POSITION IDENTIFICATION
TITLE Front-End Designer/Developer
CLASSIFICATION NUMBER 5144
GRADE 34
CLASSIFICATION Exempt
IMMEDIATE SUPERVISOR Director of Web Strategy and Development
MAJOR ADMINISTRATOR Vice President for Marketing and Communications
GENERAL FUNCTION
The Front-End Designer/Developer is the lead designer and front-end developer for Missouri State University’s web presence. The Front-End Designer/Developer is responsible for the appearance and interface of the University’s high-profile web pages and micro-sites. The Front-End Designer/Developer uses graphic design and coding skills and provides creative input to ensure visual hierarchy, cohesive branding, and clear communication objectives are achieved for the audience/user. The Front-End Designer/Developer uses knowledge of websites and coding skills to design website layouts, interfaces, web components, templates, and architectures.
MINIMUM ACCEPTABLE QUALIFICATIONS
Education: A Bachelor’s degree or the equivalent is required.
Experience: Two years of professional experience in web design and coding using the latest versions of HTML and CSS are required. Experience with JavaScript, PHP, CSS preprocessors such as Sass, templating languages such as Handlebars, and data interchange formats such as JSON and YAML is preferred. Experience working in a team-oriented environment is preferred. Work experience in higher education is preferred. Experience working with and/or administering project management software and methodologies is preferred.
Skills: An advanced understanding of visual design systems and their creation is required. Demonstrated talent as a designer, an understanding of the need to balance function and visual appearance to achieve successful communication, and an understanding of online marketing and branding concepts are required. Fluency with industry standard design software, source-code editors, and version control systems is required. Attention to detail is required. The ability to communicate effectively is required. The ability to develop knowledge of, respect for, and skills to engage with those of other cultures or backgrounds is required. An understanding of accessibility issues related to disabled users is preferred.
Effort: Extended periods of time working at a computer workstation are required.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
1. Creates functional prototypes of website components and core website templates and deploys for testing and implementation.
2. Creates and deploys core blog templates.
3. Designs website template wireframes and mockups and assets for integration into core templates.
4. Codes custom email marketing campaigns, designs PowerPoint presentations for high profile events, and designs graphics and content for digital displays.
5. Administers and provides training for the division regarding the project management system.
6. Meets the client’s communication objectives through a thorough knowledge of type and design in order to develop concepts, sketches, comprehensives, or art and advising clients of appropriate options to achieve their communication objectives.
7. Works to understand each project’s audience and recommends online strategies to help accomplish goals and increase web site visibility and effectiveness.
8. Ensures websites comply with University guidelines, are engaging and well-structured, and provide current information by regularly reviewing web content, updating or deleting outdated information, and adding new information.
9. Adapts established web practices and technologies to develop fresh approaches and new standards for use within online marketing efforts.
10. Ensures effective and timely production by working closely with clients, writers, editors, photographers, other designers, and programmers to coordinate production schedules and complete projects on time.
11. Contributes to a work environment that encourages knowledge of, respect for, and development of skills to engage with those of other cultures or backgrounds.
12. Remains competent and current through self-directed professional reading, developing and maintaining professional contacts with colleagues, attending professional development courses, and attending training and/or courses required by the Director of Web Strategy and Development.
13. Contributes to the overall success of the Office of Web Strategy and Development by performing all other essential duties as assigned by the Director of Web Strategy and Development.
SUPERVISION
The Front-End Designer/Developer is supervised by the Director of Web and New Media and may supervise student workers.
OFFICE OF HUMAN RESOURCES
MAY 2019
