Web Designer

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Web Designer Company: University of Arkansas System Location: Fayetteville, Arkansas, United States Job Type: Full-Time Category: Operations - Digital & Web Operations Date Posted: August 25, 2025 Experience Level: Mid-Level (2-5 years) Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• This role is pivotal in enhancing the student experience through intuitive and engaging digital solutions, directly impacting student engagement and information accessibility within the Division of Student Affairs.
• The Web Designer will be responsible for the end-to-end design and front-end development of websites and digital tools, ensuring alignment with the university's brand identity and stringent accessibility standards.
• A key focus will be on usability and visual storytelling, translating complex university services and information into user-friendly digital interfaces.
• This position requires a proactive problem-solver who can contribute to a dynamic, mission-driven environment, driving innovation in digital student support services.

📝 Enhancement Note: While the title is "Web Designer," the description emphasizes front-end development, user-centered design, and digital solutions for student affairs, indicating a role that bridges design and technical implementation. The focus on enhancing the student experience and supporting university units positions this within a broader operational context, aiming to improve service delivery through digital channels.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Lead the design and front-end development of websites and digital tools for various Student Affairs units, ensuring a cohesive and user-friendly digital ecosystem.
• Translate visual concepts and user requirements into fully functional, responsive, and accessible web pages and interfaces using modern front-end technologies.
• Collaborate closely with marketing and communications teams to ensure all digital assets align with the University of Arkansas brand guidelines and accessibility standards (WCAG 2.x AA).
• Implement and manage web content using Content Management Systems (CMS), with a preference for Modern Campus CMS or WordPress, ensuring efficient content updates and site maintenance.
• Conduct user testing and gather feedback to iterate on designs and improve the usability and effectiveness of digital platforms, directly contributing to operational efficiency in student support.
• Apply Search Engine Optimization (SEO) principles and utilize analytics tools like Google Analytics to monitor website performance, identify areas for improvement, and inform design decisions.
• Troubleshoot and resolve front-end code and design issues across various browsers, devices, and platforms to maintain a consistent and high-quality user experience.
• Stay current with emerging web design trends, technologies, and accessibility best practices to continuously elevate the university's digital presence and operational effectiveness.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a blend of creative design, technical front-end development, and strategic digital operations. The emphasis on user experience, accessibility, and performance monitoring suggests a role focused on optimizing digital service delivery and student engagement, aligning with operational goals.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

• Bachelor's degree from an accredited institution of higher education with at least two years of professional web development experience.
• Alternatively, at least four years of professional web development experience in lieu of a degree.
• Specific experience developing within the Modern Campus CMS (formerly OmniUpdate) for at least two years is also an acceptable qualification.

Experience:

• A minimum of two years of professional web development experience is required, with a strong emphasis on front-end development and user interface design.
• Experience is expected in building and maintaining responsive websites and digital assets that adhere to usability and accessibility standards.

Required Skills:

• Proficiency in front-end development technologies including HTML5, CSS3, and JavaScript.
• Experience with responsive design frameworks, such as Bootstrap, to ensure cross-device compatibility.
• Strong command of design tools like Adobe Creative Suite, Figma, or Sketch for transforming concepts into functional layouts.
• Demonstrated ability to apply web accessibility standards (WCAG 2.x AA) and usability best practices.
• Experience with Content Management Systems (CMS), preferably Modern Campus CMS or WordPress, for content creation and management.
• Knowledge of Search Engine Optimization (SEO) principles and familiarity with analytics tools like Google Analytics for performance tracking.
• Excellent problem-solving, collaborative, and communication skills, with the ability to articulate technical concepts to non-technical audiences.
• Strong attention to detail and a commitment to delivering high-quality, accessible user experiences.

Preferred Skills:

• Prior experience in higher education, specifically designing for student audiences.
• Familiarity with cross-browser compatibility testing and front-end performance optimization techniques.
• Basic project management skills to handle multiple projects and deadlines effectively.
• Ability to debug and troubleshoot front-end code to resolve design or functionality issues.
• Ability to work independently and manage multiple projects with competing deadlines.
• Experience receiving and delivering constructive feedback in a growth-minded manner.

