Career Center

Department: Global Marketing/Communication
Salary/Grade: ITS/79

Job Summary:

The Senior Web Designer is responsible for conceptualizing, creating and executing compelling visual user interface designs for websites, templates, interactive features, web applications and email communications at Northwestern University. The ideal candidate will have a strong foundation in design principles and web standards, an eye for clean, artful design, and a detailed understanding of how interactive experiences should function, look and feel. Responsibilities include developing graphic identity elements and interactive features, maintaining the visual aspects of Northwestern digital properties; assisting the Director of Digital Strategy in working with other web designers throughout the University; and maintaining branding and visual consistency for Northwestern University’s digital ecosystem.

Specific Responsibilities:

Design

• Design website concepts and work with web developers to create compelling, functional user interfaces for Northwestern webpages and for university clients, supporting the university's brand guidelines and web accessibility standards.
• Continuously develop and refine Northwestern branded website and newsletter templates, and their execution across the university.
• Design interactive features for Northwestern’s main digital channels, including Northwestern.edu. Work with website content managers to update/replace images on web pages as needed.
• Present designs to clients with clear rationale for design choices and how they support design, content, functionality, usability and web accessibility standards.
• Educate staff  on current web design philosophy, new design techniques, and university web design standards. Review university websites for appropriate design, content, functionality, usability and accessibility.

Miscellaneous

• Performs other duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Successful completion of a full 4-year course of study in an accredited college or university leading to a bachelor's or higher degree in an area such as in graphic or interaction design, multimedia, fine arts, computer science, or related field; OR appropriate combination of education and experience. 
• Minimum of 3 years experience in digital design
• Demonstrable web design skills (provide at least 4 URLs) and 5+ years designing interfaces for large-scale sites. Demonstrated ability to produce user-centered design systems as evidenced by a portfolio or samples of work.
• Expert knowledge of interface design standards, information architecture, user experience and web accessibility as it relates to design. Understanding of UX practices and methodologies.

Minimum Competencies: (Skills, knowledge, and abilities.)

• Advanced proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite, with an emphasis in Photoshop, Illustrator and After Effects. Thorough knowledge of graphics compression. Experience with clickable prototypes.
• Proficiency with HTML and CSS, and how design compositions translate to code.
• Thorough knowledge of the differences in web browsers, operating systems, and the latest web technologies. Familiarity with technical issues around web development and ability to work constructively with development teams.
• Experience working in a content management system, preferably Cascade
• Knowledge of usability and accessibility issues.
• Versatile skill set, wide range of creative experience, adaptability to input and feedback
• Team oriented, with excellent interpersonal skills; ability to work well with a team of developers, designers, and content strategists.
• Clear and professional communication skills, including a strong ability to present creative work
• Strong computer skills, particularly in Mac.
• Thorough knowledge and understanding of current trends, techniques and mechanics, including photography, illustration and typography.
• Nimble and able to think strategically.
• Ability to develop simple and elegant design approaches to complex design problems.

Preferred Qualifications:

• At least 5 years of creative and production experience designing websites and/or applications, including concepts and style guides that describe user interfaces.
• Previous experience in higher education or nonprofit marketing

Preferred Competencies: (Skills, knowledge, and abilities)

• Skill and experience working across multiple media: digital, graphics, social media, etc.
• Experience designing for social media, and repurposing work across different social platforms
• Understanding of motion design and the strengths and limitations of Javascript and other interactive programming platforms
• Experience working for creative agencies in a digital capacity.

Benefits:
At Northwestern, we are proud to provide meaningful, competitive, high-quality health care plans, retirement benefits, tuition discounts and more! Visit us at https://www.northwestern.edu/hr/benefits/index.html to learn more.

Work-Life and Wellness:
Northwestern offers comprehensive programs and services to help you and your family navigate life’s challenges and opportunities, and adopt and maintain healthy lifestyles.
We support flexible work arrangements where possible and programs to help you locate and pay for quality, affordable childcare and senior/adult care. Visit us at https://www.northwestern.edu/hr/benefits/work-life/index.html to learn more.

Professional Growth & Development:
Northwestern supports employee career development in all circumstances whether your workspace is on campus or at home. If you’re interested in developing your professional potential or continuing your formal education, we offer a variety of tools and resources. Visit us at https://www.northwestern.edu/hr/learning/index.html to learn more.

Northwestern requires all staff and faculty to be vaccinated against COVID-19, subject to limited exceptions. For more information, please visit our COVID-19 and Campus Updates website.

The Northwestern campus sits on the traditional homelands of the people of the Council of Three Fires, the Ojibwe, Potawatomi, and Odawa as well as the Menominee, Miami and Ho-Chunk nations. We acknowledge and honor the original people of the land upon which Northwestern University stands, and the Native people who remain on this land today.

Northwestern University is an Equal Opportunity, Affirmative Action Employer of all protected classes, including veterans and individuals with disabilities. Women, racial and ethnic minorities, individuals with disabilities, and veterans are encouraged to apply. Click for information on EEO is the Law.