Job Description :
Markup
Text on the web is produced as HTML (HyperText Markup Language) which provides structure to written words. A web manager should be comfortable working with HTML to control their content and its presentation as they desire. WordPress comes with not only a What You See Is What You Get (WYSIWYG) text editor that manages the content’s entire markup, but also tools to control the entire page layout. However, being reliant on tools like these can limit a web content manager’s ability to fully understand how to efficiently implement a content solution and control layout at an enterprise level. Being able to rely on oneself rather than leaning on technology means a manager can spend more time crafting the content experience and less time seeking help regarding anything related to their experience design.
New Media Proficiency
As the internet improved and sharing became more efficient, people began sharing digital content beyond written words. Content creation and sharing applications like YouTube and SoundCloud are tools to deliver the Georgia State brand across our various websites. Coupled together with social media platforms, dynamic content can be consumed as simply and quickly as a click on a mobile phone. Web managers who are proficient with new media tools will be more successful at achieving their goals by accounting for user experiences starting in theses additional communication channels.
Candidates should have advance knowledge and experience in the following skills:
HTML
Ultimately, HTML is the very foundation of how websites are built. Even managers who use a content management system, like Georgia State’s WordPress, will have more control over their work with a deep understanding of markup.
CSS
CSS is an imperative skill for managers to design and develop effective front end interfaces for site visitors. Knowing how CSS can influence the interactions on a web page allows managers to deploy more efficient and meaningful engagement experiences.
Design Sense
There is a lot more to web design than simply knowing which colors look good together. A good manager has knowledge of the elements of design as well as the basic design principles, typography best practices, how to use images, layout principles and more. Coupled with competent knowledge of technical performance and standards compliance a strong design sense allows the manager to tackle a full range of website work.
Form Building
While seemingly simple, website managers have significant responsibilities in regard to building forms in the complex environment of the Internet today. Forms not only require business logic, but need the application of usability insights, multi-platform testing, integration into notifications methods like email and oversight for standards compliance including the gathering of personal information.
Javascript and Ajax
Javascript and Ajax plays a critical role in all Georgia State websites and functions. Today this is no longer a skill relegated to web developers working on the back-end. Website managers need to understand how objects and functions interact with their pages in order to spend more time crafting the perfect interactive experience than seeking help on anything else.
PHP
Learning to program web pages requires that you learn at least one or two programming languages. WordPress is written in PHP. PHP is the leader on the web today, in part because it is an open source language that is embraced by a strong community. Many extensions of the basic WordPress functions at Georgia State are added from the open source community or purchased for a small fee and are written in PHP. Increasingly, the developers of these extension plugins allow managers to customize their software through either a configurator or editor. With basic PHP knowledge, a website manager can leverage this to take a good plugin and craft it to make the best user experience.
Mobile Support First, Multiplatform Management
There are a staggering variety of devices and screen sizes being used to display the web. To this end, website managers must ensure their work is supported on this wide range of devices using the responsive standards built into the Georgia State CMS. Being able to design sites that look great on various sizes, have an understanding of break-points and media queries is critical for website managers.
Customer Service
While not a technical skill, having great customer skills is a key ingredient in a successful website manager. Managers will need to communicate with people, present design ideas and manage relationships through a variety of support platforms. Aptitude for customer service starts with accountability, an inclination to continually improve and the ability to scale the level of technical information in a conversation.
SEO
Search engine optimization, or SEO, is useful for anyone managing websites. There are a number of factors that affect a site’s ranking in search engine, from the site’s content to its inbound links, to its download speed and performance, and also its mobile friendliness. All of these factors are ones that a website manager should be mindful of and know how to identify and change with the assistance of auditing tools.
Web Server Administration
Knowing at least a little about the web server ecosystem the Georgia State websites run on can help solve problems for website managers and make things better for site visitors. Most designers feel they can ignore the server, but knowing how the system responds to things allows the manager to build a better site. Website managers do not need to know how to administer a server but could benefit from knowing simple things to at least be able to communicate with server admins more effectively. Continually improving in this area is a priority in order to avoid issues and clear bottlenecks in efficiently doing website work.
User Administration
Website managers support functions, which require access by members of the university community. Understanding how system can grant rights and access is critical in ensuring the appropriate privileges are maintained. The skill to assess potential risks and communicate with system administrators in this area will lower the risk for disruption in access to business continuity functions.
Accessibility Standards
The university has always been required to produce accessible digital resources. This comes with the adherence to standards developed by global Internet organizations. Website managers are expected to be proficient in producing sites that meet the A-level standard. This includes leveraging tools to audit and log changes as required.
Problem Solving/Debugging
Website managers who have a strong technical foundation will already have a key element in the ability to problem solve. Whether applying design thinking to craft a user experience or working through a technical bug, problem solving skills are key for a website manager to work efficiently. Whatever the preferred method, managers will know how to identify the problem, document the steps to define or repeat the problem, be able to create a root cause hypothesis and assess their ability to resolve it themselves in a timely manner. This skill is capped with a demonstrated ability to continually learn and implement future change should/when the problem is presented again.
Project Management
Project management is a critical skill in every industry and website management is no exception. The ability to start a project right, keep it on track and ensure the project succeeds is a significant part of the website manager’s daily expectations. This skill also is key in building the relationships necessary to succeed in the role and allow for the individual the opportunity to continue to grow.
Skills
HTML - Can create HTML pages, but understands how it works in a CMS Required 4 Years
WordPress CMS administration using a page builder Required 3 Years
Using CSS in a CMS/GUI Required 3 Years
Working within a large communication/agency organization under the direction of a project manager Highly desired 2 Years
Use of project management software to communicate status and request input Highly desired 2 Years
Comfortable with Apple OS Highly desired
Use of messaging/IM platforms like teams, slack or skype to connect with project team