Location: Evanston, IL
URL: www.northwestern.edu
One of the top-ranked universities in the country, Northwestern University, combines innovative teaching and pioneering research in a highly collaborative environment that transcends traditional academic boundaries. Northwestern provides students, faculty and staff with exceptional opportunities for intellectual, personal, and professional growth.
Job Summary:
Northwestern University seeks an energetic and innovative professional to help establish the new position of Information Architect User Experience Specialist as the office moves through a period of transition in its approach to web content and services. The Information Architecture and User Experience Specialist works with staff, consultants, designers, developers, content managers and other information technology staff to create a dynamic, interactive environment that integrates a variety of disparate technologies seamlessly into highly usable online environments supporting the mission of the University. This position collaborates with staff, and external consultants, to develop information architectures for university web sites. The incumbent applies principles of information architecture and usability to develop effective site interfaces and navigation structures and develops content strategies for client web sites, including reviewing and inventorying site content and editing as needed. This position collaborates with staff to develop new web-based information resources and services. Additionally, the incumbent develops written tutorials, training materials, and other documentation to support use of the web site. Working with other staff to develop robust web site infrastructures, the incumbent provides a seamless web environment and integrate various applications and services. This position reports to the Director of Web Communications, Office of Web Communications, Department of University Relations.
Principle accountabilities:
Performing information architecture analysis and user interface development;
Assessing the informational needs and dynamics of web sites and online applications;
Translating both business and user goals into product changes and specifications;
Producing deliverables including site maps, transaction flows, diagrams and interface schematics;
Working collaboratively with designers to develop interface functionality and with developers to scope and develop technical considerations;
Contenting strategy and expertise;
Leading content strategy efforts to fit target user brand experience and optimize site and content production;
Writing, editing and planning online content;
Working in collaboration with the Plan-It Purple editor to apply best practices for online writing in both client site and web writing training sessions;
Leading research to understand user behaviors and preferences;
Using findings and analysis to build informed user-interface solutions;
Managing redesign projects for University web sites, including coordinating all communications, timelines and project components;
Building sites in Northwestern’s WCMS and testing completed sites to ensure quality assurance;
Performing other related duties as required or assigned by the Director of Web Communications.
Minimum Qualifications:
Two to four years of experience in user experience design and interactive media design;
A bachelor’s degree in Communications, Journalism, Computer Science, Library Science or the equivalent combination of education and experience from which comparable knowledge and abilities can be acquired;
Proficiency in one or more of the following: Adobe InDesign, Adobe Illustrator, Microsoft Visio, HTML,
Dreamweaver;
Familiarity with web content management systems;
A minimum of one year in role exclusively addressing information architecture and web content;
Demonstrated knowledge in the application of current and emerging technologies to meet the needs of users (please site examples in cover letter);
Ability to conduct research, understand and organize specialized web content and provide client recommendations based on research;
Excellent writing, speaking, presentation and interpersonal skills;
Experience training users how to write for the web;
Excellent communication skills and the ability to interact effectively with staff, faculty, vendors and students;
Ability to work independently and as a team member in a dynamic environment and on a variety of simultaneous projects;
Strong service orientation;
1-2 years of academic experience;
Demonstrated ability and experience with the principles of information architecture;
Willingness and ability to maintain solid foundation of IA enrichment via literature, seminars, or certification and continuing education (i.e. HFI, IA).
Northwestern University is an Equal Opportunity, Affirmative Action Employer.
Date Posted: 6/19/2008
To Apply:
Northwestern University offers a comprehensive benefit plan, including tuition discounts. All resumes for this position must be received through the electronic recruiting system. For consideration, please click on the link below. You will be directed to Northwestern University’s electronic recruiting system, eRecruit, where you will search and apply for current openings. To apply for this position in eRecruit, enter the Job Opening ID number in the appropriate search field. Once you apply, you will receive an email confirming submission of your resume. For all resumes received, if there is interest in your candidacy, the human resources recruiter or the department hiring manager will contact you. Job Opening ID number for this position is 13311.
http://www.northwestern.edu/hr/careers
To apply: Apply online at http://www.northwestern.edu/hr/careers. Use Job opening ID 13311.