Job Summary

The Manager of Digital Communications will lead the strategic digital direction for Purdue Engineering MarCom, overseeing the design, development, and maintenance of user-centric front-end web interfaces. This role involves managing a small team to create responsive, accessible, and performant web experiences; developing, testing, and debugging dynamic websites, emails, and interactive tools in compliance with WCAG 2.2 Level AA standards; prototyping web components, sites, and applications using HTML5, CSS3 (including preprocessors like Sass), modern JavaScript (ES6+), Django, Wagtail, and frameworks such as React and Bootstrap; integrating data from back-end APIs, services, and databases (potentially using Python for scripting or CMS integration); gathering and documenting user requirements through user research and analytics; leveraging tools like Google Analytics 4, Siteimprove, and Google Lighthouse to track, analyze, and optimize key performance metrics such as SEO, load times, and engagement; maintaining comprehensive documentation and providing training to team members and stakeholders; adhering to project timelines and budgets; and reviewing and approving deliverables from team members and vendors. This individual will conceptualize, plan, execute, edit, and manage web projects from ideation to deployment, including overseeing external vendors and collaborating on large-scale initiatives with cross-campus partners. They must consistently deliver high-quality, inclusive web interfaces that highlight Purdue Engineering's innovations, partnerships, and global impact, while ensuring alignment with Purdue's brand guidelines, mobile-first design principles, and best practices for security, privacy, and cross-browser compatibility. Additional duties include evaluating digital channels, developing data-driven marketing strategies to enhance brand visibility, and fostering collaborations with the College's schools, programs, and initiatives through content strategy, social media integration, and targeted campaigns.

This position offers a chance to make a meaningful impact at a prestigious institution known for innovation and research excellence. Join our community of lifelong learners and contribute your skills to this critical program. At Purdue, you'll find unrivaled pride and unlimited potential as we persistently pursue the next giant leap together. Take the next step in your career journey - apply now to help build a better world at Purdue University.

What You'll Be Doing:

• Manage a small team to create responsive, accessible, and performant web experiences; develop, test, and debug dynamic websites, emails, and interactive tools in compliance with WCAG 2.2 Level AA standards; prototype web components, sites, and applications using HTML5, CSS3 (including preprocessors like Sass), modern JavaScript (ES6+), Django, Wagtail, and frameworks such as React and Bootstrap; integrate data from back-end APIs, services, and databases (potentially using Python for scripting or CMS integration).
• Gather and document user requirements through user research and analytics; leverage tools like Google Analytics 4, Siteimprove, and Google Lighthouse to track, analyze, and optimize key performance metrics such as SEO, load times, and engagement.
• Maintain comprehensive documentation and provide training to team members and stakeholders; adhere to project timelines and budgets; and review and approve deliverables from team members and vendors.
• Conceptualize, plan, execute, edit, and manage web projects from ideation to deployment, including overseeing external vendors and collaborating on large-scale initiatives with cross-campus partners.
• Consistently deliver high-quality, inclusive web interfaces that highlight Purdue Engineering's innovations, partnerships, and global impact, while ensuring alignment with Purdue's brand guidelines, mobile-first design principles, and best practices for security, privacy, and cross-browser compatibility. 
• Evaluate digital channels, develop data-driven marketing strategies to enhance brand visibility, and foster collaborations with the College's schools, programs, and initiatives through content strategy, social media integration, and targeted campaigns.

About Us:

The College of Engineering at Purdue University is among the best and largest Engineering schools in the world. With nearly 16,000 engineering students and more than 500 tenure track faculty in the college, this position has ample opportunity to have an impact at one of the world’s most influential universities.

For more information about our department, please visit:

• College of Engineering, Purdue University  https://engineering.purdue.edu/Engr
• External Recognitions Program   https://engineering.purdue.edu/Engr/People/Awards
• College of Engineering's Social Media   https://engineering.purdue.edu/Engr/AboutUs/social

What We're Looking For:

Education and Experience:

• Bachelor’s degree in a web or application design/development-related field (such as: Computer Graphics Technology, Computer Science, Information Technology, etc) or related field of study
• Six (6) years of web design/development or relevant experience with a research-oriented organization or tech company
• Experience following brand standards and operating within identity guidelines
• Experience in fast-paced work environments

Skills needed:

• Strong skills based on experience with coding and website design/development and demonstrated experience supporting/maintaining/designing/developing a website
• Knowledge in: HTML5, CSS3, Bootstrap 5, JavaScript, and WCAG 2.2 required with experience in Python, Django, Wagtail, Adobe Creative Cloud, Google Analytics 4, and Siteimprove preferred
• Knowledge of and demonstrable experience in developing web-based tools and APIs
• Ability to interpret and document end-user information needs
• Ability to formulate and plan for new system implementation
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills
• Ability to manage several projects concurrently and be able to adapt quickly to changing priorities
• Excellent presentation skills
• Proven ability to provide effective direction to production partners
• Excellent interpersonal, communications and organizational skills

Who We Are:

Purdue is a community built on collaboration, with global perspectives, Boilermaker pride and endless opportunity to live, learn and grow. Join us and contribute to our culture.

Additional Information:

• Purdue’s benefits summary https://www.purdue.edu/hr/Benefits/
• Purdue will not sponsor employment authorization for this position  
• A background check will be required for employment in this position
• FLSA: Exempt (Not Eligible For Overtime)
• Retirement Eligibility: Defined Contributions immediately  

Career Stream

Compensation Information:
Management 3
Pay Band S080
Job Code#20002816
 
Link to Purdue University's Compensation Guidelines: https://www.purdue.edu/hr/mngcareer/compguidelines/index.php

EOE

Purdue University is an EO/EA University