Web Developer (Graphic Designer)

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Web Developer / Graphic Designer / Document Accessibility Specialist

Company: Auburn University Montgomery (AUM)

Location: Montgomery, Alabama, United States

Job Type: FULL_TIME

Category: Web Development & Design / Digital Accessibility

Date Posted: April 22, 2026

Experience Level: Mid-Level (2-5 years)

Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• This role is critical for supporting and maintaining the Alabama State Department of Education (ALSDE) website, ensuring its functionality, design, and accessibility.

• The position requires a blend of web development, graphic design, and specialized document accessibility remediation skills to meet stringent compliance standards.

• Responsibilities include developing new website features, remediating digital documents (PDF, Word, Excel, PowerPoint) to meet WCAG 2.1/2.2 AA and PDF/UA standards, and providing ongoing website support.

• The ideal candidate will contribute to the overall digital presence and information dissemination capabilities of the ALSDE through expert technical and design execution.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is a hybrid of traditional web development/design and a specialized niche in digital accessibility, which is increasingly important for public institutions. The "Document Accessibility Specialist" aspect suggests a focus on ensuring all digital content is usable by individuals with disabilities, aligning with legal and ethical standards.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Provide comprehensive support and maintenance services for the existing Alabama State Department of Education (ALSDE) website.

• Develop and implement new website features, functionality, and design elements as defined by ALSDE project requirements and strategic goals.

• Proactively remediate PDF documents, Microsoft Word files, Excel spreadsheets, and PowerPoint presentations to ensure compliance with WCAG 2.1/2.2 AA and PDF/UA accessibility standards.

• Design and create the visual look, layout, and user interface of the ALSDE website, ensuring a cohesive and user-friendly experience.

• Write and edit website content, ensuring clarity, accuracy, and adherence to brand guidelines and accessibility best practices.

• Troubleshoot and resolve code-related issues across the website to maintain optimal performance and user experience.

• Conduct training sessions for ALSDE staff on website usage, content management, and accessibility best practices as needed.

• Prepare and maintain detailed documentation for website development, maintenance procedures, accessibility standards, and training materials.

• Perform other closely related professional services typical of website development, maintenance, and support, including problem-solving and content updates.

• Undertake additional duties as assigned to support the Advanced Technologies department and ALSDE initiatives.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a dual focus: proactive website development and reactive/corrective document remediation. The emphasis on WCAG and PDF/UA standards indicates a need for in-depth knowledge of accessibility guidelines and practical application.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: Bachelor's degree in Graphic Design, Web Development, Information Technology, or a closely related field.

Experience: Two (2) to three (3) years of professional experience in web development and graphic design.

Required Skills:

• Proven proficiency in web development languages: HTML, JavaScript, and CSS.

• Demonstrated graphic design skills with a strong creative portfolio showcasing web design and visual aesthetics.

• Expertise in document accessibility remediation, specifically for PDF, Word, Excel, and PowerPoint files.

• Thorough understanding and practical application of WCAG 2.1/2.2 AA and PDF/UA accessibility standards.

• Experience with website content management systems (CMS) and content updates.

• Strong content writing and editing capabilities, with attention to detail and clarity.

• Ability to troubleshoot and solve complex coding and design problems.

• Experience in preparing technical documentation and user guides.

Preferred Skills:

• Experience with specific accessibility remediation tools (e.g., Adobe Acrobat Pro accessibility features, JAWS, NVDA).

• Familiarity with web accessibility testing tools and methodologies.

• Experience working with government or educational institutions.

• Knowledge of UX/UI design principles and best practices.

• Experience with content strategy and information architecture.

📝 Enhancement Note: The requirement for a portfolio is crucial. Candidates should be prepared to showcase projects demonstrating their web development, graphic design, and, ideally, accessibility remediation work. The "2-3 years" experience, combined with a Bachelor's degree, positions this as a mid-level role.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• A comprehensive portfolio showcasing a range of web development and graphic design projects.

• Specific examples of website redesigns or new feature implementations, detailing the process from concept to completion.

• Case studies demonstrating the remediation of complex documents (PDF, Word, etc.) to meet WCAG 2.1/2.2 AA and PDF/UA standards, including before-and-after examples or metrics.

