1. JOB DESCRIPTION - DRAFT
JOB TITLE: Web Design manager (Online services)
REPORTS TO: Programme manager (Online services)
FUNCTION: Online services team, Research & Evaluation
LOCATION: York
PURPOSE STATEMENT
Lead in the provision of design services for the development of new and innovative websites for the
Academy and its Subject Centres and develop clear web guidelines to ensure the design, look and feel
adheres to web best practice and helps raise the profile of the Academy.
Lead on the development of an image and digital asset repository on behalf of the Academy and ensure
clear guidance concerning copyright is developed to support and maintain the service.
DIMENSIONS
No line management responsibility but responsible for developing and establishing appropriate
consultative and support services from third party agencies.
The post supports the requirements of all Directorates, the Subject Centre Network and other Academy
Network groups such as NTFS.
PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTABILITIES TO:
• Develop a graphic and multimedia design service for the web portal and lead on the development
of clear and concise web branding guidelines to ensure web design is consistent with Academy
branding requirements.
• Design and establish new and innovative websites for the Academy ensuring web best practice
accessibility and usability standards are used.
• Design and develop an Intranet Gateway for the Academy to ensure all employees of the
Academy and employees of the Subject Centres can easily access core information.
• Develop the Academy’s digital asset repository ensuring the appropriate processes are in place
to include new images and ensure all assets have copyright permission.
• Ensure appropriate usability studies are carried out to continually improve on the web end user
experience and implement any recommended changes to ensure design solutions are user
centric and accessible.
• Coordinate and liaise with Subject Centres, other agencies and third party suppliers to ensure
online services are delivered on time and within budget and ensure value for money.
• Keep abreast of emerging technologies concerning the development of multimedia assets to
ensure the Academy’s websites contain the most appropriate technology.
• Produce briefings, reports and guidelines concerning the design and style of Academy web sites
to inform the development of the web portal.
• Represent on line services at meetings, workshops, conferences etc and act as ambassador to
promote web portal services.

2. • Advise and consult with the online services team and help further develop the Academy web
portal and other online services
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
i) Context/ Environment
The web design manager works within the online services team and provides a service across the
organisation and on behalf of other Academy network groups. The post holder’s key role is to lead and
develop a graphic and multimedia design service for online development such as the Academy’s web
portal and intranet/extranet, which support the delivery of the Academy’s strategic aims and objectives
and helps raise the profile of the Academy’s work to a wide range of stakeholders.
Online services programme manager
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Job Holder
ii) Planning, Organising and Review
Work is based on:
• Leading on and developing a graphic and multimedia design service for the web portal, Intranet
Gateway.
• Developing web branding guidelines and establishing appropriate procedures to ensure guidance
is adhered to
• Developing design strategy for the build of websites and associated micro sites
• Designing and building pages within the portal Content Management System for the delivery of
websites
• Developing a digital asset repository and ensuring appropriate procedure is in place to secure
copyright and ensure all images are optimised and ready for web use
• Leading on and developing a user centric design approach for the development of online services
• Supporting and liaising with the online services team, Subject Centres and other agencies to
further develop online services
• Up to 80% of the workload is planned in advance on a monthly or longer basis. The remainder
will be planned on a weekly and daily basis.
• Work is instigated by the job holder under direction of their line manager and other members of
senior management.
• The job holder will work under their own direction with some input from their line manager for
work planning.
• The job holder’s work is reviewed through management meetings in line with the Academy’s
procedures.
• The job holder is required to contribute to discussions on the development of portal services and
how best to deliver requirements.
iii) Working Relationships
Externally:
Directly with the Academy and Subject Centre Network, other Academy Network groups, partner sites,
consultants, other professional bodies and agencies as appropriate
Internally:
Directly with the online services team, managers and project officers across the Academy to develop new
design ideas for online services

3. iv) Knowledge
• Up to date knowledge of the web and an understanding of content management systems
• A good educational achievement in graphic design, normally reflected in a first degree or
equivalent
Skills
• Graphic/ Web design skills using the following applications and systems, Content Management
Systems (CMS), Photoshop, Fireworks, Freehand, Flash
• Interactive multimedia such as image maps.
• Project management skills preferably PRINCE2 or Microsoft Solutions Framework
• Image awareness and web image optimisation skills
• Full Microsoft Office suite skills including Word, Excel, Powerpoint etc
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to manage demanding workloads and the ability to work with conflicting and changing
deadlines whilst maintaining attention to detail
• Ability to prepare and present information and reports clearly and concisely to a wide range of
audiences and to communicate technical issues to a non technical audience.
• Ability to negotiate and communicate with a range of stakeholders
• Self reliant, pro active and able to take responsibility for areas of work and display initiative in
problem solving
Experience
• Good experience of designing and developing web sites within an organisation
• Experience of web development using a CMS, preferably at enterprise level
• Experience of image manipulation for web use
• Experience of IPR and copyright issues and how to effectively implement accompanying
processes and solutions
• Experience of using or implementing an image bank
• Demonstrable experience of accessibility and usability issues.
• Experience of CSS, HTML, XML
Signatures:
Manager…………………………………………………..
Job Holder……………………………………………….
Date……………………………………………………….