect a starting annual salary within a range of $57,000 – $60,000. UW System employees receive an excellent benefit package.

Required Qualifications:

• Bachelor's Degree
• Minimum of three years' of professional work experience involving web creation and execution, digital marketing, digital communications, information technology or a related field

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience with and understanding of: HTML and CSS, CMS, Adobe Photoshop and Illustrator, Web front-end development, HTML, including building and maintaining web content, GA4, Keyword research, Content development, including writing for search engines, Analytic reports, Search engine optimization

Additional Skills:

• Knowledge of website design standards, layout, and ability to keep up with current web trends and technologies
• Demonstrated graphic design skills to turn ideas into visual designs for the website
• Strong organizational and presentation skills
• Ability to handle multiple tasks, meet deadlines and manage priorities
• Meticulous attention to detail
• Strong understanding of user interface design standards
• Can work independently as well as in a team environment
• Can analyze audience needs and create UI designs while taking into account search engine optimization and accessibility
• Ability to read and analyze heatmaps

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• Is a dedicated, motivated team member, who develops and manages strong relationships with internal and external partners
• Has an ability to interact respectfully with people from diverse socioeconomic, cultural and ethnic backgrounds
• Employs positive interpersonal skills to forge strong collaborations across the university
• Performs duties with a high degree of accuracy, independence and discretion, while keeping the Web Content Strategist updated on issues that arise
• Serves as an active participant in complying with applicable safety rules and regulations, including necessary training and drills
• Proactively identifies issues before they become a problem and works toward a solution

How to Apply:

Applications received by September 16, 2025, are ensured full consideration. Applications received after that date may be given consideration at the discretion of the search committee. The most qualified applicants will be invited to participate in the next step of the selection process. This posting will remain open until filled. Only complete application packages will be considered. This includes online submission of the following documents: Cover Letter, Resume, Name and contact information for three professional references, Examples of work.