Web Designer

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Web Designer

Company: Universities of Wisconsin

Location: Madison, WI, United States

Job Type: FULL_TIME

Category: Web Design & Development / Digital Media

Date Posted: April 01, 2026

Experience Level: 2-5 Years

Remote Status: Hybrid

🚀 Role Summary

• Develop, enhance, and maintain digital experiences that showcase creative work, residency programs, and partnerships for the Division of the Arts.

• Blend visual design, user experience (UX), and content strategy to support the division’s mission in advancing arts through education, research, and public programming.

• Implement graphical and style standards for websites, ensuring adherence to WCAG accessibility guidelines and university digital standards.

• Create visually compelling, accessible, and user-centered web pages, optimizing for site performance and responsive design across various browsers and screen settings.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role focuses on the intersection of arts, education, and digital presence, requiring a candidate who can translate creative concepts into functional and aesthetically pleasing web experiences within a structured university environment. The emphasis on "UW Theme 2.0" and "WiscWeb hosting environment" indicates a specific technical context within the University of Wisconsin system.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Produce and edit a variety of visual assets, including graphics, posters, banners, and promotional materials, to support the Division of the Arts' initiatives.

• Implement and maintain graphical and style standards for websites, ensuring consistency with the university's brand identity and visual language.

• Build and update web pages using the UW Theme 2.0 within the university’s WiscWeb hosting environment, adhering strictly to WCAG accessibility guidelines and federal/university digital standards.

• Design the overall navigation flow, page layouts, and individual graphic elements, ensuring all components function seamlessly across different browser types and screen resolutions, within defined development and design constraints.

• Create wireframes, mockups, and prototypes that accurately reflect university brand standards and effectively meet stakeholder requirements, while optimizing for site performance and responsive design.

• Consult with academic arts departments and units to understand their objectives and recommend appropriate digital solutions, serving as a subject matter expert and liaison.

• Develop and implement strategic digital media initiatives, aligning priorities, objectives, and best practices in collaboration with leadership and other functional work units.

• Translate complex academic and artistic content into engaging digital formats, working closely with Division of the Arts staff to ensure clarity and impact.

• Manage multiple projects concurrently, ranging from minor content updates to significant site redesigns, ensuring timely delivery and quality execution.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a need for both creative execution and adherence to institutional standards. Candidates should be prepared to manage a diverse project load and collaborate across various academic and administrative departments.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: Associate's Degree in web design, graphic design, digital media, or a related field; equivalent professional experience is also considered.

Experience: Demonstrated experience designing and building websites, with a strong portfolio showcasing visual design and UX work.

Required Skills:

• Proficiency in responsive design principles and implementation.

• Knowledge of Search Engine Optimization (SEO) best practices and analytics tools for performance tracking.

• Experience working within a Content Management System (CMS) such as WordPress, Drupal, Cascade, or similar platforms.

• Strong understanding of Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) standards and inclusive design practices.

• Excellent communication, collaboration, and problem-solving skills, essential for working within a university setting.

• Ability to produce and edit a range of visual assets (graphics, posters, banners, promotional materials).

• Familiarity with implementing graphical and style standards for web sites.

• Experience building and updating web pages within specific university environments (e.g., UW Theme 2.0, WiscWeb).

• Ability to maintain consistency with university brand identity and visual language.

• Skill in developing overall navigation flow, page layout, and graphic element creation.

• Experience optimizing for site performance and responsive design.

• Ability to consult with stakeholders and recommend digital solutions.

• Experience in developing and implementing digital media initiatives and best practices.

• Proficiency in translating complex content into engaging digital formats.

Preferred Skills:

• Experience within higher education, arts organizations, or cultural institutions.

• Skills in digital illustration, motion graphics, or multimedia production.

• Ability to work effectively with diverse communities and creative disciplines.

📝 Enhancement Note: The required skills emphasize a blend of technical design expertise, understanding of accessibility and university standards, and strong interpersonal abilities. Preferred skills point towards candidates with specialized creative talents and experience in relevant sectors.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• A robust portfolio showcasing a minimum of 3-5 distinct work samples that highlight visual design, user experience (UX), and responsive design capabilities.

• Samples should demonstrate the ability to create engaging and accessible web pages, wireframes, mockups, and prototypes.

• Include examples of visual assets (graphics, banners, promotional materials) created for digital platforms.

Process Documentation:

• Demonstrate understanding of the process for translating complex content (academic/artistic) into clear digital formats.

• Provide examples of workflow for managing multiple projects with varying timelines, from initial concept to final delivery.

