Web Designer III

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Web Designer III

Company: University of Florida

Location: Main Campus (Gainesville, FL)

Job Type: Full-Time

Category: Web Design & Development / Operations Technology

Date Posted: 2026-08-12

Experience Level: 5-10 years

Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• Drives the creation of innovative visual concepts and functional prototypes for full websites, applications, and individual web components, with a strong emphasis on maximizing user experience and aligning with UF Health web standards.

• Executes the full front-end development lifecycle, encompassing coding, rigorous testing, quality assurance, and seamless implementation/deployment of web solutions.

• Translates user requirements and business needs into detailed technical, functional, and visual design specifications, ensuring optimal usability and performance.

• Continuously researches emerging web design technologies and industry best practices to enhance site usability, improve development efficiency, and maintain a competitive edge against peer organizations and competitors.

• Analyzes key site usage metrics to produce insightful reports that address business challenges and identify strategic opportunities for efficiency gains and cost savings.

📝 Enhancement Note: While the title is "Web Designer III," the responsibilities, particularly around "front-end web solutions per UF Health web standards," "full front-end life cycle," "coding, testing, quality assurance, implementation/deployment," and "analyzing current processes and procedures to create future configurations that lead to gains in efficiency and cost savings," strongly indicate a role that bridges design with operational execution and process improvement. This role requires not just aesthetic design skills but also a robust understanding of development workflows and their impact on operational efficiency within a large institution like the University of Florida. The "operations technology" category has been added to reflect this.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Conceptualize and develop visually compelling and user-centric designs for websites, web applications, and individual web components, ensuring alignment with UF Health branding and usability standards.

• Program and implement robust front-end web solutions, adhering strictly to established UF Health web standards and best practices.

• Manage the complete front-end development lifecycle, including initial coding, comprehensive testing, thorough quality assurance, efficient implementation, and successful deployment into production environments.

• Translate complex user requirements and business objectives into detailed technical, functional, and visual design specifications, ensuring clarity and completeness.

• Conduct ongoing research into new web technologies and design methodologies to identify opportunities for enhancing site usability, increasing development productivity, and maintaining cutting-edge digital presence.

• Regularly evaluate the design and functionality of peer and competitor websites to critically assess UF Health's current standards and identify areas for improvement and innovation.

• Monitor and analyze key website usage metrics, generating meaningful reports that highlight business problems or opportunities, and provide data-driven recommendations.

• Collaborate with customer support teams to review user-submitted requests, debug design-related issues, and implement effective solutions to enhance website performance and user satisfaction.

• Proactively analyze existing processes and procedures to identify opportunities for future configurations that drive efficiency gains and cost savings within the web development and management framework.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a blend of creative design, technical development, and operational analysis. The emphasis on "analyzing current processes and procedures to create future configurations that lead to gains in efficiency and cost savings" is a key indicator of operational responsibilities, suggesting the candidate will be involved in process optimization within the web development lifecycle.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

• Bachelor's degree in an appropriate area of specialization (e.g., Web Design, Computer Science, Digital Media, Information Technology) OR an Associate's degree in a relevant field. Experience:

• Minimum of five (5) years of appropriate experience in web design and development if holding a Bachelor's degree.

• Minimum of seven (7) years of appropriate experience in web design and development if holding an Associate's degree.

• Six (6) years of experience specifically in developing and successfully launching websites, web user interfaces, front-end web application interfaces, and conceptual designs is highly preferred. Required Skills:

• Proficiency in creating visual concepts and functional prototypes for websites and applications.

• Strong understanding of user experience (UX) principles and best practices to maximize user engagement and satisfaction.

• Expertise in front-end web development, including coding, testing, quality assurance, and deployment processes.

• Ability to develop technical, functional, and visual design specifications based on user requirements and business needs.

• Familiarity with web standards and best practices for accessible and performant web design.

• Proficiency in data analysis and reporting, with the ability to interpret site usage metrics and derive actionable insights.

• Experience in analyzing processes and procedures to identify opportunities for efficiency gains and cost savings. Preferred Skills:

• Demonstrated experience with CSS, JavaScript (JS), and PHP.

