The University of Wisconsin-Madison is seeking a skilled and imaginative Web Designer to develop, enhance, and maintain digital experiences for the Division of the Arts. This role involves blending visual design, user experience, and content strategy to support the division's mission of advancing the arts through education, research, and public programming.
Responsibilities
- Produces and edits visual assets such as graphics, posters, banners, and promotional materials
- Implements graphical and style standards for web sites
- Ensures all designs follow WCAG accessibility guidelines, as well as federal and university digital standards
- Builds and updates web pages using UW Theme 2.0 within the university’s WiscWeb hosting environment
- Participates in cross‑campus digital initiatives and maintain university web standards
- Provides design maintenance of websites and other electronic publications and applications
- Maintains consistency with the university’s brand identity and visual language
- Schedules work and/or supervises staff as needed
- Develops and designs the overall navigation flow, layout of specific pages, and creation of individual graphic elements; ensures that all design elements, templates, and finished solutions work within a variety of browser types and screen settings along with the constraints set by development and design
- Designs visually compelling, accessible, and user‑centered web pages for the Division of the Arts and its programs and newsletter
- Creates wireframes, mockups, and prototypes that reflect university brand standards and meet stakeholder needs
- Optimizes for site performance and responsive design
- Serves as a subject matter expert and unit liaison to other departments to design graphics and layouts
- Consults with academic arts departments and arts units to understand goals and recommend digital solutions
- Develops and implements strategic digital media initiatives, priorities, objectives, and best practices in collaboration with leadership and other functional work units
- Works with Division of the Arts staff to translate complex academic and artistic content into engaging digital formats
- Manages multiple projects with varying timelines, from small content updates to large‑scale site redesigns
Skills
- Associate's Degree in web design, graphic design, digital media, or a related field—or equivalent professional experience is the preferred minimum
- Demonstrated experience designing and building websites, with a strong portfolio showcasing visual design and UX work
- Proficiency with responsive design principles
- Knowledge of SEO best practices and analytics tools
- Experience working within a CMS (e.g., WordPress, Drupal, Cascade, or similar)
- Strong understanding of accessibility standards and inclusive design practices
- Excellent communication, collaboration, and problem‑solving skills
- Experience in higher education, arts organizations, or cultural institutions
- Skills in digital illustration, motion graphics, or multimedia production
- Ability to work effectively with diverse communities and creative disciplines
Benefits
- Comprehensive benefits package
- Generous paid time off
- Competitively priced health/dental/vision/life insurance
- Tax-advantaged savings accounts
- Participation in the nationally recognized Wisconsin Retirement System (WRS) pension fund
Company Overview
- University of Wisconsin-Madison is a research institution providing education opportunities. It was founded in 1848, and is headquartered in Madison, Wisconsin, USA, with a workforce of 10001+ employees. Its website is http://www.wisc.edu.