Web Designer

The Web/Graphic Designer at the Vanderbilt Institute for Software Integrated Systems, within Vanderbilt University's School of Engineering, is responsible for designing and maintaining visually compelling and user-friendly websites across a suite of virtual organization and research project websites. This role will collaborate closely with development teams to deliver engaging and responsive websites that meet the latest design and UI/UX standards. The Web/Graphic Designer will play a pivotal role in developing digital and print materials that align with institutional branding and project requirements. This position will require intermittent travel of up to 10% effort.

The Vanderbilt Institute for Software Integrated Systems conducts basic and applied research in the area of systems and information science and engineering. Applications of its technology span a wide range of software-intensive systems from small, embedded devices, through real-time distributed systems, to globally deployed complex systems. Software is increasingly essential to the functions of these systems, and it is also the primary means of adapting them to their environments and users. Our research interests lie in the theoretical foundations, modeling, design, engineering, and educational aspects of these systems.

Duties and Responsibilities

Web development and maintenance (30%)

• Contribute to front-end development and optimization for a suite of virtual organization (VO) research collaboration websites.
• Ensure UI/UX design adheres to institutional branding, style guides, design patterns, project-specific needs, and accessibility standards, including ADA compliance.
• Track and resolve user interface issues in a timely manner, ensuring optimal website functionality.
• Stay informed on the latest web and graphic design trends to ensure websites remain state-of-the-art, visually appealing, and competitive.

Design (40%)

• Develop wireframes and high-fidelity mockups based on user requirements. Collaborate with developers to adjust and refine designs during the implementation phase.
• Design, maintain, and manage graphical design libraries to ensure consistency across all web applications and digital projects.
• Develop and maintain cohesive visual identities and branding for websites, digital assets, and print materials.

Design and prepare visually appealing print-ready materials such as research posters, name badges, conference materials and signage, and promotional items.

• Create assets for digital distribution and online promotion, including logos, icons, web banners, and flyers.
• Assist with department-specific projects as needed, providing design support for research teams on an ad hoc basis.

Content Creation (10%)

• Prepare tutorial documentation to support website users and maintainers.
• Support outreach efforts such as STEM summer camps and the summer internship program by creating promotional materials.

Collaboration and Coordination (20%)

• Collaborate with stakeholders and project teams to develop user stories and conduct usability testing, ensuring designs align with user expectations and provide an intuitive user experience.
• Manage multiple projects simultaneously, ensuring high-quality output while meeting competing deadlines.

Collaborate effectively with project management, developers, and other team members, contributing independently and in a team environment.

Other possible responsibilities

• Assist with department-specific projects as needed, providing design support for research teams on an ad hoc basis.
• Support outreach efforts such as STEM summer camps and the summer internship program by creating promotional materials.
• Prepare tutorial documentation to support website users and maintainers.

Supervisory Relationships: This position does not have supervisory responsibility. This position reports administratively and functionally to the Senior Research Program Coordinator.

Qualifications

• A Bachelor's Degree in Graphic or Web Design, or a related field, is required.
• Proven experience with web-based technologies, including proficiency in HTML 5, CSS, and responsive design principles is required.
• Strong proficiency in Adobe Creative Cloud (InDesign, Photoshop, Illustrator, Dreamweaver, XD, Premiere) is required.
• Exceptional attention to detail is required.
• Excellent communication and collaboration skills is required.
• Experience producing tutorials and training materials is preferred.
• Experience creating and maintaining informational websites is preferred.
• Experience in developing site-wide graphical design libraries to ensure design consistency is preferred.
• Familiarity with developing cross-media designs for both digital and print formats is preferred.
• Familiarity with Drupal Content Management System (CMS) is preferred.
• Experience with content development and editing is preferred.
• Knowledge and experience with front-end templating engines such as Twig and the SASS CSS engine is preferred.

Commitment to Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion

At Vanderbilt University, we are intentional about and assume accountability for fostering advancement and respect for equity, diversity, and inclusion for all students, faculty, and staff. Our commitment to diversity makes us who we are. We have created a community that celebrates differences and lets individuality thrive. As part of this commitment, we actively value diversity in our workplace and learning environments as we seek to take advantage of the rich backgrounds and abilities of everyone. The diverse voices of Vanderbilt represent an invaluable resource for the University in its efforts to fulfill its mission and strive to be an example of excellence in higher education.

Vanderbilt University is an equal opportunity, affirmative action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or status as a protected veteran, or any other characteristic protected by law.

Please note, all candidates selected for an offer of employment are subject to pre-employment background checks, which may include but are not limited to, based on the role for which they have been selected: criminal history, education verification, social media review, motor vehicle records, credit history, and professional license verification.