• Proven expertise in content management systems (CMS) such as WordPress and Craft CMS.

• Experience in conducting usability testing and iterating on designs based on feedback.

• Knowledge of search engine optimization (SEO) best practices as they relate to web design and content.

• Familiarity with version control systems (e.g., Git).

📝 Enhancement Note: The "Classification Minimum Requirements" and "Preferred" sections provide a clear baseline for experience and technical skills. The emphasis on "analyzing current processes and procedures to create future configurations that lead to gains in efficiency and cost savings" suggests that candidates with a background in process improvement or operations within a digital context will be highly valued.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• A comprehensive portfolio showcasing a range of website and web application design projects, demonstrating proficiency in visual concept creation, user experience optimization, and front-end development.

• Examples of projects that highlight the successful translation of user requirements and business needs into functional and aesthetically pleasing web solutions.

• Demonstrations of the full front-end development lifecycle, including examples of coding, testing, quality assurance, and deployment, ideally with links to live sites or detailed case studies.

• Evidence of implementing new technologies or methodologies to improve site usability, development efficiency, or overall user engagement.

• Case studies or examples that illustrate the analysis of website metrics and the subsequent implementation of changes to address business problems or opportunities. Process Documentation:

• Documentation or case studies detailing the process followed for website and application development, from initial concept to final deployment.

• Examples of how user requirements were gathered, analyzed, and translated into technical and design specifications.

• Evidence of rigorous testing and quality assurance procedures implemented throughout the development cycle.

• Demonstrations of how current processes were analyzed to identify areas for efficiency gains and cost savings, with examples of implemented improvements.

📝 Enhancement Note: Given the role's emphasis on process analysis and efficiency, a portfolio that goes beyond just visual design to include process documentation and examples of efficiency improvements will be crucial. Candidates should be prepared to discuss their methodologies for workflow optimization and how they leverage data to drive operational enhancements.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: $82,000 - $87,000 USD per year.

Benefits:

• Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance plans.

• Retirement savings plan with employer matching contributions (e.g., UF’s State University System (SUS) Retirement Plan).

• Generous paid time off, including vacation, sick leave, and holidays.

• Opportunities for professional development, training, and continuing education.

• Access to university resources and facilities.

• Potential for participation in employee wellness programs. Working Hours:

• Standard full-time work schedule, typically 40 hours per week. While specific hours may vary based on departmental needs, flexibility may be available, especially for critical project deadlines or system deployments.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary range provided is specific and falls within the expected range for a Web Designer III role with 5-10 years of experience in a major university setting in Florida. University benefits packages are typically robust and include strong retirement and leave policies. The "working hours" are assumed to be standard for a full-time role, with potential for flexibility typical in project-driven environments.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Higher Education / Healthcare (UF Health)

Company Size: Large (University of Florida is one of the largest universities in the US)

Founded: 1906 (University of Florida)

Team Structure:

• Likely part of a larger IT, Digital Communications, or Web Services department within UF Health or a central university unit, comprising various design, development, and operations specialists.

• The role likely reports to a Web Design Manager, Director of Digital Strategy, or a similar leadership position overseeing web operations and development.

• Expect close collaboration with content strategists, UX researchers, back-end developers, IT support, marketing teams, and various departmental stakeholders across the university and its health system. Methodology:

• Emphasis on adhering to established UF Health web standards, ensuring consistency, accessibility, and security across all digital properties.

• A data-driven approach to design and development, utilizing user analytics and feedback to inform decisions and drive continuous improvement.

• Structured development processes, likely incorporating Agile or iterative methodologies for project management, testing, and deployment.

• Focus on process optimization to enhance efficiency, reduce costs, and improve the overall user experience and operational effectiveness of digital platforms.

