Associate Director of Web Strategy & Experience

The Associate Director of Web Strategy & Experience translates institutional, enrollment, and brand goals into user-centered web experiences - leading strategy, governance, information architecture, and user experience while ensuring the operational health, technical integrity, and continual improvement of the college's enterprise CMS and its associated digital ecosystem. As a core member of the marketing leadership team, this role reports to the Senior Director of Marketing and works closely with the Director of Business Architecture Solutions & Web Development and peer associate directors in Content, Creative, and Marketing Automation. Key Responsibilities: - Lead the development and continuous refinement of web strategy for central marketing-managed properties, aligning web experiences with institutional objectives, enrollment targets, and brand positioning - Own the web governance framework - roles, workflows, and standards - defining how web, content, creative, marketing automation, and campus partners collaborate on planning, creation, review, and publication to support the user experience - Directly manage and develop .5 FTEs, providing clear direction, performance oversight, and professional growth opportunities - Co-lead or participate in web and digital governance forums that set priorities and ensure adherence to brand, accessibility, and compliance expectations User Experience, Information Architecture & Accessibility: - Own information architecture, global navigation, and key user flows for central web properties, using research, analytics, and stakeholder input to optimize journeys for prospective students and other priority audiences - Translate strategic and campaign goals into UX requirements, wireframes, and page-level experience blueprints that guide writers and designers - Ensure accessibility standards (WCAG 2.1 AA, ADA/Section 504) are embedded into web patterns, templates, and review processes - Partner with the Associate Creative Director to maintain a consistent, brand-aligned web design system, balancing performance and accessibility with creative innovation Analytics, SEO & Optimization: - Own the web analytics framework and KPIs for central web properties, measuring traffic, engagement, conversion, and content performance to support leadership decision-making - Lead SEO, AIO, and GEO strategy, coordinating with web development, content, and creative leadership to integrate keyword targeting, on-page optimization, and technical considerations into planning and production - Champion continual improvement through A/B testing, human-centered design, UX research, and heatmapping tools on priority pages and flows Cross-Functional Collaboration & Operations: - Advise the Senior Director of Marketing and Director of Business Architecture Solutions/Web Development on strategic web optimizations, UX requirements, resource needs, and partnership opportunities - Partner with peer associate directors in Content, Creative, and Marketing Automation to deliver cohesive, high-performing digital journeys - Oversee intake and prioritization of web work, balancing strategic projects, campaign needs, SEO/AIO/GEO, ADA compliance, and ongoing maintenance - Serve as the primary marketing-side leader for collaboration with IT and external vendors on web platforms, infrastructure, performance, integrations, and security Requirements: - Bachelor's degree in Marketing, Communications, Digital Media, Information Science, UX Design, or a related field - 3-5 years of experience leading or managing large-scale web properties in marketing, communications, or digital experience roles, preferably in higher education or similarly complex environments - Proven experience integrating UX, content, creative, and automation considerations into cohesive digital experiences that support enrollment and brand goals - Deep understanding of web UX, information architecture, and responsive design, and how they intersect with content strategy, creative direction, and marketing automation - Strong knowledge of web analytics (GA4) and SEO/AIO/GEO concepts (SEMRush, BrightEdge), with ability to translate data into clear recommendations - Working knowledge of accessibility standards (WCAG/ADA/Section 504), an enterprise CMS platform (Drupal/WordPress), and front-end code (HTML, CSS, basic JavaScript) - Experience with major website upgrades or migrations, including quality assurance and functionality reviews - Excellent communication, facilitation, and change management skills with a track record of aligning diverse stakeholders around shared digital priorities - Strong organizational and prioritization abilities, comfortable managing multiple concurrent initiatives Working Arrangements: - Full-time, in-person position based at our main campus in Burlington, VT - Standard business hours (Monday-Friday, 8:30am-5:00pm) with occasional evening or weekend hours for special events - Comfortable office environment with extensive computer use Compensation & Benefits: - Annual Salary: $78,000 - $88,000 - Comprehensive Benefits Package including medical, dental, vision insurance, paid time off, retirement plan, tuition benefits, wellness programs, disability coverage, and other perks Application Instructions: Submit resume/CV and cover letter addressing qualifications and contributions to Champlain College community. Criminal background check required. Champlain College is an equal opportunity employer committed to diversity and inclusion.