Web & UX Design Specialist

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Web & UX Design Specialist Company: Commonwealth of Massachusetts Location: Boston, Massachusetts, United States Job Type: Full-time Category: Marketing Operations / Digital Content Management Date Posted: 2025-07-29T14:12:14 Experience Level: Mid-Level (2-5 years) Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• Spearhead the development, maintenance, and continuous improvement of a high-traffic public health website, focusing on user-centric design and accessibility.
• Serve as a critical point of contact for urgent website updates during public health emergencies and high-traffic events, ensuring seamless information dissemination.
• Leverage Drupal CMS and Google Analytics to transform complex health information into accessible, engaging, and easily navigable digital content.
• Champion digital equity by implementing and maintaining compliance with WCAG accessibility standards, ensuring content is usable by all individuals.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is situated within the Massachusetts Department of Public Health (DPH), Communications Office, indicating a mission-driven environment focused on public service and health equity. The emphasis on emergency response and high-traffic moments suggests a need for resilience, rapid content deployment, and robust system management.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Lead the end-to-end development, maintenance, and quality assurance of the DPH website utilizing the Drupal content management system (CMS), prioritizing a user-friendly and accessible digital experience.
• Act as the primary point of contact for all emergency and after-hours web content updates, including critical information alerts, breaking news, and responses to emerging public health threats.
• Apply advanced knowledge of Drupal's technical features and image tools to optimize content structure, incorporate branded campaign imagery, and ensure consistency across diverse page types.
• Proactively monitor and troubleshoot website functionality, including the resolution of broken URLs and back-end issues that impede content accessibility and user navigation.
• Utilize Google Analytics to conduct detailed behavioral analysis, identify user navigation patterns, and generate data-informed recommendations for continuous enhancement of the user experience and content strategy.
• Implement and maintain adherence to all applicable digital accessibility standards, including Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG), employing leading testing tools and techniques to ensure inclusivity for users with disabilities.
• Collaborate closely with internal subject matter experts to develop and revise content in alignment with the Mass.gov style guide, managing the end-to-end content review and approval workflow for publication.
• Develop and maintain web content using plain language principles, ensuring clarity, readability, and comprehension for a broad spectrum of public audiences, including those with limited health literacy.
• Strategize, design, and maintain campaign-specific web pages, coordinating content repurposing for social media platforms to amplify broader communication efforts and campaign reach.
• Contribute to departmental communications planning, actively participate in team meetings and cross-functional workgroups, and support the management of intranet content and internal communication initiatives.

📝 Enhancement Note: The primary responsibilities highlight a blend of technical CMS management, data-driven user experience optimization, content strategy, and critical communication responsibilities, particularly during public health crises. This suggests a role that requires both proactive content creation and reactive crisis management within a digital framework.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

• A Bachelor's degree in a relevant field such as Digital Communications, Marketing, Information Technology, Graphic Design, or a related discipline is typically required.
• Substitutions may apply: A Graduate degree in a relevant field can substitute for all required experience. A Bachelor's degree in a non-directly related field can substitute for up to one year of experience.

Experience:

• A minimum of three years of full-time, or equivalent part-time, professional experience in web content management, digital communications, or user experience design is required.
• Experience in business administration, business management, or public administration with a focus on program management, analysis, or coordination is also considered relevant.

Required Skills:

• Proficiency in all aspects of the Drupal content management system (CMS), including content creation, editing, site structure, and technical troubleshooting (e.g., resolving broken links, back-end issues).
• Skilled in utilizing Google Analytics for behavioral mapping, data analysis, and generating actionable insights to inform continuous website improvement and user experience (UX) optimization.
• Strong knowledge of Search Engine Optimization (SEO) strategies to enhance website visibility and content discoverability, coupled with a deep understanding of web accessibility standards (WCAG compliance, screen reader compatibility).
• Demonstrated ability to write and edit web content using plain language principles, ensuring clarity, conciseness, and readability for diverse public audiences, with exceptional communication and meticulous attention to detail.
• Experience in managing content for social media platforms and aligning messaging across various digital channels to support integrated public health campaigns and communication strategies.
• Excellent organizational skills, including the ability to assemble, format, and present information effectively using charts, graphs, tables, and reports for stakeholder communication and decision-making.
• High adaptability and responsiveness to feedback, with a proven capacity to identify user needs and implement timely, strategic updates to web content and user interfaces.
• Commitment to continuous learning and staying current with best practices and emerging trends in web writing, digital communications, and UX design, particularly within the public sector.
• Ability to work independently and effectively under pressure, including demonstrated availability for emergency and after-hours updates during critical public health events.
• Proven ability to follow and provide clear instructions, exercise sound judgment, manage confidential information with discretion, and collaborate effectively with colleagues and diverse stakeholders.

