Web and Graphic Design Specialist

Department
 

Library IT & DS - DLDC

About the Department
 

The Digital Library Development Center (DLDC) collaborates with Library staff, University faculty, departments and other groups on campus, and colleagues at other institutions, to enable discovery of the Library's information resources, make the campus community aware of the Library's services, build digital collections, and ensure the persistence and usability of the Library's digital resources over time.

Job Summary
 

Reporting to the Web Program Director, and working closely with the Director of Communications, the Web and Graphic Design Specialist is responsible for designing and producing websites, software interfaces, and some print materials. This position excels in working collaboratively with software developers and system administrators, as well as librarians, user experience researchers, and other subject matter experts. This position has expertise in software tools for graphic design, prototyping, accessibility, and web content management, and can customize applications with CSS, JavaScript, and Python. This position supports Library websites by maintaining documentation and coordinating end-user support and training. This position employs a user-centered design approach, and applies relevant web standards, including those regarding mobile access and accessibility. These products will advance the communication and service goals of the Library, and will meet the needs of University faculty, students, and staff, as well as library staff members and other researchers and users of the Library.

Responsibilities

• With guidance from the Web Program Director, designs, develops, produces, and documents digital products including public web sites, the staff intranet, web exhibits, presentations, e-mail templates, and content for social media.
• Maintains accessibility compliance of library sites, and coordinates with campus departments setting accessibility requirements.
• Ensures consistent site appearance and behavior across browsers and devices using CSS and SASS.
• Creates concept sketches, wireframes, and mockups for websites and applications.
• Develops templates and functionality within the Library’s content management system.
• Manages user accounts and access within the content management system, and coordinates end-user support and training for the system.
• Configures interfaces of web-based vended products used by the Library.
• Designs signage, floorplans, and other print materials and manages production processes.
• Curates the Library’s graphic design assets, and ensures the application of University and Library graphic identity and style guide standards.
• Serves on task forces, committees, and workgroups, etc. inside and outside the Library as necessary.
• Accomplishes assigned duties through two or more of the following: written communications; visual/graphic media, which may include Web site development and maintenance; speeches and personal contact. The incumbent is still acquiring higher-level knowledge and skills.
• Solves a range of straightforward problems, as work assignments are difficult and broad in nature, usually requiring originality and ingenuity.
• Performs other related work as needed.

Minimum Qualifications
 

Education:

Minimum requirements include a college or university degree in related field.

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Work Experience:

Minimum requirements include knowledge and skills developed through 5-7 years of work experience in a related job discipline.

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Certifications:

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Preferred Qualifications

Experience:

• Minimum of 3 years professional design and web developer experience.
• Working in an academic, library, or research environment.
• Experience working with print vendors.

Technical Skills or Knowledge:

• Web analytics tools, and usability testing and user research methods.
• Producing and maintaining complex websites.
• Working knowledge of video and audio, HTML5, responsive/mobile design.
• Deep understanding of WCAG 2.1 AA accessibility standards, and of tools for testing and troubleshooting accessibility issues.
• Apply principles of user-centered design, universal design, interaction design, and information architecture to development of products.
• Working knowledge of Python. Proficiency with JavaScript.
• Knowledge of front-end development frameworks, such as Django and React or other JS libraries.
• Use of prototyping tools, such as Figma, Sketch, or InVision.
• Experience using enterprise accessibility software, such as SiteImprove.
• SQL queries.
• Demonstrated mastery of design software, including Adobe Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign.
• Strong graphic design skills.

Preferred Competencies

• Working collaboratively as part of a software development team.
• Excel in a team-based environment, participate in code reviews, and use code management platforms such as GitHub.
• Excellent interpersonal, analytical, and communication skills.
• Comfortable collaborating with stakeholders and translating their objectives into concrete designs.

Working Conditions

• Hybrid.

Application Documents

• Resume/CV (required)
• Cover Letter addressrf to David Bietila (required)
• Reference Contact Information (required)

When applying, the document(s) MUST  be uploaded via the My Experience page, in the section titled Application Documents of the application.

Job Family
 

Communications

Role Impact
 

Individual Contributor

FLSA Status
 

Exempt

Pay Frequency
 

Monthly

Scheduled Weekly Hours
 

37.5

Benefits Eligible
 

Yes

Drug Test Required
 

No

Health Screen Required
 

No

Motor Vehicle Record Inquiry Required
 

No

Posting Statement
 

Employees must comply with the University’s COVID-19 vaccination requirements. More information about the requirements can be found on the University of Chicago Vaccination GoForward .
The University of Chicago is an Affirmative Action/ Equal Opportunity/Disabled/Veterans Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national or ethnic origin, age, status as an individual with a disability, protected veteran status, genetic information, or other protected classes under the law. For additional information please see the University's Notice of Nondiscrimination.

 

Staff Job seekers in need of a reasonable accommodation to complete the application process should call 773-702-5800 or submit a request via Applicant Inquiry Form.

 

We seek a diverse pool of applicants who wish to join an academic community that places the highest value on rigorous inquiry and encourages a diversity of perspectives, experiences, groups of individuals, and ideas to inform and stimulate intellectual challenge, engagement, and exchange.

 

All offers of employment are contingent upon a background check that includes a review of conviction history.  A conviction does not automatically preclude University employment.  Rather, the University considers conviction information on a case-by-case basis and assesses the nature of the offense, the circumstances surrounding it, the proximity in time of the conviction, and its relevance to the position.

 

The University of Chicago's Annual Security & Fire Safety Report (Report) provides information about University offices and programs that provide safety support, crime and fire statistics, emergency response and communications plans, and other policies and information. The Report can be accessed online at: http://securityreport.uchicago.edu . Paper copies of the Report are available, upon request, from the University of Chicago Police Department, 850 E. 61st Street, Chicago, IL 60637.