Web Designer

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Web Designer

Company: Pacific Northwest University of Health Sciences

Location: Yakima, Washington, United States

Job Type: Full-Time

Category: Web Design & Development / Digital Marketing Operations

Date Posted: 2026-05-22T22:25:10

Experience Level: 2-5 Years

Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• Spearhead the design, development, and ongoing maintenance of the university's primary web presence, PNWU.edu, with a strong emphasis on user experience (UX) and user interface (UI) design.

• Drive critical web-based conversions aligned with university marketing objectives, including student and employee recruitment, donor engagement, and public awareness initiatives.

• Collaborate cross-functionally with the marketing team and various campus stakeholders to translate strategic goals into functional, visually appealing, and high-performing web pages and new features.

• Ensure the website maintains a cohesive and compelling brand identity, reflecting the university's mission and values across all digital touchpoints, crucial for effective digital operations.

📝 Enhancement Note: While the title is "Web Designer," the description clearly indicates a role with significant responsibilities in conversion rate optimization (CRO), user experience (UX), and digital marketing campaign execution. This positions the role within the broader scope of Digital Marketing Operations or GTM Operations, focusing on how the website functions as a key performance driver. The emphasis on "driving web-based conversions toward university marketing goals" and "delivering an excellent marketing impression" highlights its strategic operational importance beyond purely aesthetic design.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Lead the comprehensive design, creation, and continuous upkeep of the university website, prioritizing functionality, intuitive user experience, aesthetic appeal, accessibility compliance, and conversion rate optimization (CRO).

• Conduct regular evaluations of website organization and page layouts, implementing strategic information architecture adjustments to enhance user engagement, optimize website performance, and adhere to best practices.

• Act as the primary point of contact for all internal web-related inquiries, coordinating effectively with campus departments to modify webpages for specific outcomes and address content, design, and image-related issues.

• Design and develop consistently branded digital products that deliver engaging and impactful user experiences for diverse key audiences, including prospective students, faculty, staff, and donors.

• Contribute significantly to the strategic planning, design, and execution of integrated digital marketing campaigns aimed at increasing traffic and engagement on the university's website.

• Perform ongoing maintenance to ensure optimal web performance, robust security, and seamless cross-browser compatibility, minimizing operational disruptions and enhancing user satisfaction.

• Design and implement new webpages and dedicated campaign landing pages, meticulously focused on driving conversions and achieving university marketing objectives.

• Undertake other related duties as assigned, demonstrating flexibility and responsiveness to departmental needs and evolving project requirements.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities listed extend beyond traditional web design into areas critical for GTM and operational effectiveness. Explicitly mentioning "conversion rate optimization (CRO)," "driving web-based conversions," and "digital campaign execution" points to a role that actively contributes to lead generation, enrollment, and fundraising efforts, which are core to business operations in higher education. The emphasis on being the "first point of contact for all web-related inquiries" also suggests a central operational role in managing digital assets.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

• Required: Bachelor's degree in a discipline related to communications, public relations, marketing, design, website design/development, advertising, computer science, or a closely related field. Experience:

• Required: 3-4 years of professional web development experience, specifically utilizing WordPress or a comparable Content Management System (CMS).

• Required: Demonstrated proficiency and practical knowledge in web design principles, User Interface (UI) design, and User Experience (UX) design, including a thorough understanding of accessibility best practices (e.g., WCAG standards).

• Preferred: Proven experience leveraging web analytics tools to analyze traffic patterns, optimize webpages for both organic and paid search, and implement effective conversion rate optimization (CRO) strategies. Required Skills:

• Proficiency in WordPress or similar Content Management Systems (CMS) for website development and management.

• Strong skills in UI Design, focusing on intuitive navigation, visual hierarchy, and user interaction.

• Expertise in UX Design, encompassing user journey mapping, information architecture, and usability principles.

• Deep understanding and practical application of Web Accessibility best practices (e.g., WCAG 2.1 AA compliance) to ensure inclusivity.

• Demonstrated ability in Conversion Rate Optimization (CRO) techniques to improve website performance against marketing goals.