Preferred Skills:

• Proven experience specifically in User Experience (UX) design, including wireframing, prototyping, and user testing methodologies.
• In-depth knowledge of digital accessibility standards and best practices beyond basic compliance.
• Demonstrated excellence in writing and editing for digital platforms, potentially with a portfolio showcasing a range of content types.

📝 Enhancement Note: The required experience level suggests a candidate who can operate with a degree of autonomy and contribute strategically, rather than an entry-level position. The emphasis on Drupal and Google Analytics points to specific technical proficiencies crucial for success in this role. The inclusion of "plain language principles" and "public sector" context is key for candidates to tailor their applications.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• A portfolio showcasing previous web content management projects, ideally demonstrating work within a CMS like Drupal.
• Examples of website improvements or redesigns that highlight user experience (UX) enhancements and accessibility compliance.
• Demonstration of data analysis and reporting, specifically how Google Analytics insights were used to drive content or UX changes.
• Content samples that exemplify the use of plain language principles and effective communication for diverse audiences.

Process Documentation:

• Examples of workflow management for content creation, review, and publication, particularly within a government or large organizational setting.
• Documentation or case studies illustrating how web accessibility standards (WCAG) were implemented and tested.
• Evidence of collaboration with subject matter experts and stakeholders to gather information, refine content, and achieve publication goals.

📝 Enhancement Note: While not explicitly stated as a formal "portfolio requirement," the job description heavily implies the need for a portfolio to demonstrate the required skills in Drupal, Google Analytics, UX, and content creation. Candidates should be prepared to showcase these capabilities.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range:

• While a specific salary range is not provided, government positions in Massachusetts typically follow established pay scales. Based on the job duties, required experience (2-5 years), and the location in Boston, a competitive salary range for a Web & UX Design Specialist in the public sector would likely fall between $60,000 and $85,000 annually.
• Placement within this range will be determined by the candidate's directly related experience, educational background, and alignment with the Commonwealth's internal compensation structure and collective bargaining agreements for non-management positions.

Benefits:

• Comprehensive employee benefits package offered by the Commonwealth of Massachusetts.
• Health, Dental, and Vision Insurance plans.
• Retirement savings plans (pension and/or 401k/403b options).
• Paid Time Off (PTO) including vacation, sick leave, and holidays.
• Potential for professional development and training opportunities.
• Life insurance and disability coverage.
• Access to employee assistance programs and wellness initiatives.

Working Hours:

• Standard full-time work hours are expected to be 40 hours per week.
• The role requires availability for emergency and after-hours updates, suggesting a need for flexibility and responsiveness outside of typical business hours during critical public health events.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary estimate is based on general knowledge of state government compensation for similar roles in the Boston area and the specified experience level. Exact figures would be subject to official state pay grades and union contracts where applicable. The mention of after-hours availability is a critical factor for candidates to consider.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Public Health / Government Administration Company Size: The Commonwealth of Massachusetts employs tens of thousands of individuals across various agencies. The Department of Public Health (DPH) itself is a large agency with numerous divisions and departments. This indicates a large, structured, and potentially bureaucratic environment, but also one with significant resources and impact. Founded: The Commonwealth of Massachusetts has a long history, with its public health system evolving over centuries. The DPH as a modern entity has been established to address contemporary public health challenges.

Team Structure:

• The role is within the Communications Office of the Department of Public Health (DPH). This suggests a team focused on external and internal communication strategies, content creation, and digital presence management.
• The Web & UX Design Specialist will likely report to a Communications Director or a Digital Media Manager.
• Collaboration is expected with public health experts, subject matter experts across DPH divisions, and potentially other government agencies or external partners.

Methodology:

• Data-Driven Decision Making: The explicit mention of using Google Analytics for behavioral analysis and making data-informed recommendations highlights a commitment to a data-driven approach to web content and UX optimization.
• User-Centric Design: The emphasis on user-friendly, accessible, and easy-to-navigate digital experiences underscores a user-centric methodology in all web development and content initiatives.
• Plain Language Principles: The requirement to use plain language principles indicates a focus on clear, concise, and understandable communication to serve a broad public audience, prioritizing clarity over jargon.
• Accessibility Standards: Adherence to WCAG standards demonstrates a methodical approach to ensuring digital inclusivity and compliance with legal and ethical requirements for accessibility.

