Job Description
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
Web Strategy, Governance & Leadership
- 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:
- Health Coverage: Medical, dental, and vision insurance with HSA and FSA options
- Paid Time Off: 16 holidays, 4 weeks of vacation, 2 weeks sick time, and 2 days of personal leave
- Retirement: 403(b) plan with 3% employer matching contribution
- Education: Tuition benefits for employees and family members
- Wellness: Gym discount and Wellness programs with up to $300 annual incentives
- Welfare: Short-term and long-term disability coverage, plus life insurance
- Other Perks: Employee Assistance Program (EAP) with counseling services, access to employee discounts and local/national benefit programs
Application Instructions:
To apply, please follow the link below and submit the following application materials:
- Resume/CV
- Cover Letter addressing the desired qualifications and how your experiences contribute to the academic excellence and inclusive community at Champlain College
- Examples of your work - please either upload files or add links on the application
The College seeks candidates who can enhance its mission through their work, life experiences, service, teaching, or research. Please include specific examples of how you would contribute to these efforts in your Cover Letter.
To streamline our hiring process and ensure fairness for all candidates, we manage all recruitment communications through our online application system. Please do not call regarding your application status. We'll reach out directly if we'd like to schedule an interview.
The successful completion of a criminal background check is required as a condition of employment.
About Us:
Founded in 1878, Champlain College is a small, private, not-for-profit college in Burlington, Vermont overlooking Lake Champlain and the Adirondack mountains. Its career-driven approach to higher education prepares students for professional life from their very first semester. For the fifth year in a row, Champlain was named a "Most Innovative School" in the North by U.S. News & World Report's "America's Best Colleges" 2020 regional rankings and ranked #9 on The Princeton Review's "2025 Top Schools for Game Design."