JOB DESCRIPTION Job Title: Web Manager Ref: MKG129 Campus: Hendon Grade: 8 Salary: 42,294 to 48,626 incl. Outer London Weighting Period: Permanent Reporting to: Reporting to post: Head of Digital Marketing Senior Website Administrator Overall Purpose: Responsible for the flagship websites of Middlesex University mdx.ac.uk, unihub and the staff intranet in terms of infrastructure, reliability and overall management of content and functionality, overseeing overall cohesion and quality control. In particular, ensure that our flagship site is able to fulfull its role as the University s key marketing tool to support recruitment of students and to drive research and business reputation, collaboration and income. Work with our web agency to manage the maintenance and ongoing development of effective internal and external facing websites including managing any required evolution and developments to reflect our global ambitions. Provide regular evaluation on the effectiveness and performance of our digital platforms (websites, social media, intranet), using web analytics and data visualisation tools. Support marketing campaigns that drive traffic to the website, and work with content owners to maximise exposure of the University s website on search engines and via other relevant platforms such as social media and mobile. Principal Duties and Responsibilities (supported by Web Editor and Web Administrator) Development, CMS and infrastructure Responsibility for the maintenance and smooth running of the CMS and related technical infrastructure underlying the University website, student-facing website, intranet and other University websites as and when they are developed Responsibility to ensure that any new web developments on a individual site are on-brand, contribute to overall web strategy and are optimised to ensure maximum gain across all the Middlesex websites in terms of functionality Be the principal link between sibling site owners (intranet and student) and site editors/owners (for mdx.ac.uk) with outside suppliers and agencies responsible for the smooth running and development of our websites Handle all forward planning and day-to-day technical issues arising with the University s websites, develop protocols for addressing them and escalate as appropriate to the in-house IT function or external agencies Communicate with agency suppliers on a day to day basis to ensure smooth running of websites Work closely with in-house Computing and IT service to ensure development of the websites is aligned to and supported by the wider university IT infrastructure and development roadmap Negotiate contracts with outside suppliers of CMS, web design and development Scope and project manage new University website projects and launches
Set up and shape CMS training in conjunction with Staff Development partners, and provide ongoing support materials to CMS for users Judge and offer internal consultancy on proposed new web projects initiated in the Marketing department and across the University, with a focus on their place in the University s overall web presence Ensure brand cohesion, effective user experience/journeys across any apps/microsites associated with mdx.ac.uk, unihub and the intranet Ensure integrity and alignment and goals of other digital channels aligned to mdx.ac.uk, the intranet and unihub Full understanding of required databases that feed into the main site, unihub and the intranet, ensuring they are interfacing correctly and providing an effective user experience Content, information architecture, navigation and functionality Ensure information architecture and navigation enables all relevant information to be included and easily found, with regular reviews and user-testing to measure effectiveness Decide upon key content owners and providers for the site, providing information and training to ensure content is on-brand and meets the needs of audiences, Develop and ensure effective implementation of workflows to ensure content is timely and of high quality To operate and lead where necessary in a matrix management structure (including senior management) and provide the flexibility to meet varying project demands and a fast pace of change Provide support to the content team to deliver an ongoing strategic programme of refreshed content that meets the needs of the site s users Work with the content team to identify, prioritise and manage new content on the site, providing support in the amending/building of site structure, ensuring usability is paramount Daily use of the website s content management system to update and amend content, maintaining a high level of expertise Full understanding of databases, including CRM, that feed from or into website content, ensuring that they are interfacing correctly and that new needs are identified Ensure high standards of usability and accessibility are adhered to and that the content of the Corporate websites is in compliance with regulatory standards of web development for HE in the UK: W3C, WAI, SENDA 2001, Copyright Act 1988, etc. Ensure most efficient use of existing University resources by ensuring the University s whole online offering is coherent and does not involve duplication of effort Set and maintain key editorial standards by implementing and refining the existing online editorial policy for the University to follow Driving traffic to the site Full understanding of Search Engine Optimisation to maximise visitors to the site Work closely with Global Campaigns Manager and the Content team to utilise SEO techniques, pulling in support from external providers where necessary Fully support marketing campaigns on the website ensuring web presence enhances and supports relevant campaigns and has a clear role to play in the prospective customer/client journey Ensure the website responds in a timely way to the needs of the target audiences, managing an annual schedule of features and relevant optimisation of content to drive traffic to the site Measuring and improving performance and benchmarking Work with the Insights team to regularly evaluate effectiveness of the website for target audiences and performance in relation to competitors, using the most up-to-date evaluation and research techniques Support Unihub and Intranet teams in development of effective site analytics and reporting tools Aim to introduce new and relevant technologies to the site, responding speedily to the rapid developments in the digital space Use approved web analytics packages to provide regular reports and advice to content owners, enabling them to evaluate and improve upon the effectiveness of their content and marketing campaigns