• Visual examples of creative asset design (e.g., graphics, layouts, UI elements) that highlight aesthetic sensibility and functional design.

Process Documentation:

• Demonstrated ability to document web development processes, including design workflows, coding standards, and testing procedures.

• Experience in creating and maintaining accessibility documentation, including remediation reports and compliance checklists.

• Capable of outlining strategies for website maintenance and continuous improvement based on user feedback and performance data.

• Understanding of project management methodologies for tracking development tasks and accessibility remediation efforts.

📝 Enhancement Note: The portfolio should explicitly highlight projects that demonstrate understanding and application of accessibility standards. This is a key differentiator for this role and should be prominently featured.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: $50,000 - $65,000 annually.

Benefits:

• Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance.

• Retirement savings plan with employer match (e.g., 403(b) or state retirement system).

• Paid time off, including vacation days, sick leave, and university holidays.

• Professional development opportunities, including training and workshops.

• Tuition assistance for eligible employees and dependents.

• Access to university facilities and resources.

• Life insurance and disability coverage.

Working Hours: Standard full-time work week, typically 40 hours per week. Occasional evening or weekend work may be required for critical website updates or project deadlines.

📝 Enhancement Note: Based on the location (Montgomery, AL), experience level (2-3 years professional), and the nature of the role (public university, specialized skills), a salary range of $50,000-$65,000 is estimated. This range reflects typical compensation for web development and graphic design roles with added accessibility expertise in a university setting. AUM is a public institution, so benefits often include robust state-provided options.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Higher Education / Government Services (supporting ALSDE)

Company Size: Auburn University Montgomery is a public university with a significant number of employees, providing a stable and established work environment. The Advanced Technologies department likely operates within a structured IT framework.

Founded: Auburn University Montgomery was established in 1967, bringing a legacy of educational service.

Team Structure:

• The role is within the Advanced Technologies department at AUM, supporting the Alabama State Department of Education (ALSDE).

• This implies a collaborative environment where the AUM team works closely with ALSDE stakeholders to deliver digital services.

Methodology:

• Emphasis on structured development methodologies, likely incorporating elements of Agile or Waterfall for website projects.

• Strong focus on compliance and standards, particularly for accessibility (WCAG, PDF/UA).

• Data-driven decision-making for website improvements and feature development.

• Collaborative approach to problem-solving and project delivery, involving both internal AUM teams and external ALSDE clients.

Company Website: https://www.aum.edu/

📝 Enhancement Note: Working for a university often means a culture that values education, research, and community service. Supporting ALSDE means the work has a direct impact on K-12 education across Alabama, adding a layer of public service mission to the role.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role is positioned as a Mid-Level Web Developer/Designer with a specialization in Digital Accessibility. It requires a solid foundation in core web technologies and design principles, coupled with specialized knowledge in ensuring digital content is accessible.

Reporting Structure: The Web Developer / Graphic Designer / Document Accessibility Specialist will likely report to a Manager or Director within the Advanced Technologies department at AUM. They will work closely with ALSDE project managers or designated point persons.

Operations Impact: The role's operations impact is significant, directly affecting how the ALSDE disseminates information, interacts with the public, and ensures compliance with accessibility laws. A well-maintained and accessible website enhances the department's efficiency, reach, and reputation. The success of the ALSDE's digital outreach and compliance efforts is directly tied to the quality of work performed in this role.

Growth Opportunities:

• Specialization: Deepen expertise in digital accessibility, potentially leading to roles like Senior Accessibility Specialist, Digital Inclusion Manager, or Accessibility Consultant.

• Web Development Leadership: Progress into Senior Web Developer or Web Development Team Lead positions, managing larger projects and mentoring junior developers.

• Project Management: Transition into IT Project Management roles, leveraging understanding of web development lifecycles and client-side requirements.

• Cross-Functional Roles: Move into related roles within AUM or ALSDE, such as IT Support, Instructional Technology, or Digital Content Management.

• Continuous Learning: Opportunities to attend industry conferences, pursue certifications in web development or accessibility, and stay current with emerging technologies.