• Familiarity with fundamental front-end web technologies: HTML, CSS, and JavaScript. Preferred Skills:

• Experience with Web Analytics platforms (e.g., Google Analytics) for performance tracking and data-driven decision-making.

• Knowledge of Search Engine Optimization (SEO) principles and their application in web design and content strategy.

• Experience with graphic design tools (e.g., Adobe Creative Suite) for asset creation.

• Understanding of responsive design principles for optimal viewing across all devices.

• Familiarity with A/B testing methodologies for website element optimization.

📝 Enhancement Note: The requirements emphasize practical application of design principles (UI/UX) and technical proficiency (WordPress, HTML/CSS/JS), which are foundational for operations roles focused on digital presence. The preference for web analytics and CRO experience is a strong indicator of the role's operational impact, linking design efforts directly to measurable business outcomes like recruitment and donations. This moves the role beyond a purely creative function into a performance-oriented operational position.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• A diverse portfolio showcasing successful website design and development projects, with a clear emphasis on user-centric design (UI/UX) and seamless functionality.

• Demonstrate case studies of projects where you implemented design changes that directly led to measurable improvements in user engagement, conversion rates, or achievement of specific marketing goals.

• Include examples of responsive design implementation and how you ensured cross-browser compatibility and accessibility compliance in your work.

• Highlight projects that involved integrating with or optimizing content within a Content Management System (CMS), preferably WordPress.

• Present examples of how you have used data (web analytics) to inform design decisions and optimize web performance. Process Documentation:

• Be prepared to discuss your design process, from initial concept and wireframing through to development, testing, and deployment, emphasizing efficiency and stakeholder communication.

• Describe your approach to information architecture and how you structure content for optimal user navigation and search engine visibility.

• Explain your methodology for ensuring web accessibility standards are met throughout the design and development lifecycle.

• Articulate your process for collaborating with marketing teams and other stakeholders to align web design with broader campaign objectives and university goals.

📝 Enhancement Note: For a role with a strong emphasis on conversion and user experience, a portfolio is critical. The requirements should focus on demonstrating tangible results and process. This section highlights the need for candidates to showcase how their design work directly impacts operational goals (conversions, recruitment) and how they manage the design lifecycle with efficiency and collaboration.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range:

• Annual Minimum Salary: $48,000

• Annual Maximum Salary: $72,000

• Hiring Rate: $23.08 - $28.85 per hour

• Note: Salary is commensurate with qualifications and experience. Pro-rated based on hours/week.

Benefits:

• Health Benefits: Comprehensive coverage including Medical, Dental, and Vision insurance.

• Life Insurance: Provided for employee security.

• Paid Time Off (PTO): Generous allowance for work-life balance.

• Retirement Savings: 403b plan with a Roth Option, supporting long-term financial planning.

• Paid Holidays: Recognized public holidays are observed with pay.

• Note: Benefit eligibility typically begins on the first of the month following the date of hire for employees working at least 0.5 FTE.

Working Hours:

• 40 hours per week, indicating a full-time commitment.

📝 Enhancement Note: The provided salary range is specific and actionable. For operations roles, benefits like robust health coverage, PTO, and retirement plans are significant factors in overall compensation and job satisfaction. The mention of "Pro-rated based on hours/week" is important for clarity on full-time status.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Higher Education (Health Sciences Focus)

Company Size: Approximately 300 employees, with over 550 students enrolled annually and an additional 100 students through interprofessional education partnerships.

Founded: 2005. PNWU was established as a 501(c)(3) non-profit medical institution with a mission to increase healthcare access in underserved Pacific Northwest areas.

Team Structure:

• The Web Designer will likely be part of the Marketing and Communications (MarCom) department, a central function supporting university-wide initiatives.

• This role reports into a manager or director within MarCom, with close collaboration expected with other MarCom specialists (content writers, digital marketers, etc.) and broader university departments.

• Cross-functional collaboration is key, as the Web Designer will work with academic departments, admissions, alumni relations, and fundraising teams to understand their web needs and support their objectives. Methodology:

• The university emphasizes a data-driven approach to marketing and operations, with a focus on demonstrating impact and ROI, particularly in student recruitment and donor engagement.

• Workflow planning and optimization are expected, especially in managing web projects and ensuring efficient delivery of website updates and new features.