Monitor and advise upon search engine rankings and suggest ways of improving results Budget management Handle a budget covering web hosting, site maintenance, development, metrics and reporting and other costs Support for general Marketing Communications, Student and Staff Engagement, strategy and plans Work with colleagues in Marketing and Student and Staff Engagement to understand and determine the most effective role for the main website and its sibling sites within the broader use of media (on and off-line) to deliver effective marketing strategy and plans Support the development and maintenance of the student website and staff intranet (but not their content) To maintain a good awareness of the key issues facing the University and make recommendations for solutions to business problems To support implementation and best practice in the use of social media channels as part of the digital marketing mix To promote the effective use of web content technologies to the wider University Person Specification Job Title: Campus: Selection Criteria: Web Manager Hendon Essential Experience of managing a large website and of supporting the wider strategy and plans of a marketing and/or communications team. Proven ability with substantial experience of planning, writing and commissioning content and functionality and utilising new technologies for large complex websites, predicting potential contingencies and resolving difficulties. Proven ability to inspire, motivate and organise a wide range of internal stakeholders (e.g. range of academics and administrative staff) as well as external suppliers and contractors. Strong evidence of scoping and managing projects, communicating progress to a wide range of stakeholders and working in a systematic manner, ideally in AGILE, Waterfall or blended environments. Experience of using web analytics and reporting tools to drive content and information architecture. Excellent knowledge of HTML, CSS, Adobe Photoshop and an understanding of JavaScript. Understanding of CMS and design for digital layout, composition, font specifications, and wireframes. Strong understanding of responsive design and usability for mobile devices. Highly organised with excellent verbal and written presentation skills and able to overcome time and resource pressures to complete business critical projects against fixed timescales.
Excellent interpersonal skills A team player with the ability to work and communicate at all levels within the University including Senior Management. Demonstrable experience of utilising new digital technologies as marketing communications tools. Experience of effectively managing people and associated budgets. Understanding of social media and CRM. With professional experience of the following: Content Management Systems, ideally open source Web Analytics Search Engine Optimisation Project Management External Supplier Management User Centred Design Information Architecture Metadata Web Editing/Copywriting The willingness to adapt and to acquire additional skills as may be required to implement and support the University s corporate websites. Desirable Experience of working in higher or further education or other sector targeting similar audiences Hours: Leave: The nature of the post is such that the post holder will be expected to work flexibly and for such reasonable hours as are necessary in order to fulfil the duties and responsibilities of the post. 30 days per annum eight Bank Holidays and seven University days taken at Christmas (pro rata for part-time staff) No parking at Hendon campus: there are any parking facilities for new staff joining our Hendon campus, except for Blue Badge holders. If you are applying for a post at our Hendon Campus please ensure you can commute without using a car. Information on public transport to Hendon can be found here: http://www.mdx.ac.uk/campus/campuses/docs/hendon_campus_map.pdf We offer an interest-free season ticket loan, interest-free motorbike loan, and bicycle and motorbike parking and changing facilities. The postholder should actively follow Middlesex University policies and procedures and maintain an awareness and observation of Fire and Health & Safety Regulations. Middlesex University is working towards equality of opportunity. Flexible working applications (including part-time working) will be considered. How to apply If you wish to apply for this post please complete an application form found here:www.mdx.ac.uk/jobs Closing date for receipt of applications: 4 January 2016
Please return the completed application form to: recruit1@mdx.ac.uk or to The Recruitment Office, Middlesex University, Hendon Campus, The Burroughs, London, NW4 4BT. Please note that all incoming post to Middlesex University is opened and scanned by our document handler, CDS, and then emailed to the recipient. If you do not want your application form to Middlesex University processed in this way please email it to recruit1@mdx.ac.uk What Happens Next? If you require further information please contact Sharliza Rahman, Head of Digital Marketing for an informal discussion; s.a.rahman@mdx.ac.uk. If selected for interview, you will hear directly from someone in the Service area, usually within 3 weeks of the closing date. We do not contact applicants who are unsuccessful.