📝 Enhancement Note: The qualifications emphasize a practical, hands-on approach to web design and development, with a strong preference for candidates who can demonstrate experience in higher education settings and with specific CMS platforms. The inclusion of SEO and analytics highlights the operational aspect of data-driven decision-making in digital strategy.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Showcase a minimum of 3-5 diverse web design and development projects that highlight your proficiency in front-end development (HTML, CSS, JavaScript).
• Projects should demonstrate a clear understanding of responsive design principles and successful implementation across various devices and screen sizes.
• Include case studies or project descriptions that detail the problem statement, your design process, the technologies used, and the final outcome, with a focus on user experience improvements.
• Highlight projects where you applied web accessibility standards (WCAG 2.x AA) and explain the accessibility considerations and solutions implemented.
• Demonstrate experience with a Content Management System (CMS), ideally Modern Campus CMS or WordPress, by showcasing a project built or managed within such a system.

Process Documentation:

• Provide examples of your design process, from initial concept and wireframing to final execution and testing, emphasizing user-centered design methodologies.
• Include documentation or explanations of how you approach content strategy and information architecture for web projects.
• Showcase examples of how you have used analytics (e.g., Google Analytics) to inform design decisions or measure the success of web initiatives.
• Detail your approach to collaborating with stakeholders, gathering requirements, and incorporating feedback into the design and development lifecycle.

📝 Enhancement Note: A strong portfolio is crucial for this role, as it serves as direct evidence of design skills, technical capabilities, and adherence to operational standards like accessibility and usability. The university will likely look for projects that demonstrate an ability to translate complex information into clear, engaging, and functional digital experiences for students.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range:

• While a specific salary range is not provided, based on industry standards for a Web Designer with 2-5 years of experience in Fayetteville, Arkansas, and considering the university setting, a competitive annual salary would likely fall between $55,000 and $75,000. This estimate considers the cost of living in Fayetteville and the specialized skills required for the role.

Benefits:

• Comprehensive health, dental, and life insurance plans.
• Disability insurance coverage.
• Tuition waivers for employees and their eligible family members, offering significant educational benefits.
• 12 official paid holidays annually.
• Immediate leave accrual, providing flexibility for time off.
• Choice of retirement programs with substantial university contributions, ranging from 5% to 10% of employee salary, supporting long-term financial planning.

Working Hours:

• Standard full-time employment, typically 40 hours per week. The university operates on a standard business schedule, but the dynamic nature of digital projects may occasionally require flexibility to meet deadlines.

📝 Enhancement Note: The benefits package is robust, particularly the tuition waivers and retirement contributions, which are significant advantages for employees in the higher education sector. The salary estimate is based on general market data for similar roles in the specified region and experience level.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Higher Education (Public University System) Company Size: Large (University of Arkansas System employs thousands across multiple institutions) Founded: 1871 (University of Arkansas, Fayetteville)

Team Structure:

• The Web Designer will join a collaborative communications and marketing team within the Division of Student Affairs.
• This team likely comprises specialists in various communication disciplines, including content creation, marketing strategy, and digital engagement.
• Collaboration is expected with other departments within Student Affairs and potentially across other university units to ensure integrated digital experiences for students.

Methodology:

• Emphasis on user-centered design and data-driven decision-making, utilizing analytics to inform web strategy and improvements.
• A proactive approach to problem-solving and a commitment to continuous improvement in digital service delivery.
• Adherence to university branding, accessibility standards, and best practices in web design and development is paramount.

Company Website: https://uasys.edu/

📝 Enhancement Note: The University of Arkansas is a large, established institution with a mission focused on education, research, and outreach. The Division of Student Affairs is dedicated to supporting the student journey. The culture likely values collaboration, service, and continuous improvement, with a strong emphasis on institutional mission and values.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: Mid-Level Specialist. This role is focused on executing design and development tasks within established operational frameworks and guidelines.

Reporting Structure: The Web Designer will report to a manager or director within the Student Affairs communications and marketing team. This structure provides guidance and oversight while allowing for independent project execution.

Operations Impact: This role directly impacts operational efficiency by creating accessible, user-friendly digital tools that streamline student access to information and services. Effective web design can reduce support inquiries, improve student satisfaction, and enhance the overall student experience, contributing to the university's mission.

Growth Opportunities:

• Skill Advancement: Opportunities to deepen expertise in advanced front-end development, UX/UI design principles, CMS customization, and digital accessibility standards.
• Specialization: Potential to specialize in areas like user experience research, data analytics for web performance, or specific CMS platform administration.
• Leadership Potential: With demonstrated success and expanded responsibilities, opportunities may arise for lead designer roles, project management oversight, or mentoring junior team members in digital operations.