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

📝 Enhancement Note: The University of Florida, especially its UF Health component, is a large, complex organization with established processes and standards. The culture likely values academic rigor, research, and a commitment to public service, alongside a growing emphasis on digital innovation and operational efficiency in its services. This "operations technology" aspect is crucial for candidates to understand.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This "Web Designer III" role represents a senior-level individual contributor position within the web design and development field. It signifies a progression beyond junior or mid-level roles, demanding greater autonomy, problem-solving capabilities, and the ability to influence design and development strategies. The inclusion of process analysis and efficiency recommendations elevates it beyond a purely creative role into one with operational impact.

Reporting Structure: The role typically reports to a Web Design Manager, Director of Digital Strategy, or a similar senior leader within a digital services or IT department. This position may not have direct reports but will likely mentor or guide junior designers or developers.

Operations Impact: The Web Designer III's work directly impacts the university's and UF Health's online presence, user engagement, information accessibility, and operational efficiency. By creating user-friendly interfaces and optimizing web processes, this role contributes to student recruitment, patient engagement, research dissemination, and the overall effectiveness of the university's digital services. The focus on efficiency and cost savings through process analysis highlights a direct contribution to operational excellence.

Growth Opportunities:

• Specialization: Deepen expertise in specific areas such as advanced front-end frameworks, accessibility standards (WCAG), UX research, or CMS administration.

• Leadership: Transition into roles like Lead Web Designer, UX Lead, or Web Development Manager, overseeing teams and strategic initiatives.

• Process Improvement: Develop a career path focused on optimizing digital workflows, potentially moving into roles like Digital Operations Specialist or Process Improvement Analyst within the IT or digital services domain.

• Project Management: Gain experience in managing web projects, leading to roles in digital project management or program management.

• Cross-functional Moves: Leverage design and technical skills in related fields such as product management, instructional design, or digital marketing strategy.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "III" designation and the inclusion of process analysis suggest this is a senior role with potential for leadership. The growth opportunities are framed not just within traditional design paths but also towards operational and project management roles, reflecting the hybrid nature of this position.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: On-site at the University of Florida's Main Campus in Gainesville, FL. This likely involves working within a dedicated office space designed for creative and technical teams.

Office Location(s): Main Campus (Gainesville, FL). Specific departmental buildings may vary.

Workspace Context:

• Expect a collaborative environment where designers, developers, and other digital professionals work together on projects.

• Access to standard office equipment, high-performance workstations, and potentially specialized design software and hardware.

• Opportunities for interaction with a diverse range of university staff, faculty, and students, fostering a dynamic and intellectually stimulating work atmosphere.

• The workspace will likely be equipped with the necessary technology infrastructure to support web development, testing, and deployment activities.

Work Schedule: A standard 40-hour work week is expected, with flexibility potentially available around project deadlines or during critical deployment phases. The university environment may also offer opportunities for participation in campus events and academic activities.

📝 Enhancement Note: The Gainesville location implies a vibrant university town environment. The on-site requirement suggests a need for in-person collaboration, which is common for roles involving complex process discussions and team synergy in large organizations.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: HR or a recruiter will review applications to ensure minimum qualifications are met. Candidates will be asked to submit a CV/Resume, Cover Letter, and a List of Professional References.

• Technical/Design Assessment: Candidates may be asked to complete a design challenge or a technical assessment related to front-end development, UI/UX principles, or problem-solving within a web context.

• Portfolio Review: A dedicated session to walk through the candidate's portfolio, discussing specific projects, design choices, development processes, and demonstrated impact. Be prepared to elaborate on the "process analysis and efficiency gains" aspect of your work.

• Interviews with Hiring Team: Interviews with the hiring manager and potential team members to assess technical skills, problem-solving abilities, collaboration style, and cultural fit within the university/UF Health environment. Expect questions related to how you handle user requirements, technical challenges, and process improvement initiatives.

• Final Interview: Potentially with a senior leader to discuss strategic alignment and overall fit for the role and the organization.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Showcase Diversity: Include a range of projects demonstrating different skills—from concept and wireframing to full front-end implementation and analysis.

• Highlight Process: For each project, clearly articulate your role, the problem you were solving, your design/development process, the technologies used, and the outcome. Specifically, detail any instances where you analyzed existing processes or implemented improvements for efficiency or cost savings.

