Web Designer/Project Lead

Forrest T. Jones & Company, Inc., and its affiliates ("FTJ"), provide insurance and related financial services to individuals, businesses, associations and their members, government entities, and employer groups, including life, health, disability, accident, professional liability, property & casualty insurance coverages, annuities, financial planning, as well as insurance administration and compliance services.

Position Summary

Responsible for the analysis, wireframe design, construction, testing, and implementation of assigned web projects for corporate websites; ensures projects are defined and delivered in the context of the Company's corporate standards. Responsible for the design of major and minor website pages and components, email templates, blog pages, etc. Works closely with Company's IT web development team to implement HTML5-based pages for websites, employing best practices and design methods to ensure successful outcomes.

Expectations

• In collaboration with department director and applicable Corporate Communications team members, elicit requirements using interviews, document analysis, business analysis, along with task and workflow analysis, to identify opportunities and requirements for web projects that will drive increased revenue and cost efficiencies.
• Critically evaluate information gathered from multiple sources, reconcile conflicts, convert high-level information into details, combine low-level information to a general understanding, and distinguish user requests from business needs.
• Proactively communicate and collaborate with external and internal customers to analyze information needs and functional requirements and to deliver the following as needed: functional requirements, business requirements, as well as screen layouts and interface architecture.
• Collaborate with developers and subject matter experts to establish the technical vision and analyze tradeoffs between usability and performance needs.
• In collaboration with department director, lead the implementation and completion of assigned web projects. Manage and oversee completion of project deliverables, milestones, and sign-off stages.
• Demonstrate strong analytical and product management skills and the ability to interact professionally with diverse groups - executives, managers, and subject matter experts.
• Produce sophisticated, contemporary UI/UX design for websites, blogs, landing pages, forms, e-mail messages, social media accounts, multimedia applications, and other HTML-related content. Utilize wireframes, storyboarding, or graphic pre-design where appropriate.
• Work closely with IT web development team to plan, document and implement page designs and updates to existing and new web properties. Serve as the liaison between the customer community (internal and external customers) and the IT web development team through which requirements flow.
• Show initiative in constantly reassessing company needs and suggesting new projects that meet those needs. Develop new site functionality, or improve existing site functionality, to increase value.
• Work independently to complete tasks or projects assigned within a specified timeframe.
• Ensure that regularly scheduled updates are made to the websites consistently.
• Maintain a well-organized work environment and produce deliverables in a well-structured, easily maintainable format.
• Communicate effectively in both technical and non-technical environments.
• Provide back-up for graphic design staff and perform general graphic design work, as assigned.
• Complete all work assigned with accuracy, timeliness, and to standards set by department director.
• Successfully manage multiple assignments routinely.
• Serve as agent, guardian, and advocate of established corporate brand standards and those of the company's business partners and clients.
• Continuously exhibit a professional, friendly, collaborative, and inclusive demeanor with all fellow associates, clients, vendors, etc.
• Actively lead and/or participate in work-related meetings; contribute ideas and suggestions.
• Perform other related duties as required and assigned.

Competencies

• Expertise in Adobe Creative Cloud applications, including Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign, and Acrobat
• Expertise in Adobe Experience Manager greatly preferred (Must be willing to learn)
• Familiar with interactive design concepts and template-based design for websites utilizing content management platforms.
• Experience building websites compatible across multiple operating systems and web browsers using CSS that conform to W3C standards
• Basic knowledge of source-controlled development environments, such as Visual Studio
• Ability to handle multiple projects simultaneously, meet deadlines, effectively manage priorities, and communicate progress
• Capability of coming up with fresh ideas and diversity in style
• Ability to work effectively and collaboratively in a team environment
• Superior analytical thinking, organizational, and communication skills, both written and oral
• Strong attention to detail and time management skills
• Demonstrate proactive initiative and passion

Requisites

• Bachelor's Degree in Digital Marketing, Web Design, Graphic Design, or related field
• 5+ years as a web designer and web project leader
• Strong technical background and understanding of web development principles and processes
• Expertise in building pages and websites; strong knowledge of HTML5 and CSS3
• Thorough understanding of UI/UX standards and best practices
• Basic understanding of search engine optimization principles and practices
• Familiarity of insurance principles and practices (Must be willing to learn)