• While not explicitly stated, a growing emphasis on automation and efficiency in digital operations is common in higher education to manage resources effectively.

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

📝 Enhancement Note: Understanding the mission-driven nature of PNWU (increasing healthcare access) is crucial for candidates. The "non-profit medical institution" context implies a focus on impact and resourcefulness. The "300 employees" size suggests a moderately sized organization where individual contributions are visible, and cross-functional collaboration is essential for operational success. The emphasis on data-driven decision-making aligns with operational best practices.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role is positioned as an intermediate-level specialist within the Digital Marketing/Operations function. It requires 3-4 years of specific experience and the ability to work independently on design projects with strategic oversight.

Reporting Structure: The Web Designer typically reports to a Marketing or Communications Manager/Director. This structure provides guidance and ensures alignment with broader institutional goals, while allowing autonomy in design execution and technical implementation.

Operations Impact: The Web Designer plays a pivotal role in shaping the university's external perception and driving key operational outcomes. By optimizing the website for user experience and conversions, this role directly contributes to:

• Student Recruitment: Attracting and converting prospective students.

• Donor Engagement: Facilitating online donations and engagement with philanthropic efforts.

• Brand Reputation: Maintaining a professional and modern digital presence that reflects the university's mission and academic excellence.

• Operational Efficiency: Streamlining information access for students, faculty, staff, and the public.

Growth Opportunities:

• Specialization: Deepen expertise in areas like advanced UX research, accessibility compliance, or specific CMS development.

• Leadership: Potentially move into a Senior Web Designer role, mentoring junior staff, or a Web Development Lead position overseeing larger projects.

• Broader Operations: Transition into roles within Digital Strategy, Marketing Operations, or GTM Operations, leveraging web expertise to manage broader digital initiatives or revenue-generating processes.

• Skill Development: Opportunities for professional development through workshops, certifications, and conferences in web design, UX/UI, CRO, and digital marketing technologies.

📝 Enhancement Note: This analysis frames the Web Designer role within a GTM/Operations context. It highlights how the position's responsibilities directly contribute to institutional goals and outlines clear pathways for career advancement, emphasizing skill development in areas relevant to operational efficiency and strategic impact.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: The role is designated as "On-site," indicating a traditional office-based work environment. This setting is typical for institutions that value in-person collaboration and direct team interaction.

Office Location(s):

• The primary work location is at Pacific Northwest University of Health Sciences, 111 University Parkway, Ste. 202, Yakima, WA 98901. Yakima, WA, is described as a region with significant outdoor recreation opportunities and proximity to major cities like Seattle and Portland. Workspace Context:

• The on-site environment likely fosters a collaborative atmosphere, encouraging spontaneous discussions and team problem-solving sessions essential for complex web design projects.

• Access to university IT infrastructure, including necessary software licenses (e.g., Adobe Creative Suite) and hardware, is expected.

• Opportunities for direct interaction with marketing team members, content creators, and other university stakeholders will be readily available, facilitating a deeper understanding of project requirements and feedback loops. Work Schedule:

• A standard 40-hour work week is specified, typical for full-time positions. While the role is on-site, the university may offer some flexibility within standard business hours, though this is not explicitly detailed. The focus on project timelines and campaign execution may occasionally require focused effort to meet deadlines.

📝 Enhancement Note: The on-site nature of the role is a key differentiator, implying a preference for collaborative work and direct team engagement. The description of Yakima provides context for the candidate's potential living environment. The emphasis on collaboration and direct interaction is important for operations roles that rely on efficient communication.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: A review of submitted applications, including resumes, cover letters, and portfolios, to assess qualifications against job requirements.

• First Interview: Likely a virtual or in-person interview with the hiring manager and potentially a member of the MarCom team. This stage focuses on assessing technical skills, design philosophy, and cultural fit. Be prepared to discuss your portfolio in detail.

• Skills Assessment/Challenge: A practical exercise may be assigned, such as designing a landing page for a specific campaign scenario or critiquing an existing university web page with proposed improvements. This tests your problem-solving and design application skills.