• Quantify Impact: Whenever possible, use metrics to demonstrate the success of your projects (e.g., improved user engagement, reduced bounce rates, increased conversion rates, efficiency gains achieved).

• Tailor to UF Health: If possible, include projects that align with the healthcare or educational sectors, or demonstrate an understanding of large-scale organizational web needs.

• Prepare to Discuss: Be ready to verbally walk through your portfolio, explaining your thought process, challenges overcome, and lessons learned.

Challenge Preparation:

• Front-End Fundamentals: Brush up on HTML, CSS, JavaScript, and responsive design principles.

• UX/UI Best Practices: Review principles of user-centered design, information architecture, and usability heuristics.

• Problem-Solving Scenarios: Prepare for questions that assess how you would approach common web design and development challenges, especially those involving stakeholder requirements or process inefficiencies.

• Process Improvement Thinking: Be ready to discuss how you would analyze an existing web process, identify bottlenecks, and propose solutions for improvement, drawing parallels to your past experiences.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on a "List of Professional References" and the specific mention of analyzing "current processes and procedures to create future configurations that lead to gains in efficiency and cost savings" in the job description suggest the portfolio review will heavily scrutinize the candidate's operational and analytical capabilities, not just their design skills.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Design & Prototyping: Adobe Creative Suite (Photoshop, Illustrator, XD), Figma, Sketch, InVision.

• Front-End Development: HTML5, CSS3 (Sass/LESS), JavaScript (ES6+).

• Content Management Systems (CMS): WordPress, Craft CMS (highly preferred).

• Version Control: Git, GitHub/GitLab/Bitbucket.

Analytics & Reporting:

• Web Analytics: Google Analytics, Adobe Analytics, or similar platforms for tracking site usage metrics.

• Reporting Tools: Tools for generating meaningful reports from analytics data, potentially including native CMS reporting or custom dashboard solutions.

CRM & Automation:

• While not explicitly stated, familiarity with CRM systems (like Salesforce) and marketing automation platforms (like Marketo, HubSpot) may be beneficial for understanding how web design integrates with broader GTM and operational systems.

• Understanding of APIs and how to integrate web front-ends with back-end systems and databases.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "Preferred" section explicitly lists CSS, JS, PHP, WordPress, and Craft CMS, making these critical for candidates to highlight. The inclusion of process analysis suggests familiarity with tools that support workflow mapping and efficiency tracking, even if not explicitly listed.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• User-Centricity: A strong commitment to understanding and serving the needs of students, faculty, staff, and patients through intuitive and accessible digital experiences.

• Excellence & Innovation: Striving for high standards in design, development, and process execution, while remaining open to new technologies and methodologies that improve outcomes.

• Collaboration: Working effectively across diverse teams and departments to achieve shared goals, valuing open communication and constructive feedback.

• Efficiency & Effectiveness: A focus on optimizing workflows, leveraging technology, and analyzing data to ensure resources are used wisely and objectives are met efficiently.

• Integrity & Accountability: Upholding ethical standards, taking ownership of work, and ensuring the reliability and security of digital platforms.

Collaboration Style:

• Expect a collaborative environment that encourages cross-functional teamwork between design, development, content, IT support, and various university departments.

• Emphasis on clear communication, active listening, and a willingness to share knowledge and provide constructive feedback to improve collective outcomes.

• A structured approach to project management and problem-solving, with regular team meetings and reviews to ensure alignment and progress.

📝 Enhancement Note: The values of a large academic and healthcare institution emphasize service, rigor, and collaboration. The "operations technology" aspect means that efficiency and data-driven decision-making are likely highly valued alongside creative and technical proficiency.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Balancing Design Aesthetics with Technical Constraints: Effectively merging creative vision with the practical limitations of development, accessibility standards, and institutional guidelines.

• Managing Diverse Stakeholder Requirements: Navigating the needs and expectations of various departments and user groups within a large university setting.

• Keeping Pace with Evolving Web Technologies: Continuously learning and adapting to new tools, frameworks, and best practices in a rapidly changing digital landscape.

