Job Description

The Web & Information Designer (UI/UX Designer) is responsible for creating the visual design, layout, and usability of websites in accordance with the web priorities of the Texas A&M University College of Engineering and Texas A&M Engineering Experiment Station (TEES). This includes serving as the front-end designer and ensuring that sites are designed in a consistent and coherent format to maximize brand recognition and align with web policies and guidelines. Works collaboratively with developers on new approaches to dynamic web design to successfully integrate third-party applications like LiveWhale, Slate and social media curators, etc. Integrates development markup and code in two primary content management systems – WordPress and Cascade – while utilizing specific design systems, themes, content blocks and plugins. Must have a basic understanding and working knowledge of web languages such as HTML, CSS, PHP, and JavaScript and be well versed in design applications/tools such as Adobe Photoshop, Illustrator and Figma. Establishes and enforces a baseline visual identity, layout, and hierarchy for pages within the Cascade web environment. Designs sites in accordance with web best practices, current and emerging trends, brand guidelines, accessibility, responsiveness, mobile design, and user experience in mind. Additional responsibilities include teaching, training, and supporting content editors in how best to lay out content and design elements for new pages and initiatives.

Responsibilities:

Web Design:

• Creates digital designs for new sites, site redesigns and site templates. Leads the team in deploying fresh, dynamic, and trending digital design concepts across Texas A&M Engineering web channels.
• Provides basic feedback to web developers specific to site functionality and UX layout coding. Maintains the appearance of websites by enforcing design standards.
• Develops workflows and processes for the design, development, and deployment of sites.
• Uses design tools like Adobe Photoshop, Illustrator or Figma to showcase site mockups when working with developers, customers, and other team members.
• Collaborates with the web content team to develop a visual hierarchy of page layout and design specifically using design elements found in Cascade.

Web Maintenance:

• Implements safeguards and processes to maintain quality and up-to-date content, graphics, documents and related files in both WordPress and Cascade.
• Offers guidance and support in maintaining clean WordPress sites by deleting old pages, unused tags/categories, old news, etc.
• Maintains websites in accordance with marketing and branding guidelines.
• Ensures customers adhere to web style guides, branding guides, accessibility and copyright laws, policies, and procedures.
• Enforces accessibility standards across sites and provides guidance and support on best accessibility practices.
• Works with web team members to create documentation for end users.

Web Strategy:

• Provides recommendations to enhance site design, layout, content and navigation.
• Updates web content to fit desired page layout when needed, keeping in mind site purpose, structure, navigation, metrics, user journey and overall strategic goals.
• Works closely with the data analyst and other team members, using reporting tools such as Siteimprove, Google Analytics, and Microsoft Clarity (heatmaps and A/B testing), to aid in content and design decision-making when working with customers and the web content team and monitoring sites.
• Uses metrics and user experience as priorities when designing sites and engaging with customers.

Other

• Performs other duties as assigned.

What we need:

• Bachelor’s degree or any equivalent combination of training and experience.
• Three years of related experience.

What is helpful:

• Master’s or higher degree in technical, web or creative field.
• Significant experience in UX/UI, Digital or Web Design, Web Development, Search Engine Optimization (SEO), or Web Strategy.
• Experience using a design tool such as Figma to collaborate with web developers.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• Advanced knowledge of web design and development, especially regarding WordPress design systems, themes, and plugins and WPEngine integration.
• Ability to apply front-end design expertise to page layouts and content block development in Cascade CMS.
• Ability to establish and enforce a baseline visual identity, layout, and hierarchy for pages within the Cascade web environment.
• Proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite.
• Proficiency with user experience design best practices and working knowledge of HTML, CSS, PHP, and JavaScript.
• Ability to assist with various graphic design needs of digital collateral for College of Engineering and TEES websites.
• Ability to cultivate and maintain professional working relationships and work effectively with technical team members.
• Lead and coordinate various innovative digital design solutions for sites.
• Self-starter with the forethought to use mainstream technologies to aid in web design and development.
• Ability to complete tasks on time, with a strong attention to detail, customer service, and follow up.
• Familiarity with technical applications common to web environments including, but not limited to, third-party apps like LiveWhale, Slate, and social media curators.
• Basic understanding of programming languages and popular analysis toolkits commonly used in web environments.
• Ability to use analytic tools like Siteimprove, Google Analytics, and Microsoft Clarity (heatmaps and A/B testing) to aid in decision-making.
• Ability to grasp new and upcoming technologies and incorporate them into site design.
• Familiarity with organizing online content based upon the user journey and web best practices.
• Advanced understanding of coding languages and content management systems.
• Ability to effectively communicate with individuals at all levels, both internally and externally.
• Offer guidance, recommendations, and train content editors in web best practice.
• Strong analytical and creative problem-solving skills.
• Familiarity with content SEO.
• Ability to multi-task and work cooperatively with others.

Preferred Licenses and Certifications:

• UX/UI certification

All positions are security-sensitive. Applicants are subject to a criminal history investigation, and employment is contingent upon the institution’s verification of credentials and/or other information required by the institution’s procedures, including the completion of the criminal history check.

Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action/Veterans/Disability Employer.