📝 Enhancement Note: The dual nature of the role (development/design + accessibility) provides a unique growth path. The demand for accessibility expertise is growing, making this a valuable specialization for career advancement.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: This is an on-site position at Auburn University Montgomery. The work environment is likely a professional office setting within the university's IT department.

Office Location(s): Montgomery, Alabama. The specific office location within AUM will be provided upon hire.

Workspace Context:

• The workspace will likely be a standard office cubicle or desk equipped with a computer, monitor, and necessary software.

• Access to the university's network and IT infrastructure will be provided.

• Opportunities for collaboration with other IT professionals and potentially with ALSDE representatives through meetings and online platforms.

• The environment is expected to be professional and conducive to focused work on design, development, and remediation tasks.

Work Schedule: A standard 40-hour work week is typical. While core hours will be maintained, there might be some flexibility depending on departmental policies and project demands, though the role is primarily on-site.

📝 Enhancement Note: As an on-site role at a university, the environment is likely stable, with a focus on supporting educational and governmental functions. The emphasis on collaboration suggests a team-oriented atmosphere, even within individual work tasks.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Application Submission: Submit resume, cover letter (if requested), and a link to your online portfolio.

• Initial Screening: HR and/or hiring manager review of applications and portfolios to assess qualifications and creative work.

• First Interview (Phone/Video): Discussion of experience, skills, and initial assessment of cultural fit. Candidates may be asked to walk through key portfolio pieces.

• Technical/Skills Assessment: This may involve a coding challenge, a design exercise, or a practical test related to document accessibility remediation.

• Second Interview (On-site/Video): Meeting with the hiring manager and potential team members. Deeper dive into technical skills, problem-solving abilities, and understanding of accessibility standards.

• Final Interview/Offer: Potential meeting with higher-level management, followed by a job offer.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Highlight Accessibility: Ensure your portfolio prominently features projects demonstrating your ability to meet WCAG 2.1/2.2 AA and PDF/UA standards. Use clear labels and descriptions for these projects.

• Showcase Process: For web development and design projects, explain your design process, the tools you used, and the challenges you overcame.

• Visual Clarity: Ensure your portfolio is well-organized, visually appealing, and easy to navigate. Use high-quality images and clear descriptions.

• Quantify Achievements: Where possible, provide metrics or quantifiable results (e.g., "reduced page load time by X%", "improved accessibility score from Y to Z").

• Tailor to the Role: Emphasize projects that align with the responsibilities of this specific role, such as website redesigns, feature development, and digital document remediation.

Challenge Preparation:

• Accessibility Standards: Thoroughly review WCAG 2.1/2.2 AA and PDF/UA guidelines. Be prepared to discuss how you apply these standards in practice.

• Coding Fundamentals: Refresh your knowledge of HTML, JavaScript, and CSS, focusing on best practices and common implementation scenarios.

• Problem-Solving: Practice articulating your thought process for solving design and development challenges. Consider how you approach debugging code or improving user experience.

• Document Remediation: Be ready to discuss your approach to remediating different document types and the tools you use.

📝 Enhancement Note: The portfolio review is a critical step. Candidates should prepare a digital portfolio (e.g., personal website, Behance, GitHub for code samples) that clearly showcases their relevant skills, particularly in accessibility.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Web Development: HTML5, CSS3, JavaScript (ES6+).

• Design Software: Adobe Creative Suite (Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign), Figma, Sketch, or similar for graphic design and UI/UX prototyping.

• Accessibility Remediation: Adobe Acrobat Pro (for PDF accessibility features), Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint) with their accessibility features.

• Content Management Systems (CMS): Experience with platforms like WordPress, Drupal, or other relevant CMS used by educational institutions.

Analytics & Reporting:

• Familiarity with web analytics tools like Google Analytics to understand website traffic and user behavior.

CRM & Automation:

• While not a primary CRM role, understanding how websites interact with user data or backend systems may be beneficial.

• Familiarity with version control systems like Git for code management.

📝 Enhancement Note: Proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite and specific accessibility tools like Adobe Acrobat Pro is highly relevant. Experience with CMS platforms common in educational settings is also a significant plus.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Commitment to Accessibility: A core value will be ensuring digital equity and providing accessible information to all users, aligning with AUM’s and ALSDE’s public service mission.

