Job Description Summary

Responsbile for the effective administration and development of the UBC Faculty of Applied Science website (www.apsc.ubc.ca) and the UBC Engineering website (www.engineering.ubc.ca). These sites provide immediate access to UBC information related to the Faculty. The incumbent will be well versed in online technologies and design to provide responsive and informed support to web-based communications that addresses the needs of students, faculty, staff, alumni and the Faculty s external stakeholders (media, industry, government agencies, non-profits and the community).

Responsible for the redesign of a number of client websites within the Faculty, bringing expert knowledge and skills to recommend and implement web design options, best practices, third-party services, tools and applications.

Organizational Status

Reports to the Manager, Web & Digital Communications and works closely with the Faculty s Marketing and Communications team as well as other Dean s Office, Faculty and University colleagues.

Work Performed

Website Management:

• Ensures site content utilizes good Search Engine Optimization (SEO) techniques.
• Develops, analyzes and makes recommendations on improving the information architecture ensuring ease of navigation for users.
• Ensures that the web sites operate efficiently and meet performance requirements for availability.
• Generates new content and maintains existing web-based content.
• Manages the implementation of web content and design.
• Works creatively with staff from other units to create unique opportunities for interaction and collaboration between communication vehicles.
• Collaborates with colleagues to identify, index, and make available knowledge resources to provide immediate updates as issues and incidents occur.
• Develops activity reports to evaluate site use, documents findings and makes recommendations.
• Collaborates with University communication and technology professionals on campus to address issues.
• Implements and monitors Web analytics to measure progress.
• Provides programming and systems technical service by modifying programming logic, coding instructions and debugging programs.
• Performs background research to identify innovative methods of communicating with UBC s diverse audiences.
  

Design:

• Manages and designs the creative aspect of web projects, including serving as an expert resource to faculty, department and school staff involved in specific projects.
• Designs HTML templates and supporting graphics for the websites as well as multimedia that are consistent with UBC s design standards.
• Designs graphical user interfaces for web-based applications on faculty, department and school web sites.
• Ensures a consistent look and feel of the websites.
• Designs, formats and troubleshoots the Faculty s e-newsletters and e-invitations for electronic distribution.
• designs and formats numerous web-based surveys for the Faculty.
  

Web Support and Training:

• Manages website redesigns for client websites within the Faculty, including advice on web page design, industry best practices and UBC s strategic web objectives.
• Recommends and implements applications and tools to optimize user experience and to manage content efficiently.
• Develops web documentation to assist staff in maintaining websites.
• Trains staff to take over the maintenance of newly designed websites.
• Troubleshoots software failures and web-related technical difficulties
  

Strategy and Planning:

• Ensures that our web efforts are aligned with overall organizational goals.
• Ensures that web site content and online communities are developed and supported according to UBC s strategic objectives.
• Liaises with all staff units to effectively plan and support web-based services related to the Faculty s goals and objectives.
• represents the Faculty at committee meetings of the University s web communication and technology professionals.
  

Online Community:

• Supports online communities to connect students, staff, faculty, alumni, media and guests electronically.
• Provides ongoing technical support to customers, clients or members using the organization web site.
• Manages and monitors online forums on a daily basis.
  

Other Duties:

• Develops, maintains and upgrades complex spreadsheets and databases to assist faculty and staff with information management needs.
• Performs other duties as required.

Consequence of Error/Judgement

Errors may impact on the effectiveness of the office, image, reputation and credibility of the Faculty and the University. Accuracy, speed and the ability to meet deadlines are critical. All information must be accurate and provided in a respectful, timely and supportive way. The impact of errors in our online publications and applications would be considerable. Students make academic and personal decisions based on the information on our websites.

Supervision Received

Reports to the Faculty s Web Communication Manager. Works independently and under broad directions to meet the Faculty s goals and objectives.

Supervision Given

None. May supervise the work of student employees.

Preferred Qualifications

Undergraduate degree in a relevant discipline.Minimum of one year experience or the equivalent combination of education and experience.Relevant experience will be in website design / maintenance, including experience with common computing platforms, search engine applications and database integration with web pages, web browsers and web-based applications. Ability to think around corners and anticipate needs, problems and issues, to plan ahead, and to assist clients in identifying appropriate courses of action; Ability to effectively manage multiple tasks and prioritiesand work effectively, both independently and within a team environment; Intermediate or advanced computer skills with Windows XP, Office XP Pro, Internet Publishing, email and internet; Ability to think conceptually (i.e., use creative, conceptual, or inductive reasoning or thought processes to identify patterns in complex data, and identify key or underlying issues in complex situations); Highly effective oral and written communication, interpersonal, and organizational skills; Ability to prepare complete, concise, and understandable technical documentation; Ability to build, maintain and troubleshoot databases. Ability to provide quality service to customers in a courteous, patient manner. Ability to develop and maintain cooperative and productive working relationships; Knowledge of the university and its policies, goals, mission, and issues would be a definite asset. Strong copy writing, edting and proof-reading skills; Strong knowledge of HTML, JavaScript and CSS. Excellent knowledge of browser standards. Knowledge of social media, blogging tools, RSS, Dreamweaver and WordPress software is a must; Strong image / photo creation and editing skills, with excellent working knowledge of Adobe Acrobat, Photoshop, Illustrator, Flash, and other image editing tools; Solid knowledge of web server statistics (traffic) monitoring packages and other site management tools; Multimedia experience and an understanding of various multimedia formats (QuickTime, Real, Windows Media and Flash). Demonstrated Graphical User Interface (GUI) design / user experience (UX) / usability design skills; Knowledge of programming approaches and issues, including object-oriented design and security issues; Knowledge of any or all of the following an asset: XML, webcasting, screencasting, podcasting, third party web services and API s; Flexible, can-do attitude, as required in highly and public dynamic environment. Excellent analysis and problem-solving skills, with the ability to research, understand and recommend new and evolving web solutions; Ability to clearly describe and explain complex or technical information to audiences with mixed levels of ability;