Digital Designer

Reporting to the Associate Director of Marketing and Branding, the Digital Designer is a hybrid design role calling on both traditional and digital design skills. The Digital Designer will assist with all phases of the visual representation of the University, including, but not limited to, planning, conceptualizing and arranging content and web elements to build landing pages, website functionality, and testing, website performance optimization, and website maintenance, as well as overall design, layout, graphics and visuals for internal and external digital marketing and communication projects. The Digital Designer will successfully integrate the two interconnected areas of Graphic Design and Web Management to visually and functionally tell the Heidelberg story to positively affect enrollment. The successful candidate will demonstrate creativity in managing and executing web and digital projects simultaneously, collaborate with partners across campus to enhance the client and user experience for University communications, and ensure the timely delivery of digital design projects.

SUPERVISION RECEIVED:

Reports directly to the Associate Director of Marketing and Branding.

SUPERVISION EXERCISED:

May supervise student workers.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

Manage the overall functionality and maintenance of Heidelberg’s Drupal-based external website and intranet, including building landing pages and managing all web updates.

Utilize analytics software, such as Google Analytics, to inform marketing decisions.

Develop optimization strategies that increase Heidelberg’s website and search engine results rankings (SEO).

Research, conceptualize and create layouts, designs, artwork and imagery that promote Heidelberg University across digital platforms. 

Maintain client-partner relationships across the campus to meet established deadlines for assigned projects and proactively communicate with clients on project status and updates.

Apply and maintain all University branding and style guidelines.

Present and communicate ideas clearly and effectively to colleagues, University leaders, and other campus constituents.

Necessary Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

Current knowledge of UI and UX trends to drive innovative and creative ideas

Advanced knowledge of analytics and SEO/SEM concepts

Basic understanding of HTML5, CSS3 and Javascript.

Knowledge and experience with Drupal-run websites

Familiarity with Digital Asset Management platforms

Competent proficiency in layout and vector tools such as InDesign, Illustrator, etc.

Knowledge and experience with Adobe Creative Cloud products

Experience in visual design, including grid systems, color theory, proportions and typography.

Excellent organizational, problem-solving and communication skills

Photography and photo editing experience a plus

Excellent attention to detail

Ability to be flexible and adapt to changing circumstances

Prior success performing job duties, including decision-making, independently and in a team

Ability to multitask and prioritize projects for effectiveness in meeting University goals

Work effectively with diverse academic, cultural and ethnic backgrounds of University students and staff

DESIRED ATTRIBUTES AND QUALIFICATIONS: 

Education and Professional Experience:

(A)        Bachelor’s degree in graphic design, visual communication, electronic media, computer science, computer information systems, or a related field with a specialization or emphasis in web/digital design.

Preferred Education and Experience:

(A)             Minimum 3 years of experience working in web/digital design or a combination of education and work experience.

(B)               Experience at a small, liberal arts institution

(C)               Familiarity with principles of graphic design

CORE VALUES AND PERSONAL ATTRIBUTES:

·       Core values – models leadership values of integrity, honesty, humility, transparency, respectfulness, diversity, caring, loyalty and accountability in all work.

·       Intellectual dynamism – demonstrates mental sharpness, capability and agility.

·       Self-knowledge – gains insight from successes and mistakes.

·       Personal learning – seeks feedback and counsel to improve managerial behavior.

·       Peer relationships – encourages collaboration and cooperation across the organization.

·       Teamwork – performs most effectively as a hard-working member of a team.

·       Constituency focus – completes work to meet constituencies’ expectations and requirements.

·       Community focus – brings a spirit of enthusiasm and energy to the campus and town

TOOLS AND EQUIPMENT USED:  Knowledge of operation and use of various office equipment including, but not limited to:  personal computer, including design, project management software, spreadsheet and word processing software, integrated database software, copier, telephone, scanner, and printers. A valid driver’s license is required.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS: The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this position. 

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to use arms, hands and fingers to operate and manipulate equipment generally found in an office setting.  The employee may be frequently required to be mobile, communicate, and hear.  The employee may occasionally be subject to a variety of outdoor environmental conditions including heat, cold, and precipitation.

The employee must frequently lift and/or move up to ten (10) pounds and occasionally lift and/or move more than fifty (50) pounds.  Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus.  Mental demands include varied degrees of occasional stress while performing job duties.

WORK ENVIRONMENT: The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. 

While performing the duties of this job, the employee frequently works in an office setting, and educational facilities including sports and entertainment venues, all of which may be indoor or outdoor.  The noise level in the work environment will range from moderately quiet to occasionally loud.

SELECTION GUIDELINES:  The Digital Designer will be selected after a formal application procedure, education and experience rating, oral interview, and reference check.  Job-related tests may be required.  All offers of employment are contingent upon a satisfactory criminal background screen, motor vehicle record search, drug and alcohol screen, physical and / or psychological examination at the University’s discretion.