Company Website: https://www.mass.gov/orgs/massachusetts-department-of-public-health

📝 Enhancement Note: Working within a government agency like the Commonwealth of Massachusetts Department of Public Health means operating within a structured framework with a strong public service mission. The culture likely values diligence, adherence to policy, and a commitment to serving the public good, with an increasing focus on digital best practices.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role is positioned as a Mid-Level specialist. It requires a solid foundation in web content management, CMS proficiency (Drupal), UX principles, and analytics, with the ability to work independently and manage critical tasks. It's a contributor role with significant responsibility for a key digital asset.

Reporting Structure: The Web & UX Design Specialist will report to a manager within the Communications Office, likely overseeing digital communications or web strategy. This provides a clear line of management and guidance.

Operations Impact: The role has a direct impact on the public's ability to access critical health information, especially during emergencies. By ensuring the website is user-friendly, accessible, and up-to-date, this position supports DPH's core mission of promoting public health and safety. The work directly influences public perception, engagement, and the effectiveness of health campaigns and information dissemination.

Growth Opportunities:

• Specialization: Opportunity to deepen expertise in Drupal CMS, advanced UX design, web accessibility, and public health communications.
• Leadership: Potential to advance into roles with more strategic oversight of digital communications, web projects, or larger teams within the Communications Office or DPH.
• Skill Development: Access to training and development opportunities related to digital marketing, content strategy, UX research, and government communication best practices.
• Cross-Functional Experience: Exposure to various public health programs and initiatives, fostering a broad understanding of the agency's mission and operations.

📝 Enhancement Note: While government roles may sometimes be perceived as having slower advancement, the specialized nature of this digital role within a public health context offers clear pathways for skill development and increased responsibility, particularly in areas of digital strategy and crisis communication.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: This position is based at 250 Washington Street, Boston, MA, which is an on-site role. The work environment is likely a standard professional office setting typical of a government agency.

Office Location(s):

• Primary Location: 250 Washington Street, Boston, MA. This location is in the heart of Boston, offering access to public transportation and various amenities.

Workspace Context:

• The workspace will likely be an office-based setup with standard office equipment, including a computer, monitor, and necessary software.
• Collaboration is expected, suggesting opportunities for interaction with colleagues within the Communications Office and potentially other DPH staff.
• Access to relevant digital tools and technologies, including Drupal CMS, Google Analytics, and potentially design and project management software, will be provided.

Work Schedule:

• The standard work schedule is typically Monday through Friday, 9 AM to 5 PM, totaling 40 hours per week.
• A key aspect of this role is the requirement for availability for emergency and after-hours updates, which may necessitate working outside of standard hours during public health crises or significant website events.

📝 Enhancement Note: The on-site requirement in Boston means candidates should be prepared for a commute. The mention of after-hours work is crucial for candidates to assess their availability and work-life balance preferences.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Application Screening: Initial review of applications to ensure candidates meet minimum qualifications. Emphasis will be placed on relevant experience with Drupal, Google Analytics, and digital accessibility.
• Initial Interview: A phone or video interview with a hiring manager or HR representative to discuss qualifications, experience, and fit for the role. Expect questions about your experience with the core responsibilities.
• Skills Assessment/Portfolio Review: Candidates may be asked to provide a portfolio showcasing their web design, content management, and UX work. This might involve a presentation or in-depth discussion of specific projects, focusing on how data and accessibility were integrated.
• Second/Final Interview: An in-person or video interview with the hiring team, potentially including managers from the Communications Office and other key stakeholders. This stage will likely delve deeper into problem-solving skills, strategic thinking, and cultural alignment with DPH's mission.
• Background Check: A criminal background check will be conducted on the recommended candidate.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate Strategically: Select 3-5 of your strongest projects that best demonstrate your proficiency in Drupal, Google Analytics, UX design, and plain language content creation.
• Highlight Impact: For each project, clearly articulate the challenge, your specific role and contributions, the solutions implemented (especially regarding UX and accessibility), and the measurable outcomes or impact achieved. Quantify results whenever possible (e.g., "improved user engagement by 15%," "reduced bounce rate by 10%").
• Showcase Process: Be prepared to discuss your design and development process, including how you gathered requirements, conducted user research (if applicable), made design decisions, implemented accessibility features, and used data to inform your work.
• Demonstrate Adaptability: Include examples that showcase your ability to respond to changing needs, work under pressure, and handle emergency updates, if possible.
• Accessibility Focus: Clearly label and explain how accessibility standards were met in your projects, perhaps by highlighting specific features or testing methods used.

