User Experience Specialist

acts as a critical bridge between design, web development, and marketing, bringing digital experiences to life that are functional, engaging, and on brand. Under the direction of the website content manager, the specialist will support SEO and AEO optimization, advanced analytics tracking, and CRM integration, ensuring the college website supports enrollment, recruitment, and community engagement goals. From keyword research and industry analysis to user testing and performance reporting, this position will help shape how students, employees, and the community experience our digital presence. Job Duties and Responsibilities Website Strategy and Structure - Translate design and marketing needs into technical requirements for configuring, maintaining, and enhancing content types, templates, and modules in the CMS (TerminalFour). - Work collaboratively with the design, content, and development teams to continuously improve site architecture and navigation. - Partner with IT developers to refine landing and campaign pages for marketing and recruitment initiatives. - Manage integrations with third-party systems such as HubSpot, Google Analytics, CRM platforms, and form builders. - Collaborate with and report findings to the web team to ensure all enhancements, testing, and integrations align with college-wide digital strategy and governance standards. - Work with the web team to collaborate with internal stakeholders to provide insights and strategy during web redesign projects, keeping the site fresh, clean, and effective. - Support the design team by converting digital publications into an accessible, digestible format. - Support and organize frequent user testing initiatives in collaboration with departments across the college to inform enhancements and validate changes. - Apply user-centered design principles to inform page structure, navigation, and layout decisions, ensuring digital experiences are intuitive, accessible, and aligned with user needs. SEO, Analytics, and Optimization - Lead keyword research, SEO and AEO tracking, and metadata tagging within the CMS and back-end systems to improve search visibility. - Identify and implement SEO and AEO improvements and monitor performance over time. - Take ownership of analytics tracking, including setting up enhanced GA4 events, user behavior tracking, and funnel analysis to measure site performance. - Build macro-level and area-specific content performance reports with actionable insights for stakeholders. - Provide analytics insights and SEO/AEO recommendations for incorporation into larger-scale institutional strategies, redesigns, and digital initiatives. - Provide data-driven recommendations for content strategy, UX, and site architecture based on analytics and industry research. - Partner with the marketing team on lead generation, personalization strategies, and optimizing conversion paths. - Develop strategies to compensate for privacy-related data loss (e.g., using aggregated trends, anonymized user behavior, and server-side tagging). - Maintain a strong understanding of cookie policies, privacy trends, and consent frameworks. Marketing Support & Digital Strategy - Work with the marketing team and other areas of the college to integrate CRM tools and automate marketing workflows that align with web strategy. - Collaborate with departments to ensure landing pages and digital campaigns are optimized for engagement, conversion, and recruitment goals. - Identify opportunities for personalized content experiences using HubSpot or other marketing automation tools. - Partner with IT and marketing teams to implement privacy-compliant analytics solutions, including GA4 Consent Mode, server-side tagging, and cookieless tracking alternatives. Accessibility & Continuous Improvement - Ensure the AACC website is fully accessible and compliant with WCAG and Section 508 standards through regular testing and remediation. - Use Siteimprove or similar tools to monitor accessibility and SEO scores, implementing fixes proactively. - Continuously research emerging trends, tools, and best practices to keep the site optimized and innovative. - Coordinate with the website content manager to ensure accessibility and SEO improvements support the college’s overall compliance, governance, and digital inclusion initiatives. Content Management & System Enhancements - Support back-end content operations, CMS upgrades, and CRM integrations to align with evolving marketing and recruitment strategies. - Ensure all content adheres to brand standards, accessibility requirements, and usability best practices. - Maintain a clear and consistent content structure for all AACC departments and audiences. Required Qualifications: Bachelor's degree Minimum of 2+ years of experience working with CMS platforms, web content strategy, SEO, and analytics. Strong understanding of keyword research, SEO and AEO improvements, metadata tagging, and accessibility standards. Proven experience with analytics platforms (GA4), including the ability to set up enhanced tracking and user behavior reporting. Familiarity with CRM integration and marketing automation workflows. Working knowledge of HTML/CSS and how design and code intersect in responsive web environments. Familiarity with tools like HubSpot, Google Analytics, Siteimprove, and form builders. Excellent project management, collaboration, and communication skills. Preferred Qualifications: Experience in higher education, public sector, or mission-driven organizations. Proficiency with CMS platforms like SharePoint Online and TerminalFour. Certification or advanced experience in web accessibility compliance (WCAG, Section 508). Experience using or experimenting with Artificial Intelligence (AI) in direct relation to marketing, design, and websites. Experience with user testing methodologies and UX research. Familiarity with personalization tools, AI tools, digital publications, or site search enhancements. Demonstrated enthusiasm for continuous learning and adapting to emerging digital trends, tools, and best practices. Anne Arundel Community College (AACC) is committed to enriching the educational experience it offers through the diversity of its faculty, administrators, and staff members. The college seeks to recruit and support a broadly diverse team who will contribute to the college's excellence, diversity of viewpoints and experiences, embrace concepts of equity and inclusiveness, and support the equal rights of all people by advancing the understanding and appreciation of differences including age, race, gender, ability, religious convictions, socio-economic status, ethnic heritage, or sexual orientation. While we appreciate your interest in employment with Anne Arundel Community College, applicants must be currently authorized to work in the U.S. on a full-time basis. Employment-based visa sponsorship (including H-1B sponsorship) is not available for any position. Pay dates occur on the 7th and 22nd of each month. If those dates fall on a weekend, the pay date occurs on the Friday prior to the 7th and 22nd. As an employee of the college, you are eligible for a comprehensive benefits package. In the best interest of the College, only individuals who are residents of Maryland or one of the following states will be eligible for employment at the college: Delaware, Pennsylvania, Virginia, West Virginia or the District of Columbia. The college will annually review this restriction and, if appropriate, expand the list of states of employment eligibility