📝 Enhancement Note: Growth in this role is likely tied to expanding technical skills, taking on more complex projects, and contributing strategically to the division's digital operations. Opportunities may exist within the broader university system for advancement into more senior or specialized roles.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: The position is based on-site at the University of Arkansas, Fayetteville campus. Office Location(s): Fayetteville, Arkansas. The campus environment is a dynamic hub of academic and administrative activity.

Workspace Context:

• The workspace is expected to be collaborative, fostering interaction with team members in communications and marketing.
• Access to university IT resources, design software, and potentially specialized hardware for testing is anticipated.
• The environment supports focused work on design and development tasks while encouraging team collaboration and knowledge sharing.

Work Schedule:

• Standard full-time work schedule, Monday through Friday, within typical business hours.
• While not explicitly stated, university roles often offer a degree of flexibility, but regular attendance is considered essential.

📝 Enhancement Note: Working on a university campus provides a unique environment with exposure to a diverse community and a focus on academic and student life. The on-site nature emphasizes the importance of in-person collaboration and integration within the university's operational structure.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: Application and resume review to assess qualifications against minimum and preferred requirements.
• Portfolio Review: Candidates will likely be asked to submit a portfolio showcasing relevant web design and development projects. This is a critical stage to evaluate design skills, technical proficiency, and understanding of user experience and accessibility.
• Technical Interview/Challenge: A potential technical assessment or challenge may be administered to evaluate front-end coding skills, problem-solving abilities, and approach to design tasks.
• Behavioral/Team Fit Interview: Interviews with hiring managers and team members to assess communication skills, collaborative abilities, problem-solving approach, and cultural fit within the Student Affairs team.
• Final Interview: May involve higher-level management to discuss strategic alignment and long-term fit.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate Select Projects: Focus on projects that best demonstrate your skills relevant to the job description, particularly those involving user-centered design, accessibility, and responsive development.
• Highlight Process: For each project, clearly articulate your role, the problem you solved, your design and development process, the tools/technologies used, and the measurable impact or outcome.
• Showcase Accessibility: Explicitly point out how you incorporated accessibility standards (WCAG 2.x AA) into your designs and development.
• Demonstrate CMS Experience: If possible, include a project built with Modern Campus CMS or WordPress, explaining your contributions.
• Prepare to Discuss: Be ready to talk through your design choices, technical decisions, and how you handled challenges or feedback during project development.

Challenge Preparation:

• Front-End Fundamentals: Brush up on HTML5, CSS3 (including Flexbox and Grid), and modern JavaScript.
• Responsive Design: Practice implementing responsive layouts and understanding media queries.
• Accessibility Basics: Review core WCAG guidelines and common accessibility issues and solutions.
• Problem-Solving Scenarios: Anticipate questions about how you would approach common web design or development challenges.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process heavily emphasizes practical skills and a portfolio that validates these abilities. Candidates should prepare to demonstrate not just the final product but also the thought process and technical execution behind it, with a specific focus on accessibility and user engagement within an educational context.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Design Software: Adobe Creative Suite (Photoshop, Illustrator, possibly XD), Figma, Sketch.
• Front-End Development: HTML5, CSS3, JavaScript, Bootstrap (or similar responsive frameworks).
• Content Management Systems (CMS): Modern Campus CMS (preferred), WordPress.

Analytics & Reporting:

• Google Analytics for website performance monitoring and analysis.
• Potentially other analytics or heatmapping tools for user behavior analysis.

CRM & Automation:

• While not primary for this role, understanding how web forms integrate with university CRM systems (e.g., for lead generation or student inquiries) may be beneficial.
• Familiarity with basic SEO tools for keyword research and site audits.

📝 Enhancement Note: Proficiency in industry-standard design tools and front-end development technologies is essential. Experience with CMS platforms, particularly Modern Campus, and analytics tools like Google Analytics will be key for effective content management and performance optimization.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• User-Centricity: A strong focus on designing for the student audience, ensuring ease of use, accessibility, and positive user experiences.
• Collaboration: An expectation to work effectively within a team, share knowledge, and contribute to collective goals.
• Data-Driven Improvement: Utilizing analytics and feedback to inform decisions and continuously enhance digital offerings.
• Brand Consistency: Upholding the University of Arkansas's brand identity and standards across all digital touchpoints.
• Accessibility & Inclusivity: Commitment to creating digital content and experiences that are accessible to all users, regardless of ability.