• Showcase experience with a structured design and development process, including wireframing, mockups, prototyping, and optimization.

• Evidence of adhering to institutional standards (e.g., university brand, digital standards, accessibility guidelines) throughout the design process.

📝 Enhancement Note: A strong portfolio is crucial, as it directly demonstrates the candidate's ability to meet the core design and development requirements. The emphasis on process indicates a need for organized and methodical work habits, especially within a large institution.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: The expected hiring salary range is $55,000 - $65,000 annually.

Benefits:

• Comprehensive benefits package, including:

  • Generous paid time off.

  • Competitively priced health, dental, vision, and life insurance.

  • Tax-advantaged savings accounts.

  • Participation in the Wisconsin Retirement System (WRS) pension fund. Working Hours: This is a full-time position. While specific daily hours are not detailed, the role requires flexibility to manage multiple projects and potentially attend events or collaborate on-site as needed. A standard 40-hour work week is typical.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary range is explicitly provided, offering clear compensation expectations. The benefits package is detailed and points to a stable, long-term employment opportunity within the public university system. The hybrid work arrangement suggests a need for self-management and effective communication.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Higher Education / Arts & Culture

Company Size: Part of the Universities of Wisconsin system, a large network of public universities, indicating a stable and established institutional environment. The specific division, Division of the Arts at UW-Madison, is a focused unit within a major research university.

Founded: UW-Madison was founded in 1848, signifying a long-standing commitment to education and public service.

Team Structure:

• The Web Designer will report to the Division of the Arts, a unit focused on promoting and supporting arts within UW-Madison.

• Collaboration is expected with Division of the Arts staff, academic arts departments, and other arts units across campus.

Methodology:

• Emphasis on adherence to university brand guidelines, digital standards, and WCAG accessibility standards.

• A user-centered design approach is expected, focusing on creating accessible and engaging digital experiences.

• Content strategy will be integral, translating complex artistic and academic information into accessible web formats.

• Collaboration and consultation with various stakeholders are key to understanding needs and recommending digital solutions.

Company Website: https://www.wisconsin.edu/ (Universities of Wisconsin) and likely a specific divisional site for the Division of the Arts at UW-Madison.

📝 Enhancement Note: Working within a large university system like the Universities of Wisconsin means navigating established processes, policies, and brand guidelines. The culture likely values academic rigor, public service, and collaborative problem-solving.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role is positioned as a skilled specialist in Web Design, likely at an intermediate level (2-5 years of experience). It involves significant autonomy in design execution and consultation, but within defined institutional frameworks.

Reporting Structure: The Web Designer reports within the Division of the Arts, likely to a communications director or a similar leadership role within the division. This structure allows for focused work on arts-related digital initiatives while still being part of the broader university’s operational infrastructure.

Operations Impact: The Web Designer directly impacts the public perception and accessibility of the Division of the Arts' creative work, educational programs, and partnerships. Effective digital experiences enhance outreach, student/faculty engagement, and the visibility of arts initiatives, contributing to the division's mission and the university's overall educational and research goals.

Growth Opportunities:

• Skill Specialization: Deepen expertise in specific areas like advanced accessibility compliance, UX research within academic contexts, or specialized digital illustration/motion graphics.

• Project Leadership: Opportunity to lead design aspects for larger university-wide digital projects or significant divisional website redesigns.

• Cross-Functional Experience: Gain exposure to various arts departments and university units, expanding understanding of diverse stakeholder needs and digital strategies within higher education.

• Mentorship: Potential to mentor junior designers or interns, or to be mentored by senior digital strategists within the university system.

• Certification: Pursue certifications in UX design, accessibility, or specific CMS platforms relevant to higher education.

📝 Enhancement Note: While not a direct "revenue" operations role, this position is critical for the "operational" success of the Division of the Arts by ensuring effective digital communication and engagement. Growth opportunities are tied to expanding design expertise and taking on more complex projects within the academic environment.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: Hybrid position, with an expectation of 3 days per week on-site and 2 days per week remote. Additional on-site days may be required for specific events or projects. The on-site component will be at Lathrop Hall, UW-Madison campus.

Office Location(s):

• Primary on-site work location: Lathrop Hall, Madison, WI. This is a campus-based environment.

Workspace Context:

• On-campus work likely involves a collaborative office environment within the Division of the Arts, providing opportunities for in-person interaction with colleagues and stakeholders.

• Access to university resources, IT support, and potentially specialized design software and hardware.

• The hybrid model requires effective self-management and strong communication skills to maintain productivity and collaboration across both remote and on-site settings.

