Graphics Design & Digital Media Specialist

THE UNIVERSITY OF CHICAGO LIBRARY

Requisition Number: 074558
Title: Graphics Design and Digital Media Specialist
Division: Information Resources Management
Department: Digital Library Development Center (DLDC)
Classification: IT-7
Work Schedule: 37.5 hours a week; Monday-Friday
Approximate Date of Availability: ASAP

GENERAL SUMMARY:

The Graphics Design and Digital Media Specialist is responsible for digital production of the Library's Web site and for related materials. The position is responsible for the graphic design, production, and ongoing maintenance of a wide variety of Web-based materials, including templated sections of the Library's public and staff Web, as well as various Library projects and materials requiring specialized software for both web and print output. The position is also responsible for providing expertise in Web standards, in Web and digital media software, and in Web-based scripting, and will contribute this expertise towards departmental decision-making as well as providing support to Library staff in authoring Web pages through documentation and training. The position works as part of a team-based environment, and is responsible for producing designs and code, which meet Library needs and which can be incorporated into programmed applications and template-driven or dynamically produced web sites. The ideal candidate will combine knowledge of design processes and technologies for both print and Web with visual communication skills and the application of usability and information architecture principles and knowledge of applicable standards.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

• 60% Design and Development of Web-based projects: planning, graphic design, design of system and inforamtion architecture, project development and production, project documentation. Requires ability to communicate with and respond to programmerse who implement back-end functionality in our Unix-based Web environment and with Library staff responsible for creation of materials and inforamtion contained in the Web sites.
• 10% Design Standards and Branding: graphic design, documentation, production. Develop and maintain design standards for digitally-produced Library materials, including development of graphics, logos, standard layouts, etc., and production of derivatives for various purposes.
• 10% Vendor Product Customization: graphic design. Redesign graphic elements and layout in vended products used in the Library.
• 10% Maintenance and Upgrades of Existing Web Projects: Ongoing maintenance of exiting web sites.
• 5% Research and Training: learning and investigating new technologies and methods. Keeps current on developments in the field of web-based technologies and software.
• Committees: Serves on task forces, committees, and workgroups, etc. inside and outside the Library as necessary.

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Required: Bachelor degree; demonstrated ability to work within a team-based environment; minimum of 3 years experience designing, producing, and maintaining complex Web sites; mastery of standard design and Web software applications such as: Adobe Photoshop, Illustrator or Freehand, InDesign and Flash essential with knowledge of Quicktime, Fireworks and/or ImageReady a plus; mastery of HTML and CSS; experience with creation of interactive and/or dynamic web pages; ability to translate Library objectives into concrete design directives; ability to create attractive graphic designs incorporating usability and information architecture principles and using standards-based code; excellent interpersonal, analytical and communication skills; ability to act on own initiative to identify and solve problems;
• Preferred: Knowledge of Mac and Microsoft XP, and Unix or Linux computing environments; knowledge of several scripting languages (e.g. Javascript, Perl); knowledge of XML; experience working in academic, library, or research environment.

MENTAL DEMANDS:

Conceptual, analytical, organizational skills; oral communication; multiple concurrent tasks; written communication; detailed work; problem solving; training.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

Ability to work with computers; ability to work with Library staff on-site.

Applicants interested in this position may submit a profile along with a resume and cover letter to jobopportunities.uchicago.edu/applicants/Central?quickFind=191509

The University of Chicago is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employer.

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