• Process Optimization in a Large Organization: Identifying and implementing efficiency improvements within established, potentially legacy, systems and workflows.

• Ensuring Accessibility and Inclusivity: Designing and developing web content that is accessible to all users, including those with disabilities, in compliance with WCAG standards.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Specialized Training: Access to internal and external training programs focused on advanced design tools, front-end development languages, CMS platforms, UX research methodologies, and accessibility standards.

• Conferences & Workshops: Opportunities to attend industry conferences (e.g., UXPA, AIGA, web development summits) and workshops to stay current with trends and network with peers.

• Internal Knowledge Sharing: Participation in internal brown bag sessions, tech talks, and collaborative problem-solving forums to learn from colleagues.

• Mentorship: Potential for mentorship from senior designers, developers, or operations specialists within the university.

• Certification Programs: Pursuing certifications in relevant areas such as UX design, specific CMS platforms, or project management.

📝 Enhancement Note: The challenges highlight the need for adaptability, strong communication, and a proactive approach to problem-solving, especially concerning process improvement within a large institutional framework.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe a time you had to balance competing stakeholder requirements for a web project. How did you manage expectations and ensure a successful outcome?" (Focus on communication, negotiation, and process management.)

• "Walk us through your process for analyzing an existing website's performance and identifying areas for improvement. What metrics do you prioritize, and how do you translate them into actionable recommendations?" (Highlight analytical skills and process optimization thinking.)

• "Imagine you are tasked with improving the efficiency of our website deployment process. What steps would you take to analyze the current workflow and propose solutions?" (Demonstrate understanding of operational analysis and efficiency gains.)

• "How do you stay current with emerging web design trends and technologies, and how do you advocate for their adoption within an organization like the University of Florida?" (Show initiative, continuous learning, and strategic thinking.) Company & Culture Questions:

• "What interests you about working for the University of Florida and specifically for UF Health?" (Research UF's mission, values, and recent digital initiatives.)

• "How do you approach collaboration with team members who have different skill sets or priorities (e.g., developers, content strategists, IT support)?" (Emphasize teamwork and cross-functional communication.)

• "Describe your experience working within established design standards or style guides. How do you ensure consistency while still allowing for creative problem-solving?" (Show respect for guidelines and process.) Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Structure: For each project, use a clear narrative: Problem -> Solution -> Process -> Outcome (including metrics and any efficiency improvements).

• Highlight Operational Impact: Explicitly point out instances where your work led to process improvements, efficiency gains, or cost savings. Quantify these benefits whenever possible.

• Demonstrate Technical Proficiency: Be ready to discuss the coding languages, frameworks, and CMS used, and explain your technical decisions.

• Showcase UX/UI Thinking: Explain the rationale behind your design choices, focusing on user needs and accessibility.

• Be Concise: Practice your presentation to ensure it fits within the allotted time, focusing on the most impactful aspects of your work.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview preparation focuses on blending design/technical skills with the operational aspects emphasized in the job description, particularly process analysis and efficiency gains. Candidates should be ready to discuss their contributions to operational improvements.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this operations technology position:

• Submit Your Application: Navigate to the provided application link and submit your CV or Resume, a Cover Letter, and a List of Professional References.

• Tailor Your Resume: Ensure your resume clearly highlights experience in web design, front-end development, user experience, and critically, any experience with process analysis, workflow optimization, and achieving efficiency gains. Use keywords from the job description.

• Craft Your Cover Letter: Use this as an opportunity to directly address the requirements, especially your experience with UF Health web standards, your proficiency in preferred technologies (WordPress, Craft CMS), and your ability to contribute to process improvements.

• Prepare Your Portfolio: Curate your portfolio to showcase projects that demonstrate your full skillset, with a particular emphasis on case studies that detail your process, problem-solving approach, and any quantifiable operational impacts or efficiency improvements you've achieved.

• Research UF/UF Health: Familiarize yourself with the University of Florida's mission, values, and UF Health's digital presence and strategic goals. Understand their commitment to innovation, accessibility, and efficiency in their services.

⚠️ 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.

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