Job Description

UW Continuum College has an exciting opportunity for an Associate Director, Web Content Strategy!

About the position:

The Associate Director of Web Content Strategy is a creative problem-solver with exceptional communication skills, leading a team responsible for building best-in-class prospective student websites for Continuum College partners. As a subject matter expert in and spokesperson for student-centered content strategy, you’ll collaborate with stakeholders across campus and with the different teams within UW Continuum College to plan and deliver website content that aligns with student needs and organizational priorities.

The Associate Director of Web Content Strategy works with Continuum's marketing and IT teams to develop processes, systems and taxonomies to manage the creation, publication and evaluation of content for the web. As a core member of the web team, the Associate Director serves as a key stakeholder for our enterprise content management system (CMS) and as the champion and advocate for CMS users (writers, editors, designers and web production staff).

Position Responsibilities:

Content Strategy & Content Management (40%)

Partnering with marketing leadership, develop scalable content models and taxonomies that allow for innovative, agile approaches to marketing and educational program development.

Utilize enterprise Content Management System (Kentico) to create systems and processes to handle content in efficient and powerful ways. Responsible for ensuring that content is structured, organized so that it is discoverable, reusable, and consumable across platforms and channels (e.g., ready for automation and personalization).

Establish and monitor search experience optimization strategies and guidelines; conduct research and provide recommendations for program titles, course names, and other key content choices.

Analyze existing content models, using native and third-party analytics tools; lead focus groups and/or other methods of user testing for major web features and site launches.

Evaluate the effectiveness of content in meeting organizational goals; report results to leadership and to content/editorial teams.

Stay informed of industry trends and developments in information architecture, usability, and accessibility; keep abreast of the rapidly evolving search engine landscape.

As a member of the broader content team, develop and edit content, such as articles on career-related topics, program descriptions and other content as needed.

Management & Leadership (30%)

Lead a team of up to 5 web content managers and marketing student assistants.

Ensure accuracy of job descriptions, hire, onboard, and mentor staff; complete performance appraisals, and recommend staff separations.

Set standards for partner-facing customer service related to creation and maintenance of program websites and content.

Serve as the marketing subject matter expert in a consultative capacity for a range of topics including content strategy, higher education web best practices, search engine optimization; meet with program directors, faculty, and administration from various units across campus as needed to present on these topics.

Participate in strategic planning sessions with leadership from Marketing and Enrollment Services teams.

CMS Projects & Web Maintenance (30%)

Actively participate in CMS development meetings, including scrum stand-ups, sprint planning, and sprint retrospectives and other working sessions.

Work with the Creative Director, Director of Marketing, and web marketing project manager to maintain a prioritized backlog of tickets, issues, and epics.

Translate new front-end features from concepts to concise, straightforward requirements in collaboration with web developer(s) and design team.

Define content requirements and develop content solutions for over thirty Continuum managed web properties.

Create and maintain sitewide and page-level content guidelines; provide documentation and training for web content managers.

Develop process improvements for content development and maintenance, including oversight of both ongoing, proactive maintenance and inbound content requests.

Required Qualifications:

To be considered for this opportunity your application must demonstrate you meet the minimum qualifications listed below. Equivalent education and/or experience may substitute for minimum qualifications except when there are legal requirements, such as a license, certification, and/or registration.

Minimum Qualifications

Applicants who do not meet these qualifications WILL NOT be forwarded to the Hiring Manager.

• Bachelor's degree AND 5 years of experience to include a web or marketing-related and managerial role.
• Strong foundational systems thinking; well-versed in creative, analytical and research skills, along with excellent writing and communication skills.
• A strong grasp of content strategy fundamentals and experience establishing pre- to post-production goals and objectives (e.g. content gap analysis, content plan, evaluation, etc.).
• Strong interpersonal skills, collaborative work style, and ability to work effectively in a cross-functional team.
• Experience working with at least one enterprise-level content management system.
• Understanding of digital marketing strategies and techniques including marketing communications, search experience optimization, conversion tracking and analytics.
• A cover letter is not required.

UW Continuum College (Continuum) expands the reach of the University of Washington with programs like UW Professional & Continuing Education, International & English Language Programs, Youth & Teen Programs, and the Osher Lifelong Learning Institute at the UW that meet the needs of various learners at all phases of their lives. We are focused on removing obstacles to relevant educational opportunities by addressing geographic, financial, length of commitment and time constraints, increasing access to knowledge for more people. As a diverse community that values inclusivity and collaboration, we foster a respectful, supportive workplace where innovation comes to life. By looking ahead and experimenting with new approaches, we’re creating new educational opportunities to help people thrive in a world of change.  

Compensation, Benefits and Position Details

Pay Range Minimum:

$84,000.00 annual

Pay Range Maximum:

$96,000.00 annual

Other Compensation:

-

Benefits:

For information about benefits for this position, visit https://www.washington.edu/jobs/benefits-for-uw-staff/

Shift:

First Shift (United States of America)

Temporary or Regular?

This is a regular position

FTE (Full-Time Equivalent):

100.00%

Union/Bargaining Unit:

Not Applicable

About the UW 

Working at the University of Washington provides a unique opportunity to change lives – on our campuses, in our state and around the world.  

UW employees bring their boundless energy, creative problem-solving skills and dedication to building stronger minds and a healthier world. In return, they enjoy outstanding benefits, opportunities for professional growth and the chance to work in an environment known for its diversity, intellectual excitement, artistic pursuits and natural beauty. 

Our Commitment 

The University of Washington is committed to fostering an inclusive, respectful and welcoming community for all. As an equal opportunity employer, the University considers applicants for employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, citizenship, sex, pregnancy, age, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, genetic information, disability, or veteran status consistent with UW Executive Order No. 81.

To request disability accommodation in the application process, contact the Disability Services Office at 206-543-6450 or [email protected]. 

Applicants considered for this position will be required to disclose if they are the subject of any substantiated findings or current investigations related to sexual misconduct at their current employment and past employment. Disclosure is required under Washington state law.