Senior Web Developer

Senior Web Developer

Reporting to the Director of Brand Strategy, the Senior Web Developer works collaboratively with the school’s administrative offices, the communications department and academic departments to maintain and improve our web-based digital presence.

Ranked by US News & World Report as a top-five arts and design school (arts.vcu.edu), the Virginia Commonwealth University School of the Arts (VCUarts) includes over 3,000 undergraduate and graduate students with nationally recognized programs in design, visual and performing arts, as well as multiple highly-ranked graduate programs.

This position is responsible for: managing and maintaining branded web design standards and programming for all VCUarts administrative and departmental websites; ensuring compliance with current and future web accessibility and design standards; structure and implementation of web content and web-related initiatives, in conjunction with the communications team and their internal clients; and monitoring analytics to provide actionable feedback to improve our web based properties.

The position provides technical support and training, liaises with the school and the university’s IT departments to address and resolve technical problems, and oversees the evaluation and implementation of new web technology as it relates to communications. The position oversees and mentors full- and part-time staff and student interns.

The successful candidate must be an independent, self-motivated collaborator, with a strategic and analytical approach to innovative and established web platforms, analytics and reporting platforms (Google, SEO, Social media monitoring and engagement), problem solving, and excellence in client communications.

• Minimum 5 years of workplace experience managing large-scale web properties.
  
  

• Broad knowledge of web design, programming, web content development, digital publishing, email and web-based communications best practices, technologies and tools; knowledge of display and integration of multimedia content.
  
  

• Experience designing web sites to meet institutional requirements and federal accessibility standards and cross-browser compatibility.
  
  

• Experience with dynamic, database-driven website construction and best practices.
  
  

• Strong understanding of current trends and knowledge in the profession.
  
  

• Experience working within content management systems such as Wordpress, Drupal, Expression Engine, etc. and database-driven website construction and best practices.
  
  

• Knowledge of graphic/web design, XHTML and HTML 5 programming, CSS, Gulp, SASS, JavaScript, and PHP.
  
  

• Experience building and deploying custom JavaScript, JSON, PHP, XML and MySQL web applications.
  
  

• Experience with Flash / Actionscript v2 and 3.
  
  

• Experience with JavaScript frameworks such as jQuery and Mootools.
  
  

• Familiarity with the major professional workflow management, graphics and web design packages including Adobe products, figma, etc.
  
  

• Experience with cross-platform, cross-browser testing and troubleshooting.
  
  

• Experience in design/HTML coding and best practices specifically for bulk email delivery.
  
  

• Excellent interpersonal and teaming skills and the ability to effectively and positively interact with a diverse range of people and experience in or potential to work in a culturally diverse work environment.
  
  

• REQ: Bachelor’s degree in Information Systems, Digital Design, or related field with coursework in web programming. PREFER: MS in equivalent.
  
  

• Proven work experience in a similarly dynamic, large organization focused on professional communications or design and/or experience working in a university environment.
  
  

• Experience converting large-scale print publications to web applications.
  
  

• Experience developing custom plugins and add-ons for open source frameworks and content management systems.
  
  

• A high degree of creativity, strong verbal and written communication skills, and the ability to explain complex information to non-technical audiences.
  
  

• Ability to work strategically with clients at all levels of the organization to identify and meet organizational goals and deadlines.
  
  

• Ability to prioritize work and handle multiple projects simultaneously; demonstrated ability to solve problems independently and use available resources.
  
  

• A passion for the Arts is preferred.
  
  

Web strategy and content management

—Works in close collaboration with the Director of Brand Strategy and Director of Communications on global web strategy for the school

—Ensure continuity with VCUarts brand and messaging standards, as well as compliance with university policies and procedures and interprets these policies for administrative offices and departments

—Supports administrative and department content providers in submitting high-quality content

—Assists with web- based informational materials, as well as services that support marketing, communications, and development activities as needed

—Liaise with both the school and the university’s IT departments to address and resolve technical problems as they occur, and to discuss new directions and technology

—Develops and maintains professional relationships that reflect courtesy, civility, and mutual respect

—Other duties as assigned

Development and management

—Using WordPress, oversee the architecture and standards for all websites and web-based initiatives

—Maintain, expand, and scale the school’s website

—Follow contemporary web security standards and stay abreast of the latest development techniques, modern web standards, and best practices

—Document and enforce web-publishing standards

—Provide daily maintenance of websites

—Adhere to standard guidelines for accessible web postings; ensure compliance with regulations regarding access for people with disabilities

—Translate departments and administrative web needs into innovative solutions

—Evaluate the effectiveness, usability and accessibility of websites, including troubleshooting for coding, design, cross-browser, social media, and search engine related issues

—Oversee the evaluation and implementation of new web technology

Analytics and reporting

—Recommend, integrate and utilize standard tools to monitor and report on web performance and optimization (including SEO, optimization profiles, API integrations, etc.)

—Implement Search Engine Optimization and meta tag best practices

—Advise and assist departmental content creators in establishing best practice for SEO strategy and plug-in integrations that support workflow enhancements

—Prepare weekly executive summary reports tracking the performance and engagement along our web properties and integrated services

Application Instructions

Virginia Commonwealth University is committed to organizational diversity, equity and inclusion – an environment where all can thrive in their pursuit of excellence. VCUarts strongly encourages applications from all racial, ethnic, gender, and social identities.

Applicants are requested to submit a Statement of Contributions to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (typically between 150-300 words) providing your career aspirations and contributions toward promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion. Through this statement, you can share how your lived experiences, and academic and professional activities will impact your contribution to VCU’s mission of promoting equity and inclusion.

Note: Examples include working with others to further the goals of equity and inclusion; leading in any capacity that tangibly promotes an environment where diversity is welcomed, fostered, and celebrated; creative activity, research and scholarship that promotes equity and parity; teaching and mentoring students, and/or engaging with faculty and/or staff from traditionally underrepresented groups to create a positive and successful organizational experience. For additional guidance on writing a Statement of Contributions to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion: https://provost.vcu.edu/faculty/prospective/.

In addition, the following documents should submitted:

· A Letter of Interest

· Resume

· List of three professional references including names with titles and contact information (references will not be checked prior to candidate’s approval)

Only electronic applications submitted via the VCU Jobs Website will be accepted. For best consideration, applications are due May 27, 2022. The application review process is ongoing and will continue until the position is filled. Questions about the application process should be directed to Tasia Robinson, HR Administrator at thompsontl5@vcu.edu.

Virginia Commonwealth University is committed to providing accessible and equitable living, learning and working environments free from discrimination and harassment based on race, color, religion, national or ethnic origin, age, sex (including pregnancy), political affiliation, veteran status, genetic information, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression or disability.

Salary Range: Commensurate with Experience



Position Details:

Department: Communications, School of the Arts
Employment Type: UF - University Employee FT
Restricted Status: No
FTE: 100
Exemption Status: Exempt