Specialist, User Experience and Web Design

Competition Details

Position Information Position Number S00954 Position Title Specialist, User Experience and Web Design Division/Portfolio College Relations Department/Program Media Relations Location Kelowna Other Flexible Work Options Your Opportunity Under the direction of the Associate Director, College Relations – Digital Communications, the Specialist, User Experience and Web Design is responsible to coordinate the development and ongoing management of Okanagan College’s corporate website(s), and to ensure related standards and policies are kept current. The Specialist is also accountable for initiatives to improve the user experience related to the College’s digital properties (corporate website, mobile app, intranet, etc.), and delivering communications that engage, connect and inspire audiences.
This position engages in a wide range of activities aligned to effective communications, including project management; technical assistance; and creating, editing, and maintaining web content, design and architecture. In addition to user experience and web design, the Specialist supports and delivers effective digital communications products that are aligned to OC’s Vision, Mission and Inspire plan.
The Specialist has skills as a communicator, understanding the importance of clear, impactful storytelling and visual design, and is technically savvy. Working closely with Information Technology (IT) Services and several other departments, this position supports the development of corporate web standards, policies and guidelines.

Functions and Duties

1. Leads the development and maintenance of the College’s internal and external corporate websites.

· Content: Working with departments across OC, facilitates the regular review and updates to content posted publicly on the College’s corporate websites. Edits and provides feedback to internal stakeholders proposing new content; liaises with senior leadership to ensure content posted is accurate and approved. Posts content and supports others approved to make updates.

· Web design: Working with internal stakeholders and within the College Relations portfolio, facilitates the design and delivery of web graphics, photography and videos, and visual content.

· Technical functionality: Working closely with IT Services, collaborates with internal stakeholders to maintaining and enhancing the working functionality of the College’s corporate websites. Collaborates with IT Services staff to integrate new system software and ensure website and server functionality.

2. Leads and/or supports the implementation of initiatives to improve the overall accessibility of OC websites, apps and other digital properties, to align to WCAG standards and relevant legislation.

3. Working with the AD, College Relations – Digital Communications and the AVP, College Relations, supports multi-year strategic planning to sustain and advance OC’s online presence, with a focus on increasing accessibility to information about the College, and improving overall user experience online when prospective students, students, employees and members of the public engage with OC through corporate websites, mobile apps, etc.

4. Supports the development, revision and implementation of standards, policies, procedures and guidelines governing the College’s online presence.

5. Participates in College Relations strategic planning and business analysis, providing insight into digital needs analysis and business risk assessment related to OC websites, digital marketing and social media.

6. Tracks, reviews and analyzes the results of OC web analytics (Google Tag Manager); builds and distributes Google Data Studio reports to put forward recommendations for improvements to the user experience across OC digital properties.

7. Develops and delivers training for internal stakeholders on user experience, user interface and general website and digital communications topics, with a goal to build capacity across OC departments and strengthen the overall effectiveness of the College’s websites and digital communications.

8. Maintain an awareness of new developments and trends in communications through literature review, contact with peers at other organizations, industry advisor groups, professional associations and/or attendance at seminars, workshops and education programs.

9. Participates on various ad hoc committees, teams and task forces as required.

10. Limited travel within the Okanagan to other campuses as required.

11. Performs other duties as required.

Education and Experience A Bachelor’s degree is required, in a field such as or similar to Computer Science, Journalism, Marketing or Communications. A minimum of 5 years of related work experience is also required. An equivalent combination of education and experience may be considered.
Demonstrated proficiency in content management systems (Drupal), wire framing tools (Adobe XD, Figma, Axure), and knowledge and understanding of web design principles and best practices is required.
Experience in professional writing for the web and email, editing, proofreading, and publishing through an online content management system is required. Skills and Abilities - Self-motivated, confident, professional and creative- Strong interpersonal skills, experienced working as part of a team and in collaboration with others- Experience working under pressure, to tight deadlines, situations where change is constant- Experience with writing for the web and search engine optimization- Proficiency and experience in website design and development, including HTML, CSS and web accessibility standards (WCAG) and related accessibility legislation- Knowledge of electronic design concepts, usability issues, web accessibility standards and a variety of WYSIWYG editors- Able to provide knowledgeable guidance and training to internal stakeholders to support improvements to the digital experience and communicating information through websites- Effective organizational and time management skills with the ability to prioritize and manage several time-sensitive tasks/projects at any given time- Advanced knowledge of digital media management tools (e.g. Hootsuite), web analytic tools (e.g. Google Analytics, Google Tag Manager, Google Data Studio)- Understanding of relevant social media platforms- Proficiency with digital cameras and photo editing- Excellent computer skills with proficiency using Microsoft Office, Adobe Creative Suite and the Internet- Knowledge of Content Management Software Preferred Qualifications Desired Start Date 07/01/2024 Position End Date (if temporary) 12/31/2024 Schedule Annual Salary/Hourly Rate $34.05 - $38.90 Appointment Type Support - Non-Regular Full-time Special Instructions to Applicants Shortlisted internal candidates must notify the current Support Staff Bargaining Chairperson and People Services if they want a Union Observer during interviews and final selection of candidates. Employee Group Support Posting Detail Information Competition Number C002795 Posting Open Date 05/02/2024 Posting Closing Date 05/12/2024 Open Until Filled No Inclusion Statement Okanagan College is committed to increasing the equitable and inclusive participation of marginalized people in all aspects of college life. We welcome and encourage applications from Indigenous Peoples, Black People, members of racialized groups/visible minorities, people with disabilities and people with diverse gender identities or expressions. People with disabilities who anticipate needing accommodations for any part of the application

---