The Web Strategist at Chicago State University will play a pivotal role in enhancing the university's external website and intranet. This position focuses on content development, page layout design, SEO optimization, and user experience (UX) improvement. The goal is to ensure the website is user-friendly, engaging, and optimized for search engines, aligning with CSU's overall objectives and mission.
Key Responsibilities
- Content Creation and Management: Collaborate with subject matter experts, departments, and leadership to create, edit, and manage web content. Ensure content is clear, engaging, and accessible.
- Consistency and Branding: Ensure that all web content aligns with CSU’s brand and objectives while being accessible and inclusive for a diverse audience.
Page Layout Design
- Collaborate with IT: Work closely with the IT Department to design and implement intuitive, user-friendly page layouts. Focus on enhancing navigation and engagement.
- UI/UX Design: Ensure web pages are aesthetically pleasing, well-structured, and provide an optimal user experience.
SEO Optimization
- Keyword Research and Implementation: Conduct keyword research and implement SEO best practices to improve the visibility and ranking of CSU’s website on search engines.
- SEO Audits and Updates: Continuously audit and optimize web pages for SEO improvements.
User Experience (UX) Enhancement
- Behavior Analysis: Use analytics tools to track and analyze user behavior, identifying areas for improvement.
- Content and Design Adjustments: Develop strategies to improve user experience through content updates and design changes.
Analytics and Reporting
- Monitor Website Performance: Track engagement metrics, SEO rankings, and overall website performance using analytics tools.
- Regular Reporting: Provide regular performance reports and insights to inform future strategies and content decisions.
Cross-Department Collaboration
- Teamwork Across CSU: Collaborate with departments such as marketing, admissions, and academic units to ensure the website effectively serves the needs of students, faculty, and stakeholders.
Stay Current with Trends
- Web Design and Digital Marketing Trends: Keep up-to-date with the latest trends in web design, content management, and digital marketing to keep CSU’s website competitive and innovative.
Minimum Qualifications
- Education: Bachelor’s degree in marketing, business administration, communications, public relations, or a closely related field.
- Experience: At least one year (12 months) of professional work experience in marketing, communications, brand management, or a related field.
- Substitution for Experience: A Master’s degree in a related area may be substituted for one year of work experience.
Preferred Qualifications
- Experience: 3-5 years of experience, ideally in a university setting, a web-focused media company, a marketing agency, or a corporate marketing department.
- Skills: Proficiency in web writing, production management, web page design, HTML, and web graphics standards. Experience with content management systems and web analytics.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
- Web Writing and Production: Ability to create high-quality web content that aligns with best practices in user experience and search marketing.
- SEO Expertise: Knowledge of organic search practices and web analytics.
- Technical Skills: Experience with HTML, web graphics, and content management software.
- Communication Skills: Excellent written and verbal communication, with a focus on attention to detail, accuracy, and quality control.
- UI/UX Understanding: Familiarity with user interface and navigational design principles.
- Organizational Skills: Ability to manage multiple tasks and deadlines effectively.