Challenge Preparation:

• Drupal Scenarios: Be ready to discuss common Drupal tasks, troubleshooting scenarios, and how you would structure content or implement features within the CMS.
• Google Analytics Interpretation: Prepare to talk about how you would use Google Analytics to identify website issues or opportunities for improvement, and how you would present these findings.
• Accessibility Problem-Solving: Anticipate questions about how you would address accessibility barriers or ensure compliance with WCAG guidelines for specific web elements or content types.
• Content Strategy: Be prepared to discuss how you would approach creating or revising content for a public health website, considering audience needs, plain language, and DPH's mission.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on a portfolio and specific skills like Drupal and Google Analytics means candidates should prepare tangible examples of their work. The interview process is likely to be thorough, assessing both technical capabilities and alignment with the public service mission.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Drupal CMS: Core requirement for website development, content management, and site maintenance. Proficiency in content creation, site structure, module management, and front-end theming principles (even if not coding directly) is expected.
• Google Analytics: Essential for monitoring website traffic, user behavior, conversion tracking, and deriving insights for UX optimization and content strategy.
• Web Accessibility Testing Tools: Proficiency with tools like WAVE, AXE, Lighthouse, or screen readers (e.g., JAWS, NVDA) to ensure WCAG compliance.
• Content Management Systems (CMS): Broader experience with CMS platforms is beneficial, but Drupal is the focus.
• Basic HTML/CSS: While not explicitly stated as a coding role, a foundational understanding of HTML and CSS is often beneficial for web content specialists to understand how content is rendered and to make minor adjustments.

Analytics & Reporting:

• Google Analytics: Primary tool for web analytics and reporting.
• Data Visualization Tools: Experience with tools to create charts, graphs, and tables for reports (e.g., Microsoft Excel, Google Sheets, Tableau, Power BI) would be advantageous for presenting data to stakeholders.

CRM & Automation:

• While not explicitly mentioned, familiarity with CRM systems (like Salesforce, HubSpot) or marketing automation platforms could be beneficial for understanding broader digital campaign integration, though not a direct requirement for this role.

📝 Enhancement Note: The tech stack is centered around Drupal and Google Analytics, indicating these are the critical tools candidates must be proficient in. Understanding how these tools integrate to support content strategy and user experience is key.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Public Service & Mission-Driven: A strong commitment to the mission of the Department of Public Health – to promote and protect health and wellness, and prevent injury and illness for all people, with a focus on racial equity.
• User-Centricity & Accessibility: Dedication to creating digital experiences that are inclusive, easy to use, and accessible to all members of the public, regardless of ability.
• Clarity & Readability: Emphasis on clear, concise, and understandable communication through plain language principles.
• Data-Informed Decision Making: A commitment to using data, such as Google Analytics, to guide strategy, improve performance, and demonstrate impact.
• Collaboration & Teamwork: Ability to work effectively with diverse teams, subject matter experts, and stakeholders to achieve common goals.
• Responsibility & Responsiveness: Acknowledging the critical nature of public health information and the need for timely and accurate updates, especially during emergencies.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-Functional Integration: Expect to collaborate closely with public health experts, communications specialists, IT departments, and potentially external partners.
• Process-Oriented: A structured approach to content workflows, review processes, and quality assurance is likely, ensuring accuracy and adherence to standards.
• Feedback-Driven: Openness to receiving and incorporating feedback from colleagues, subject matter experts, and potentially user testing to refine web content and UX.
• Knowledge Sharing: A culture that encourages sharing best practices in digital communication, accessibility, and CMS management within the team.