Collaboration Style:

• Expected to be a team player, actively participating in design reviews, providing constructive feedback, and incorporating input from colleagues.
• Close collaboration with marketing specialists, content creators, and potentially IT support staff to ensure seamless integration of web projects.
• Open communication channels to discuss project progress, challenges, and solutions.

📝 Enhancement Note: The team culture likely reflects the broader university environment, emphasizing collaboration, service to students, and a commitment to institutional mission and values. A proactive and adaptable approach to digital projects will be highly valued.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Balancing Diverse Stakeholder Needs: Effectively designing for various Student Affairs units, each with potentially unique requirements and priorities.
• Adhering to Strict Accessibility Standards: Consistently implementing WCAG 2.x AA guidelines across all projects can be complex and require meticulous attention to detail.
• Keeping Pace with Technology: The rapid evolution of web technologies and design trends necessitates continuous learning and adaptation.
• Managing Multiple Projects: Juggling design and development tasks for various projects with competing deadlines within a university structure.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Workshops and Training: Access to university-sponsored training on new design software, front-end development techniques, accessibility best practices, and CMS updates.
• Industry Conferences: Potential for attendance at relevant web design, UX, or higher education technology conferences to stay abreast of industry trends.
• Skill Specialization: Opportunities to develop expertise in specific areas such as advanced JavaScript frameworks, UX research methodologies, or advanced analytics.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role offers a chance to hone digital skills in a stable, mission-driven environment. Overcoming challenges will involve strong organizational skills, continuous learning, and effective collaboration, leading to professional growth in the digital operations space.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe your process for designing a website for a specific student audience, considering their needs and engagement patterns." (Focus on user-centered design, research, and iterative feedback.)
• "How do you ensure web accessibility (WCAG 2.x AA) is integrated throughout your design and development workflow?" (Highlight specific techniques, tools, and testing methods.)
• "Walk us through a challenging web project you worked on. What was the challenge, how did you approach it, and what was the outcome?" (Use the STAR method – Situation, Task, Action, Result – and emphasize problem-solving and collaboration.)

Company & Culture Questions:

• "What interests you about working for the University of Arkansas System and specifically within Student Affairs?" (Research the university's mission, values, and the role of Student Affairs.)
• "How do you approach collaboration with team members who have different skill sets or perspectives?" (Emphasize communication, respect, and a willingness to learn from others.)
• "How do you stay updated on the latest trends in web design and development?" (Mention industry blogs, conferences, online courses, and professional networks.)

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Structure Your Presentation: Organize your portfolio logically, perhaps by project type or skill demonstration. For each project, follow a clear narrative: problem, solution, your role, process, tools, and results.
• Quantify Impact: Wherever possible, use metrics to demonstrate the success of your projects (e.g., increased user engagement, reduced bounce rates, improved accessibility scores).
• Highlight Key Skills: Explicitly point out projects that showcase your HTML, CSS, JavaScript, responsive design, CMS, and accessibility expertise.
• Be Ready for Technical Deep Dives: Prepare to answer questions about specific code implementation, design decisions, and troubleshooting approaches.

📝 Enhancement Note: Interview preparation should focus on demonstrating practical skills through portfolio examples and articulating a clear understanding of user-centered design, accessibility, and collaborative work within an educational institution’s operational framework.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this operations position:

• Submit your application through the University of Arkansas System Career Site: https://uasys.wd5.myworkdayjobs.com/UASYS.
• Customize Your Resume: Tailor your resume to specifically highlight your web development experience, front-end skills (HTML5, CSS3, JavaScript, Bootstrap), CMS experience (especially Modern Campus or WordPress), and any projects involving user-centered design or accessibility. Use keywords from the job description.
• Prepare Your Portfolio: Ensure your online portfolio is up-to-date, showcases your best relevant work, and clearly explains your process, role, and outcomes for each project. Pay special attention to demonstrating responsive design and accessibility features.
• Practice Your Pitch: Be ready to articulate your experience and skills concisely, focusing on how you can contribute to enhancing the student experience through effective web design and development. Practice walking through 2-3 key portfolio projects.
• Research the University: Familiarize yourself with the University of Arkansas's mission, values, and the specific goals of the Division of Student Affairs to better align your responses with the organization's objectives.

⚠️ 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.