• The work environment is within a major public research university, suggesting a dynamic and intellectually stimulating setting.

Work Schedule: Standard full-time hours are expected, with flexibility managed through the hybrid model. The role requires managing various project timelines, necessitating efficient time management and organizational skills.

📝 Enhancement Note: The hybrid nature of the role requires strong self-discipline and communication skills. Candidates should be comfortable working independently and collaboratively, both in person and remotely, within the structured environment of a university campus.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: Review of resume, cover letter, and crucially, the submitted portfolio and work samples.

• Portfolio Review & Technical Assessment: Candidates will likely be asked to walk through their portfolio, discussing their design process, problem-solving approaches, and rationale behind their design choices. This may include a specific exercise or case study related to web design challenges within a university or arts context.

• Behavioral & Situational Interviews: Questions will assess collaboration, communication, problem-solving, and ability to work within institutional constraints (e.g., accessibility, brand guidelines).

• Stakeholder/Team Interviews: Interaction with members of the Division of the Arts and potentially other relevant university departments to gauge cultural fit and collaboration style.

• Final Interview: Likely with senior leadership within the Division of the Arts or a related department.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate Strategically: Select 3-5 of your strongest, most relevant work samples. Prioritize projects that demonstrate visual design, UX, responsive design, and accessibility.

• Tell a Story: For each sample, clearly articulate the problem, your role, your design process, the solutions you implemented, and the measurable impact or outcome.

• Highlight Process: Showcase wireframes, mockups, prototypes, and explain your decision-making behind them.

• Emphasize Accessibility & Standards: Explicitly mention how you incorporated WCAG guidelines and any institutional branding or technical constraints.

• Prepare for UW Theme 2.0: If possible, research and be prepared to discuss your experience with similar CMS environments or your adaptability to new systems.

Challenge Preparation:

• Design Exercise: Be prepared for a potential design challenge that might involve creating a mockup for a specific arts event, a program page, or a newsletter template, adhering to university standards.

• Case Study Presentation: Practice presenting a past project as a case study, focusing on problem-solving, collaboration, and achieving specific goals.

• Accessibility Focus: Anticipate questions or tasks related to ensuring web content is accessible to users with disabilities.

• Brand Consistency: Understand the importance of maintaining a consistent brand identity and be ready to discuss how you ensure this.

📝 Enhancement Note: The application process heavily emphasizes the portfolio. Candidates must meticulously prepare their work samples and be ready to articulate their design process and problem-solving skills in detail. Understanding the context of higher education and arts organizations is also beneficial.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• CMS: Experience with a CMS is required. Specific mention of the university's "WiscWeb hosting environment" and "UW Theme 2.0" suggests familiarity with or ability to quickly learn these systems. WordPress, Drupal, or Cascade are listed as examples.

• Design Software: Proficiency in industry-standard design tools for creating graphics, layouts, wireframes, mockups, and prototypes. This would typically include Adobe Creative Suite (Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign, XD) or Figma.

• Web Technologies: Strong understanding of HTML, CSS, and responsive design principles. Basic knowledge of JavaScript may also be beneficial.

Analytics & Reporting:

• Analytics Tools: Knowledge of SEO best practices and analytics tools (e.g., Google Analytics, Adobe Analytics) for tracking website performance and user behavior.

CRM & Automation:

• While not explicitly listed, a general understanding of how websites integrate with broader university communication and marketing efforts might be implied. This could involve familiarity with email marketing platforms or constituent relationship management (CRM) systems used by university departments.

📝 Enhancement Note: The primary technical requirements revolve around CMS proficiency, design software, and an understanding of web standards like responsive design and accessibility. Familiarity with the specific UW systems will be a significant advantage.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Excellence in Arts Promotion: A core value driving the division's work, requiring a designer who can visually represent and elevate the arts.

• Accessibility & Inclusivity: A strong commitment to WCAG standards and inclusive design practices, ensuring all digital content is accessible to a broad audience.

• Collaboration & Partnership: The role requires working effectively with diverse stakeholders across academic departments and administrative units.

• Data-Driven Design: Utilizing analytics and best practices to inform design decisions and measure impact.

• Efficiency & Standards Adherence: Maintaining university brand identity and digital standards while managing projects effectively.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-Functional Integration: Expected to collaborate closely with Division of the Arts staff, faculty, students, and potentially other university departments (e.g., IT, Marketing).

• Consultative Approach: Acting as a subject matter expert, consulting with units to understand their needs and propose digital solutions.

• Feedback Exchange: Openness to receiving and providing constructive feedback on designs and project approaches.