• Final Interview: May involve meeting with higher-level management or key stakeholders from departments you would collaborate with. This stage assesses strategic thinking, communication, and overall alignment with university goals.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate Selectively: Showcase 3-5 of your strongest, most relevant projects. Prioritize those demonstrating UI/UX expertise, CRO impact, and CMS proficiency (WordPress).

• Quantify Impact: For each project, clearly articulate the problem you solved, your design process, your specific contributions, and the measurable results (e.g., "Increased conversion rate by 15%", "Reduced bounce rate by 10%", "Improved user task completion time").

• Tell a Story: Structure your portfolio around case studies that highlight your problem-solving abilities, design thinking, and successful outcomes. Explain the "why" behind your design decisions.

• Highlight Operations Alignment: If possible, include examples of projects where your design directly supported recruitment, fundraising, or other operational objectives relevant to higher education.

• Accessibility & Responsiveness: Explicitly demonstrate your understanding and implementation of web accessibility standards and responsive design principles.

Challenge Preparation:

• Understand the Audience: Research PNWU's mission, target demographics (students, faculty, patients, donors), and current web presence to tailor your approach.

• Focus on Conversion & UX: If given a design challenge, prioritize elements that drive user action and improve the overall user experience, aligning with the role's core responsibilities.

• Be Methodical: Outline your thought process clearly. Explain your assumptions, the tools/methods you would use, and how you would measure success.

• Communicate Effectively: Practice presenting your ideas concisely and persuasively, as you would need to do when collaborating with campus stakeholders.

📝 Enhancement Note: This section provides actionable advice for candidates, focusing on how to best present their qualifications, particularly their portfolio, in the context of this specific role's operational demands and higher education environment. The emphasis on quantifiable results and strategic alignment is crucial for operations-focused roles.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Content Management System (CMS): WordPress (Required – 3-4 years experience). Proficiency in theme development, plugin management, and content structuring within WordPress is essential.

• Design Software: Adobe Creative Suite (e.g., Photoshop, Illustrator, XD) or similar graphic design and UI/UX prototyping tools.

• Front-End Technologies: HTML, CSS, JavaScript (Required for effective web development and customization).

Analytics & Reporting:

• Web Analytics: Google Analytics or similar platforms (Preferred for tracking performance and optimization).

• SEO Tools: Familiarity with tools for keyword research and performance analysis (e.g., SEMrush, Moz) is beneficial.

CRM & Automation:

• While not explicitly mentioned, familiarity with how websites integrate with CRM systems (e.g., Salesforce, HubSpot) or marketing automation platforms (e.g., Marketo, Pardot) for lead capture and nurturing would be advantageous, especially in understanding conversion goals.

📝 Enhancement Note: This section directly addresses the technical proficiencies required. Highlighting WordPress as a core requirement and mentioning related design and front-end tools provides clarity on the expected technical skill set for this operational role. The inclusion of analytics tools emphasizes the data-driven aspect of the position.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Mission-Driven: A strong commitment to the university's mission of increasing healthcare access, influencing design and communication strategies to reflect this purpose.

• Collaboration: Emphasis on teamwork and open communication to ensure all campus stakeholders' needs are met effectively and efficiently.

• Data-Informed Decisions: Utilizing analytics and performance metrics to guide design choices and optimize website effectiveness, moving beyond subjective preferences.

• User-Centricity: A core value of designing with the end-user (students, faculty, patients, donors) in mind, ensuring ease of use, accessibility, and positive experiences.

• Continuous Improvement: A mindset focused on ongoing optimization of the website and digital processes to enhance performance and achieve institutional goals.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-functional Integration: The role requires working closely with various departments, necessitating strong interpersonal skills and the ability to translate diverse needs into cohesive web solutions.

• Feedback-Oriented: An open culture for providing and receiving constructive feedback on designs and project progress, crucial for iterative development.

• Knowledge Sharing: Encouraging the sharing of best practices, design trends, and technical solutions within the MarCom team and across campus to foster collective growth and efficiency.

📝 Enhancement Note: This section translates the company's mission and operational focus into cultural values relevant to the Web Designer role. The emphasis on data, user-centricity, and collaboration directly relates to the operational effectiveness expected from this position.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Balancing Stakeholder Needs: Managing competing design requests and functional requirements from various university departments while maintaining brand consistency and strategic objectives.

