Web Developer

Position Summary 

The Web Designer is responsible for creative and technical development and maintenance of web sites and web applications for supported areas. Activities will include the development of web projects, content creation, commitment to visual integrity and the user experience, daily maintenance activities, error-logging and support requests, collaborating with L&S units, and the planning of website revitalization. This person serves as a team member for web site production and development for College department and program web sites, as well as research web sites. This position operates under general supervision.  

This position works closely with peer developers, project teams, technical specialists, and client liaisons to support the varied instructional, advising, research, and business functions of campus clients to assist with their mission to deliver excellence in education, service, and innovation.  

Position Duties 

Web Site Design (40%) 

• Assume primary responsibilities on the development and implementation of web sites for multiple target audiences. Create and incorporate text, graphics, multimedia, social media, interactive forms, and data resources in web sites. 

• Conduct needs assessment, determine requirements, and develop solutions to meet client needs and/or project goals. Consult with staff and clients to identify format, audience, and site objectives. 

• Work with faculty and staff to obtain and recommend solutions for needs. Act as their liaison and representative, seamlessly delivering comprehensive support by escalating issues to other IT and business units while remaining their primary point of contact. 

• Develop and maintain relationships with key departmental, campus, and technical staff that can help with advice and planning. Assess needs, document requirements, address complaints, and advocate for solutions. 

• Research design ideas to develop the best creative approach and concepts for style, technique, and production methods. 

• Optimize usability of websites through responsive design techniques, usability testing, performance analytics, and standardized application frameworks. Ensure adherence to UWM Web development standards and framework, UWM branding requirements, and W3C and accessibility best practices in the design of all sites. 

Web Site Maintenance (35%) 

• Assume primary responsibilities for the maintenance and updating of websites within the College. Review and respond to support requests in an effective and timely manner. Escalate or delegate issues to other staff as appropriate. 

• Regular application of excellent writing skills for composing news and events posts while proofing, editing, and adjusting existing text for clarity and readability. 

• Provide technical assistance and information to clients about software functionality, techniques, and advisability of graphic design, document production, and web-related software. 

• Act as lead stakeholder in the application of UWM Web Governance standards across L&S Websites 

Organizational Activities and Project Management (15%) 

• Provide leadership and direction to student staff, and delegate assignments/projects based upon analysis of their specialized abilities and expertise. 

• Mentor and train new team members, fellow staff, and student employees. Assist in the recruitment of staff and the assessment of staff performance. 

• Manage and contribute to technical projects and tasks working toward established organizational and technical goals. Document work activities, project plans, and technical information; communicate associated information to colleagues and clients. Prepare special reports, reviews, and recommendations as requested. 

• Support and propose technical, operating, and organizational standards to contribute to the effectiveness of the team and organization. Assist with coordinated campus web planning for the needs of supported areas. 

• Collaborate with other staff in a team-based environment and share responsibilities for everyday unit functions. Participate in appropriate unit and campus-wide meetings, project teams, and committees. 

• Work with other campus IT staff to maintain and promote a body of knowledge through research, case studies, and practical demonstration projects for use by IT staff and other functional units.  

• Complete other duties and special projects as assigned. 

Training and Professional Development (10%) 

• Maintain a broad knowledge of technology as well as specialized topics related to assigned projects and responsibilities. Read professional literature and attend training sessions, conferences, and workshops to improve knowledge on the same.  

• Maintain current awareness of trends, methods, and technological advances in the industry and profession, especially as they relate to assigned projects and responsibilities. 

• Acquire and maintain comprehensive knowledge of the University’s business processes, the needs and capabilities of the academic and business units, and how university processes are supported by UWM’s information systems and other resources. 

• Research, test, and propose new and emerging technologies to improve functionality, reliability, and performance for UWM computing. 

• Develop and maintain good customer service, collaborative, and interpersonal communication skills. 

• Demonstrated ability to develop Web sites compatible with target audiences and their needs.  

• Prior work experience in a higher education setting. 

• Demonstrated ability to manage web content and page navigation within Wordpress. 

• Two or more years’ professional experience with managing web accessibility standards. 

• Experience in collaborating, overseeing and promoting professional quality web content.