• Knowledge Sharing: Contributing to a culture of shared learning, especially regarding digital best practices and university standards.

📝 Enhancement Note: The culture likely values creativity within structured parameters, a strong sense of community service (as part of a public university), and a commitment to making information and experiences accessible to all.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Balancing Creative Vision with Institutional Constraints: The need to produce innovative designs while strictly adhering to university brand guidelines, accessibility standards (WCAG), and technical limitations of the WiscWeb environment.

• Translating Complex Content: Effectively communicating intricate academic and artistic concepts through visual design for a diverse audience.

• Managing Diverse Stakeholder Needs: Collaborating with various departments and individuals, each with potentially different priorities and expectations for their web presence.

• Keeping Pace with Evolving Web Standards: Continuously learning and adapting to new design trends, accessibility requirements, and CMS updates.

• Hybrid Work Management: Effectively maintaining productivity, collaboration, and communication across on-site and remote work days.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Advanced Accessibility Training: Deepen expertise in WCAG compliance and inclusive design principles.

• New CMS/Design Tool Proficiency: Opportunity to master UW Theme 2.0 or other university-specific platforms, and potentially explore emerging design software.

• Higher Education Digital Strategy: Gain insights into the unique digital marketing and communication strategies employed in academic institutions.

• Arts & Culture Sector Insights: Develop a deeper understanding of the arts landscape and how digital media supports arts organizations.

• Project Management Skills: Enhance abilities to manage complex, multi-stakeholder projects within an institutional setting.

📝 Enhancement Note: The primary challenge lies in navigating the balance between creative freedom and institutional requirements. Growth opportunities are strong for those looking to specialize in higher education digital design and accessibility.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe a time you had to balance creative design vision with strict brand guidelines or technical limitations. How did you approach it?" (Focus on problem-solving and compromise.)

• "How do you ensure your web designs meet accessibility standards (WCAG)? Can you walk us through your process?" (Demonstrate your understanding and practical application of accessibility.)

• "Imagine you need to design a website for a new arts residency program. What would be your first steps, and what information would you seek from stakeholders?" (Assess your strategic thinking and stakeholder management.)

• "How do you approach optimizing website performance and ensuring responsive design across different devices and browsers?" (Evaluate your technical design knowledge.)

Company & Culture Questions:

• "What interests you about designing for the Division of the Arts at UW-Madison?" (Show genuine interest in arts and higher education.)

• "How do you see your design skills contributing to the mission of advancing the arts through education and public programming?" (Connect your skills to the division's goals.)

• "Describe your experience working in a hybrid or remote team environment. How do you maintain communication and collaboration?" (Address the hybrid work aspect.)

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Structure Your Presentation: For each work sample, follow a clear narrative: Problem/Goal -> Your Role -> Design Process -> Solution -> Outcome/Impact.

• Highlight Key Skills: Explicitly point out where your portfolio demonstrates responsive design, UX principles, visual design, and accessibility considerations.

• Quantify Results: If possible, provide metrics on how your designs improved user engagement, accessibility compliance, or achieved program goals.

• Be Prepared for Technical Questions: Anticipate questions about specific design choices, tools used, and challenges overcome.

• Showcase Adaptability: Emphasize your ability to learn and work within specific university systems like UW Theme 2.0.

📝 Enhancement Note: Prepare to not only showcase your design work but also to explain your thought process, problem-solving abilities, and how you operate within institutional frameworks. The interview will assess both your technical skills and your cultural fit.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Web Designer position:

• Click the "Apply Now" button on the job posting to initiate your application.

• Portfolio Customization: Ensure your portfolio is up-to-date and showcases 3-5 of your most relevant and impactful web design projects. Tailor the selection to highlight visual design, UX, responsive design, and accessibility.

• Resume & Cover Letter Optimization: Update your resume to emphasize skills and experiences directly related to web design, CMS, accessibility, and responsive design. Craft a cover letter that expresses your enthusiasm for the Division of the Arts and UW-Madison, and clearly articulates how your qualifications align with the job requirements.

• Combine Application Materials: As the application only has one attachment field, combine your resume, cover letter, and portfolio (or a link to your online portfolio) into a single PDF document or upload multiple files sequentially if the system allows. If you encounter technical difficulties, follow the instructions to email your materials to Kory Breuer.

• Company Research: Familiarize yourself with the Universities of Wisconsin system and specifically the Division of the Arts at UW-Madison. Understand their mission, current digital presence, and the types of arts programs they support. This will help you tailor your application and interview responses.

⚠️ 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.