• Excellence in Design & Development: Striving for high-quality, functional, and aesthetically pleasing web solutions.

• Collaboration & Teamwork: Working effectively with colleagues in Advanced Technologies and stakeholders at ALSDE to achieve shared goals.

• Continuous Improvement: Embracing learning and adapting to new technologies, standards, and best practices in web development and accessibility.

• Integrity & Professionalism: Upholding ethical standards in all work, particularly concerning data privacy and compliance.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-functional Integration: Regularly collaborating with IT professionals, project managers, and ALSDE representatives to define requirements, share progress, and resolve issues.

• Feedback Exchange: Open to constructive feedback on designs, code, and remediation efforts, using it to refine work.

• Knowledge Sharing: Willingness to share expertise, particularly in accessibility, with team members and ALSDE staff through documentation and informal discussions.

📝 Enhancement Note: The culture likely emphasizes dedication to public service, educational advancement, and digital inclusion. Teamwork and a proactive approach to problem-solving are key.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Balancing Design with Accessibility: Ensuring that creative design choices do not conflict with accessibility requirements and vice-versa.

• Keeping Pace with Evolving Standards: Accessibility guidelines (WCAG) and web technologies are constantly updated, requiring continuous learning.

• Remediating Complex Documents: Handling a large volume of diverse documents that may present unique remediation challenges.

• Stakeholder Management: Effectively communicating technical requirements and accessibility needs to non-technical stakeholders at ALSDE.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Accessibility Certifications: Opportunities to pursue certifications like IAAP Certified Professional in Accessibility Core Competencies (CPACC) or Web Accessibility Specialist (WAS).

• Web Development Workshops: Access to training on new frameworks, languages, or design tools.

• Industry Conferences: Potential to attend conferences focused on web development, design, or digital accessibility.

• Mentorship: Opportunities to learn from senior IT professionals within the Advanced Technologies department at AUM.

📝 Enhancement Note: The primary challenge will be mastering the intricacies of digital accessibility and applying it consistently across diverse digital assets. Growth opportunities are strong in the specialized field of accessibility.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe your process for ensuring a website meets WCAG 2.1/2.2 AA standards, from design to implementation."

• "Walk us through a complex document remediation project you completed. What were the challenges, and how did you overcome them?"

• "How do you balance creative design elements with the functional requirements of web accessibility?"

Company & Culture Questions:

• "What interests you about working for Auburn University Montgomery and supporting the Alabama State Department of Education?"

• "How do you see your skills contributing to the mission of enhancing digital accessibility for ALSDE?"

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Accessibility First: Dedicate a significant portion of your presentation to your accessibility remediation experience. Use clear examples and explain your methodology.

• Show, Don't Just Tell: For web development projects, consider offering a live demo or interactive walkthrough if feasible.

• Explain Your 'Why': For design choices and remediation strategies, articulate the reasoning behind your decisions and how they align with user needs and accessibility best practices.

• Be Prepared for Technical Questions: Anticipate questions about specific coding techniques, design tools, and accessibility standards.

📝 Enhancement Note: Candidates should be ready to demonstrate not just their technical skills but also their understanding of the importance of accessibility in public service and education.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Web Developer / Graphic Designer / Document Accessibility Specialist position:

• Submit your application through the Auburn University at Montgomery careers portal (link provided: https://jobs.auburn.edu/auburn-careers-home/jobs/8701).

• Tailor your Resume: Highlight experience in web development (HTML, CSS, JavaScript), graphic design, and specifically document accessibility remediation (WCAG, PDF/UA). Use keywords from the job description.

• Curate Your Portfolio: Ensure your online portfolio prominently features examples of web design, development projects, and, most importantly, your work on digital accessibility and document remediation. Organize it logically and provide clear descriptions.

• Prepare for Technical Questions: Review fundamental web development concepts, accessibility guidelines (WCAG 2.1/2.2 AA, PDF/UA), and common document remediation techniques.

• Research AUM & ALSDE: Understand the mission and values of Auburn University Montgomery and the role of the Alabama State Department of Education. Consider how your contributions will support their objectives, particularly in digital inclusion.

⚠️ 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.