Web & Digital Communication Designer full-time

Job Summary

The Web & Digital Communication Designer is responsible for designing and developing web sites and digital communications materials using various technologies including Content Management Systems. This position develops graphics / user interfaces, web pages and templates based on client requirements, and programs application modules, tests, documents, and maintains various sites and systems. This position is responsible for the overall web and mobile presence of the UBC Faculty of Education and the technical administration of its content management systems, with primary responsibility for design and support of the WordPress system.

Organizational Status

Works within the Learning & Technology Services (LTS) unit in the Faculty of Education, which provides IT & e-Learning support services. This position interacts with multiple clients and stakeholders as well as other IT and e-Learning staff within the Faculty of Education and in other units such as CTLT, UBC IT and Faculty-level IT units.  This position has reporting lines within the IT Services group of the Faculty of Education's LTS unit.

Work Performed

1) Manages the overall web and mobile presence for the UBC Faculty of Education:

• Designs web sites and content with an emphasis on usability and mobile device access. Ensures that accessibility standards in web publishing, and usability and branding guidelines are adhered to.
• Designs, creates, and refines graphics, UIs and functional elements for various websites.
• Participates on project teams to provide advice and assistance in UI design and branding, usability, and the creation of web and mobile content.
• Plans, implements, and assists users with web site design and redevelopment for the UBC Faculty of Education that provides a consistent user-friendly experience.
• Creates a set of default web site templates in WordPress, usable for all Faculty of Education web sites. Design templates to allows for appropriate creative freedom / redesign by content managers and publishers while adhering to UBC and Faculty of Education rules on common look and feel.
• Creates and implements responsive designs that are functional on desktop/laptop computers and mobile devices.
• Advises users in the publication and maintenance of appropriate and consistent web content.
• Develops, maintains, and creates content and multimedia artifacts for various departments and units; integrates multimedia and social media channels / content into web sites as required.
• Develops style guides and templates for web content, including branding, style and navigation rules, page layouts, accessibility requirements, etc.
• Provides analysis to determine the need for new web-based or mobile self-service applications and makes recommendation on appropriate tools to fit business needs.
• Maintains documentation standards and keeps abreast of developments in this area by associating with peers in the web content professions, professional societies, or by reviewing professional publications, newsletters, websites, etc.
• Contributes to the creation and maintenance of procedural and technical documentation for communication technologies including, but not limited to, "how to" user guides, application guides, technical reference manuals and production control manuals.
• Provide guidance to work-study and other students who support web-based systems or those who design and format content for web sites.
• Serve as the Faculty's representative with several of UBC groups and communities of practice related to web design; represents the unique user requirements and interests of the Faculty of Education related to communication and web technologies.
• Performs other related duties as required.

2) Evaluates, implements, and supports communication technologies and content management systems.

• Configures and provides support for web applications, namely the WordPress content management system; assists in maintaining and/or migrating Drupal sites.
• Consults with users to determine their technical needs and analyses and reviews existing system features and requirements.
• Assists in planning data conversions, migrations and upgrades.
• Assists in planning and performing application configuration changes or module deployments.
• Contributes to the ongoing planning and analysis of application enhancements in support of current or new services.
• Researches vendor/open source applications, proposes recommendations, and participates in projects and solution design and implementation.
• Performs other related duties.

The Web & Digital Communication Designer works a fixed schedule but requires flexibility. This position may be required to work some evenings or weekends.  The incumbent must be flexible, adaptable and creative. The position is part of the team responsible for the day-to-day operational readiness of various technologies. Occasional travel may be required.

Supervision Received

Reports to the Director, Academic and Information Technologies. Has additional accountability to project managers, stakeholders and clients when working on projects. Must be able to work independently and carry out work to completion. Keeps supervisor, project managers and peers informed of the status of work in progress. Works to meet deadlines and complete tasks on projects. Works under organizational and departmental guidelines. Work is reviewed in terms of quality and effectiveness in meeting organizational goals.

Supervision Given

This position may be expected to supervise work-study students or provide guidance to those formatting and publishing content to the web. The position is expected to operate with wide latitude.

Consequence of Error/Judgement

This position is tasked with the management of the online presence of all units and departments across the Faculty of Education, and makes decisions impacting the Faculty of Education's public facing digital communication channels and related content. As the primary web designer, this position contributes to the visual identity of the Faculty, and therefore has a key role in ensuring stakeholders receive a high level of service and information availability.

Poorly researched, designed, or implemented web sites or applications may result in financial or other liabilities. Poorly conceived, inaccurate or unsuitable content may result in stakeholders receiving inaccurate information or being unable to access services, information or make necessary decisions, which reflects on the Faculty's reputation. Errors may result in: a loss of confidence in the LTS and/or Communications Units; damage to the Faculty of Education and/or UBC's reputation; missed deadlines and cost overruns; frustrations for students, faculty and staff relating to web systems and content delivery to support their educational, research or administrative needs; service disruptions of communication technologies; breakdown in collaborative efforts with other Faculties and units.

Qualifications

Undergraduate degree in a relevant discipline.  Certification in web / multimedia design preferred Minimum of two years experience or the equivalent combination of education and experience.  Experience creating web sites using WordPress an asset.  This position requires creativity, imagination, and strong web content design skills. Knowledge of some or all of the following: CSS, JavaScript, HTML5, WordPress, Kurogo, Apache, PHP, and Drupal.

Knowledge of common web content creation tools [Photoshop, Illustrator and Dreamweaver], and standard office productivity tools.

Knowledge of web and mobile development technologies, frameworks, and platform architecture, Internet software standards, and services.

Knowledge of past and current desktop and mobile browser standards and cross platform compatibility, common plugins/helper applications and related design issues.

Excellent communication skills including reading, writing, listening, speaking, facilitation, and presentation delivery. Must be able to impart technical information to audiences with mixed levels of ability.

Ability to forecast future trends in web technology and successfully integrate them into designs or services initiatives where practical.

Ability to work independently, as part of a team, and cross functionally. Ability to work collaboratively with stakeholders at all organizational levels.

Strong attention to detail, accuracy, and presentation of information.

Ability to exercise initiative, diplomacy and judgment; ability to work effectively under pressure and coordinate multiple projects simultaneously to meet deadlines.

Strong communication, interpersonal and customer service skills with a demonstrated ability to communicate logically and effectively both verbally and in writing.  Ability to perform to a high level of professional work standards.

Strong work ethic, motivation, and excellent time management skills. The successful candidate will be expected to proactively solve problems creatively in a challenging environment with limited supervision and direction. The ability to effectively manage changing and competing priorities is essential.

UBC hires on the basis of merit and is committed to employment equity. All qualified persons are encouraged to apply. We especially welcome applications from members of visible minority groups, women, Aboriginal persons, persons with disabilities, persons of minority sexual orientations and gender identities, and others with the skills and knowledge to engage productively with diverse communities. Canadians and permanent residents of Canada will be given priority.