Web Design and Development Specialist

The Web Design and Development Specialist is responsible for creating, maintaining, and enhancing the institution's web presence. They will oversee the Content Management System (CMS), UI/UX (user interface/user experience), and web development operations for all UPIKE web properties. This role ensures engaging and current content, strategic alignment, and brand compliance while also maintaining and reporting website metrics to drive data-driven initiatives. The position reports primarily to the Director of Marketing and Communications for design, branding, and marketing and secondary support from the Director of IT Services for development.

Web Design Responsibilities:

1. Creative Design and Development: Responsible for the conception and development of prototype concepts through to the final programming for UPIKE websites.
2. Agency and Creative Services Management: Manages agency and creative services in support of web design.
3. CMS Administration: Serves as the CMS Administrator, ensuring ADA compliance, managing access permissions, determining workflow, leading the design and implementation of CMS features and user interfaces, and resolving content maintenance issues.
4. Framework Development: Creates and maintains the framework for web page development, including databases, content, organization, and navigational structure.
5. Policy Development: Assists in the development of policies and procedures related to information and internet services, coordinating with IT Services and Cybersecurity Departments to ensure alignment with institutional security and operational standards.
6. Content Coordination: Coordinates content production and creation for UPIKE’s websites, ensuring consistency with other print and electronic communications.
7. Web Page Design and Maintenance: Designs and maintains the university's web pages, working with individual departments to adhere to design standards and brand identity.
8. Testing and Updates: Ensures regular testing of functionality, link integrity, and updates of time-specific content.
9. Integration with CRM: Works with Admissions and ITS to integrate Prospective Student Request for Information (RFI) forms into the CRM.
10. Troubleshooting: Troubleshoots and resolves website problems.
11. Web-Based Communications Advocacy: Advocates for web-based communications within the college community and provides insight into future web service developments.
12. Research and Development: Participates in ongoing research, awareness of changing web design, development, and programming standards.
13. SEO Optimization: Optimizes UPIKE websites for SEO and integrates site analytics into the design workflow.
14. Crisis Communications Support: Supports Crisis Communications on the website as directed by CC Leadership.
15. Healthcare Facility Websites: Leads and manages patient-oriented websites for UPIKE healthcare facilities.

Web Development Responsibilities:

• Database Management:
  1. Manage and maintain several MySQL databases currently in use.
  2. Plan and execute the migration of these databases to the ERP system, ensuring data integrity and minimizing downtime.
• Security and Vulnerability Remediation:
  1. Collaborate with the IS team to identify and remediate vulnerabilities in our applications due to outdated architecture.
  2. Apply best practices in securing both front-end and back-end components, ensuring compliance with industry standards.
• Maintenance and Enhancement:
  1. Oversee the ongoing maintenance of our existing PHP custom applications.
  2. Implement updates and improvements to enhance functionality, performance, and user experience across both front-end and back-end systems.
• ERP Integration and Process Optimization:
  
  1. Work with the IS Team to analyze existing processes and functions within our applications, identifying opportunities to shift to our Ellucian Colleague ERP where it is beneficial.
  2. Assist in the integration and transition of certain MySQL databases into the ERP system.
• Self-Service Ellucian:
  1. Ensure seamless integration with other systems and maintain the functionality and user experience of the Ellucian Self-Service portal.
  2. Collaborate with stakeholders to customize and enhance the Self-Service features to meet the evolving needs of the institution.

Relationships:

Position requires regular contact with vendors, students, faculty, and staff to oversee and create an effective web presence for the university. These relationships are conducted through e-mail, telephone, written mail, and in-person contact.

Qualifications:

• A minimum of a Bachelor's degree in computer science, web development or a related field and relevant experience. 
• Coding skills in front-end languages such as JavaScript and HTML and knowledge of search engine optimization (SEO) practices.
• Three years of full-time or equivalent experience designing/developing web sites and social media, CRM integration.
• Experience managing a large institutional website or higher education website;
• Experience working in a marketing environment.
• Ability to deliver content (text, image and video). 
• Ability to adapt and stay up-to-date on web trends and platforms.
• Ability to communicate and develop relationships/partnerships within the university. 
• Ability to be detail oriented with excellent time management and organizational skills in order to develop priorities and meet deadlines. 
• Ability to collaborate and communicate effectively with various co-workers.
• Alignment with the University of Pikeville mission. 
• Proven experience in web development, including PHP, front-end/back-end technologies (e.g., HTML, CSS, JavaSript), and MySQL database management.
• Strong understanding of security best practices and experience in vulnerability remediation.
• Experience with Ellucian Colleague ERP or similar systems is highly desirable.
• Ability to collaborate effectively with cross-functional teams.
• Strong problem-solving skills and attenuation to detail.

The University of Pikeville offers a competitive salary commensurate with qualifications and experience. UPIKE offers a competitive benefits package including medical, dental, vision, and life insurance, telemedicine, long term disability, tuition waivers, a 403(b) retirement plan, and HSA, FSA, & dependent care accounts. UPIKE also offers a generous holiday schedule and paid leave program.

Important Notes: Resume and other application materials will be reviewed to determine if you meet the required qualifications for the position. If it is determined that you meet the required qualifications, your application materials will be used to identify a top group of the most highly qualified candidates. Please, specifically address the qualifications, competencies and desired qualifications in your resume and application materials.

The University of Pikeville is committed to providing a safe and productive learning, living and working community. To achieve this goal, we conduct background investigations for all final applicants being considered for employment. Background investigations include a criminal history record check, and when appropriate, a financial and/or motor vehicle history.

The University of Pikeville is an equal opportunity employer committed to assembling a diverse, broadly trained faculty and staff. The University of Pikeville does not discriminate on the basis of race, ethnicity, color, sex, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, religion, national origin, age or disabilities in its programs, activities, hiring, or the admission of students.

For more information about the University of Pikeville, please visit http://www.upike.edu. Interested applicants should complete the online application by visiting http://jobs.upike.edu. In addition to the application, interested applicants are requested to attach to their application a letter of interest, current resume, and the contact information for three to five professional references.