• Driving Conversions in Higher Ed: Optimizing a university website, which serves multiple audiences (prospective students, current students, faculty, staff, donors, community), for specific conversion actions can be complex.

• Keeping Pace with Technology: Continuously updating skills and adapting designs to evolving web standards, browser capabilities, and user expectations.

• Resource Management: Working within budget and time constraints typical of non-profit organizations to deliver high-impact digital solutions.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Advanced Web Technologies: Pursuing training in newer front-end frameworks, advanced JavaScript, or progressive web app (PWA) development.

• UX Research & Strategy: Deepening expertise in user research methodologies, persona development, and journey mapping to inform more strategic design decisions.

• CRO & Analytics Specialization: Gaining advanced certifications or training in conversion rate optimization and web analytics to become a key driver of performance metrics.

• Project Management: Developing skills in project management methodologies to better handle complex web initiatives and collaborate more effectively with teams.

📝 Enhancement Note: Identifying potential challenges helps candidates prepare and demonstrates an understanding of the role's complexities. The growth opportunities are framed to align with advancing within digital operations and design specialization, offering a clear path for career development.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe your process for designing a new website feature or landing page, from initial concept to launch, focusing on how you ensure it meets marketing goals and user needs." (Preparation: Detail your workflow, emphasizing user research, wireframing, stakeholder feedback loops, and testing.)

• "How do you approach prioritizing design requests when faced with multiple urgent needs from different departments?" (Preparation: Discuss your project management and prioritization strategies, focusing on impact and alignment with institutional goals.)

• "Walk us through a time you used web analytics or user feedback to significantly improve a website's performance or user experience. What were the results?" (Preparation: Prepare a specific case study highlighting your analytical skills and ability to drive measurable outcomes.) Company & Culture Questions:

• "What interests you about Pacific Northwest University of Health Sciences and our mission?" (Preparation: Research PNWU's mission, values, and recent news. Connect your personal values and professional goals to their objectives.)

• "How do you ensure web accessibility and inclusivity in your designs?" (Preparation: Be ready to discuss specific standards (like WCAG) and practical methods you employ.)

• "Describe your experience working with cross-functional teams. How do you manage communication and collaboration effectively?" (Preparation: Provide examples of successful collaborations and how you navigated potential challenges.) Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Structure: Organize your presentation logically. Start with an overview of your role and the project's objectives, then detail your process, design choices, and finally, the results achieved.

• Quantify Everything: Use data and metrics wherever possible to demonstrate the impact of your work.

• Focus on Problem-Solving: Highlight the challenges you faced and how your design solutions addressed them.

• Demonstrate Operations Alignment: For each project, clearly articulate how your design contributed to business or operational goals (e.g., lead generation, enrollment, user engagement).

• Be Concise: Practice your presentation to ensure it is clear, engaging, and fits within the allotted time.

📝 Enhancement Note: This section provides highly specific, actionable advice tailored to operations roles. The suggested questions are designed to probe for strategic thinking, problem-solving skills, and operational impact, while the portfolio presentation strategy emphasizes demonstrating tangible results crucial for operations professionals.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this operations position:

• Submit your application through the provided application link on the Paylocity portal.

• Portfolio Customization: Ensure your resume and portfolio are tailored to highlight your experience with WordPress, UI/UX design, conversion rate optimization, and web analytics. Select portfolio pieces that demonstrate measurable results and alignment with higher education marketing goals.

• Resume Optimization: Clearly articulate your experience with the required 3-4 years in web development, specifically mentioning WordPress. Use action verbs and quantify your achievements related to website design, functionality, and conversion improvements. Integrate keywords like "UI/UX," "CRO," "Web Accessibility," and "SEO."

• Interview Preparation: Thoroughly research PNWU, its mission, and its current website. Prepare specific examples from your portfolio that showcase your ability to drive results and collaborate effectively. Practice presenting your case studies, focusing on the impact of your design decisions.

• Company Research: Understand the university's strategic objectives, particularly regarding student recruitment and donor engagement. Be prepared to articulate how your web design skills can directly contribute to these operational priorities.

⚠️ 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.