Florida Gulf Coast University is hiring: Web Designer in Fort Myers

Job Summary

The Web Designer serves as the primary contact for all aspects of Florida Gulf Coast University's website(s), handling a range of responsibilities that may include web design and development, routine site and content maintenance, and various updates to ensure sites align with the goals and objectives of FGCU. This position participates in user research, performs usability tests, recommends improvement to the user experience for webpages, and ensures site speed and core web vitals perform at optimal levels to improve page rank.

FGCU is a member of the State University System of Florida and an Affirmative Action and Equal Employment Opportunity and Access Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, age, disability, sex, pregnancy, national origin, marital status, genetic predisposition, sexual orientation, gender identity/gender expression, veteran status, and any other protected class(es), as required by applicable state and federal law, as well as University regulations and policies.

Job Description

Typical duties may include but are not limited to:

• In coordination with the University Website Manager and the web development team, the Web Designer identifies user requirements, web architecture and project scope for the FGCU site and webpages.
• Designs and implements web page layouts based on requests from campus constituents in alignment with web branding and user experience (UX) best practices.
• Ensures the optimal look, feel, and usability of the sites as well as the consistency and timely availability of pages released to the site by planning and reviewing the navigational user interface design and information site architecture, working collaboratively with programming areas, and understanding the target audience and their information needs.
• Participates in the establishment of policies and procedures for the University on web-related issues and processes and ensures compliance with University web policies when necessary.
• Maintains an understanding of current and emerging web technologies and trends.
• Ensure the accessibility of all University websites to all interested persons regardless of disability and assures compliance with state and federal laws regarding accessibility.
• Evaluates design elements to ensure proper structure and compatibility with browsers and devices.
• Assures an informative, accurate, and interesting presence on the web by adhering to university web policies and protocols when necessary, designing and adding new web pages, modifying and updating existing web pages, maintaining current links, and performing other duties related to web development and maintenance.
• Assists the UMC digital communications team with web support and project requests.
• Trains new web editors on web editing CMS and apply design best practices.
• Utilizes Google Analytics to analyze, improve and report FGCU web performance.
• Applies search engine optimization (SEO) tools (e.g. SEM Rush) to analyze site speed and core web vitals to ensure an optimal user experience.

Other duties:

• Serve as a subject matter expert and technical resource for web-related issues.
• Assists the University Website Manager in establishing web policies for integration, directions, and standards for the University, departments, and administrative units.
• Assists leadership with special projects (e.g. landing pages) as required.
• Performs other job-related duties as assigned.

Additional Job Description

Required Qualifications:

• This position requires five years of directly related full-time experience or, as an alternative, a Bachelor's degree from an accredited institution in an appropriate area of specialization and one year of full-time experience directly related to the job functions.
• Relevant, full time professional experience in web page design and development.
• Experience operating a personal computer and proficient with Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, Access, PowerPoint, Publisher and Outlook).
• Experience with Adobe Creative Cloud or relevant technologies (Photoshop, Illustrator, Figma, Adobe XD, Sketch, Acrobat DC)
• Any appropriate combination of relevant education, experience, and/or certifications may be considered.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Bachelor's Degree from an accredited institution in Web Design/Development, Digital Media, or Computing Science.
• Work experience in a higher education setting.
• Proficiency with web design tools (e.g., Figma, Adobe XD, Sketch) to create mockups and page layouts.
• Experience working with Web Content Management Systems (Omni CMS, Cascade CMS, WordPress, Squarespace, etc.)
• Experience with SEO analysis tools (Screaming Frog, Crazy Egg, Deep Crawl, etc.)
• Google Analytics Certification

Knowledge, Skills, & Abilities:

• Knowledge of policies, procedures, and regulations pertaining to the position and web accessibility (ADA/WCAG).
• Ability to provide professional customer service.
• Skill in organizing resources and establishing priorities.
• Ability to think critically and creatively in order to improve site design and user experience (UX), and incorporate best practices into web layouts.
• Skill in using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions, or approaches to problems.
• Strong interpersonal skills and ability to deal effectively in a team environment.
• Advanced verbal and written communication skills and the ability to present effectively to small and large groups.
• Ability to thrive in an organization that values the diversity of its student body and workforce and actively promotes an equitable environment.
• Ability to manage and coordinate assignments to meet deadlines.
• Ability to work independently to complete assignments.
• Ability to interact in a professional manner with a diverse group of staff, faculty, students, and the community in a service-oriented environment.
• Ability to think critically and creatively, have a high standard of integrity, and be motivated to incorporate best practices into the organizational structure.
• Ability to effectively manage the work of others by providing information, guidance and motivation.
• Ability to interpret and apply laws, regulations, policies and procedures consistently.
• Ability to analyze and solve problems, draw valid conclusions, and/or develop appropriate alternatives where applicable.
• Knowledge of FERPA.

Pay Grade: 16