How to Apply
A cover letter is required for consideration for this position and should be attached as the first page of your resume. The cover letter should address your specific interest in the position and outline skills and experience that directly relate to this position. Applicants should be prepared to participate in a series of interviews.
Job Summary
As one of the nation's leading public research universities, discoveries and innovations led by the University of Michigan address emerging challenges, spur new technologies, improve quality of life, strengthen communities, and create economic opportunities. The Office of the Vice President for Research (OVPR) works closely with faculty, staff, and students from across the three U-M campuses to catalyze, support, and safeguard research and creative practice in ways that serve the public and advance the university's vital mission.
To support this mission, we are seeking a creative, detail-oriented front-end web designer with a passion for storytelling and user-centered design and an ability to translate complex research into accessible and visually engaging web content. The ideal candidate will combine technical expertise with a strong artistic vision to craft web experiences that convey the impact of research at the University of Michigan. This role involves designing, building, and maintaining a suite of visually engaging and user-friendly web pages that showcase the stories and missions of units across the research enterprise. The right applicant will be adept at creating designs that inspire and inform while ensuring seamless functionality and accessibility.
This individual will serve as a key member of the OVPR Communications Team.
Responsibilities*
Design, build, deploy, and maintain web pages that reflect the OVPR brand and meet user needs.
Work closely with the communications team to translate research and institutional goals into compelling digital narratives, refining the look, feel, and function of online projects and web-based initiatives.
Leverage expertise in HTML, web-based programming languages, standard graphics applications, and other tools and technologies to develop web pages and multimedia assets that enhance storytelling and user engagement.
Independently analyze and choose between various design and functionality options, implementing decisions that affect office operations.
Uphold UX design best practices to create intuitive and accessible web experiences aligned with OVPR's mission and commitment to continually improving web accessibility.
Troubleshoot functionality issues to maintain a seamless user experience.
Provide guidance to managers and employees on the application of university and department policies and procedures. Serve as a liaison with other units as appropriate.
Other duties as assigned.
Required Qualifications*
Bachelor's degree in fine arts or graphic design or equivalent experience required.
2-3 years of experience in web design.
Proficiency in front-end design, including HTML, CSS, and content management systems (WordPress, Drupal), as well as graphic design tools (e.g., Adobe Creative Suite) to create visually compelling web pages and assets.
Experience using a single-instance multisite environment to manage multiple sites under a unified framework.
Knowledge of search engine optimization best practices and experience with web analytics tools, such as Google Analytics.
Understanding of basic IT, server, and web hosting terminology - with basic troubleshooting skills in those areas - to interface with IT staff when technical issues arise.
Demonstrated strong organizational, critical thinking, and time-management skills, with attention to detail and accuracy.
Demonstrated ability to exercise discretion and handle sensitive, confidential information.
Experience in best practices to foster diversity, equity, and inclusion principles, and in working with diverse groups of people.
Ability to adapt to changing priorities, multi-task effectively, meet deadlines, and problem-solve to successful resolutions.
Desired Qualifications*
Knowledge of storytelling techniques and experience integrating visual narratives into digital platforms.
Familiarity with relevant AI tools and technologies for web and multimedia projects.
Experience managing vendor relationships for web development services.
Project management experience and familiarity with project management tools used to manage timelines and deliverables.
Modes of Work
Positions that are eligible for hybrid or mobile/remote work mode are at the discretion of the hiring department. Work agreements are reviewed annually at a minimum and are subject to change at any time, and for any reason, throughout the course of employment. Learn more about the work modes.
Background Screening
The University of Michigan conducts background checks on all job candidates upon acceptance of a contingent offer and may use a third party administrator to conduct background checks. Background checks are performed in compliance with the Fair Credit Reporting Act.
Application Deadline
Job openings are posted for a minimum of seven calendar days. The review and selection process may begin as early as the eighth day after posting. This opening may be removed from posting boards and filled any time after the minimum posting period has ended.
U-M EEO/AA Statement
The University of Michigan is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer.