📝 Enhancement Note: Candidates should highlight their alignment with public service values and their ability to communicate complex information clearly. Demonstrating a collaborative spirit and a commitment to accessibility will be crucial for cultural fit.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Balancing Urgency and Accuracy: The need to respond quickly during public health emergencies while ensuring all information is accurate, accessible, and clearly communicated.
• Managing Diverse Stakeholder Needs: Collaborating with various subject matter experts within DPH, each with potentially different communication styles and priorities.
• Adhering to Government Standards: Navigating the administrative processes, style guides (Mass.gov), and compliance requirements inherent in a government agency.
• Keeping Pace with Digital Trends: Continuously updating skills and website practices to align with evolving web technologies, UX trends, and accessibility standards within a government framework.
• Translating Complex Health Information: Effectively simplifying and presenting intricate public health data and guidance in a way that is understandable and actionable for the general public.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Specialized Training: Opportunities for training in advanced Drupal features, UX design principles, user research methodologies, and specialized web accessibility certifications.
• Industry Conferences: Potential to attend conferences or workshops focused on digital government, public health communications, web accessibility, or UX design.
• Mentorship: Access to experienced professionals within the Communications Office or DPH who can provide guidance on career development and specialized skills.
• Skill Expansion: Opportunity to broaden expertise into areas like SEO strategy, social media integration, content strategy, and digital campaign management.

📝 Enhancement Note: Candidates should be prepared to discuss how they would approach these challenges, demonstrating problem-solving skills and a proactive attitude towards continuous improvement and learning.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe your experience managing a website within a Content Management System (CMS), specifically Drupal. What are some of the key challenges you've faced, and how did you overcome them?" (Focus on CMS proficiency, problem-solving, and adaptability).
• "How do you use data, such as Google Analytics, to inform web content decisions and improve user experience? Can you provide an example?" (Highlight analytical skills and data-driven decision-making).
• "Explain your understanding of web accessibility standards (WCAG) and how you ensure compliance in your web content work. What tools do you use for testing?" (Demonstrate knowledge of accessibility and practical application).
• "Imagine we have a critical public health alert that needs to be published immediately. Walk me through your process for getting this information live on the DPH website, considering accuracy, clarity, and accessibility." (Assess emergency response, process management, and communication clarity).
• "How do you approach writing and editing complex health information to make it easily understandable for a general audience using plain language principles?" (Focus on communication skills and audience awareness).

Company & Culture Questions:

• "What interests you about working for the Commonwealth of Massachusetts Department of Public Health, and specifically in this role?" (Show understanding of DPH's mission and your motivation).
• "How do you ensure your work aligns with an organization's mission and values, particularly in a public service context?" (Assess alignment with public health and government service).
• "Describe a time you collaborated with subject matter experts or stakeholders who had different priorities or perspectives. How did you manage that relationship and achieve your goals?" (Evaluate collaboration and stakeholder management skills).

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Structure Your Narrative: For each portfolio piece, clearly present the problem, your solution (emphasizing Drupal, UX, accessibility), and the results. Use a STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result).
• Highlight Key Skills: Explicitly point out where your portfolio demonstrates Drupal proficiency, Google Analytics usage, UX design thinking, plain language writing, and accessibility implementation.
• Quantify Impact: Whenever possible, provide metrics to show the effectiveness of your work (e.g., increased user engagement, reduced bounce rates, improved accessibility scores).
• Be Prepared for Technical Questions: Anticipate questions about specific design choices, CMS functionalities, or data interpretation related to your presented projects.
• Show Enthusiasm for Public Health: Connect your skills and experience to the mission of DPH, demonstrating a genuine interest in contributing to public well-being.

📝 Enhancement Note: Prepare specific examples of your work that directly address the requirements of the job description, especially Drupal, Google Analytics, and accessibility. Practice articulating your contributions clearly and concisely, focusing on outcomes.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this operations position:

• Submit your application through the provided Taleo link: https://massanf.taleo.net/careersection/exm/jobdetail.ftl?job=250005Q9&lang=en
• Portfolio Customization: Tailor your resume and cover letter to highlight specific experience with Drupal CMS, Google Analytics, web accessibility (WCAG), and plain language content creation. Select portfolio pieces that best showcase these skills and their impact.
• Resume Optimization: Ensure your resume clearly lists your years of experience, relevant technical skills (Drupal, Google Analytics, etc.), and quantifiable achievements in web content management and UX design. Use keywords from the job description.
• Interview Preparation: Practice answering common interview questions related to CMS management, data analysis, accessibility testing, and content strategy. Prepare to present your portfolio and discuss your relevant projects in detail.
• Company Research: Familiarize yourself with the Massachusetts Department of Public Health's mission, values, and recent initiatives. Understand the Mass.gov style guide and the importance of digital equity and accessibility in public sector communications.

⚠️ Important Notice: This enhanced job description includes AI-generated insights and operations industry-standard assumptions. All details should be verified directly with the hiring organization before making application decisions.