Web and User Experience Designer

Role Description

This role sits within the University’s Communications department, driving forward the design and user experience of the site to maximise our student recruitment outcomes and for the benefit of all its users.

It's an exciting time to join the team as we build on the first phase of our significant website redesign that launched in 2025, continuing the rollout of the design to other key university systems and delivering high-impact projects in support of student recruitment objectives.

Key responsibilities include:

• Designing components and layouts for the University’s Digital Pattern Library to meet student recruitment, student experience and wider business needs.
• Working with developers in Communications and IT Services to implement designs within the Terminalfour Web CMS and other platforms.
• Working with student recruitment marketing and other business areas on implementation of digital projects to maximise lead generation, conversion and quality of user experience.
• Leading on user research activities to inform design decisions and implementation plans for digital projects.
• Producing user journey maps, wireframes, mockups, prototypes, sitemaps and other UX documentation.
• Collaborating with system owners to help implement the University’s visual identity and maximise usability of those systems.

We work in a hybrid way, with a requirement to be on campus at least one day per week. The role is not available for fully remote working.

This role is part-time, working 29.6 hours per week (0.8 full-time equivalent).  Arrangements to be negotiated.

About the team

The Communications department brings together specialists in digital communications, media relations, internal communications, research communications and events. Our mission is to advance institutional profile and reputation, and help build a strong University community who feel informed, supported and connected.

Within Communications, the Digital Platforms and Developments team consists of this post, two front-end developers, a platforms specialist and a team lead. You will work closely with this immediate team plus others in Communications including content specialists and graphic designers.

Skills, experience and qualifications needed

• Ability to create attractive and usable designs for the web, from individual components to full pages and user journeys around a site
• Knowledge of user experience design and accessibility best practices
• Experience using web content management systems (CMS)
• Skilled in the use of software for website design such as Figma
• An understanding of HTML, CSS and JavaScript
• Ability to understand an organisational brand and apply it across digital channels
• Experience working with design systems used to manage the templates and components that underpin large and complex websites
• Experience of creating core user experience design deliverables such as wireframes, prototypes and journey maps

Interview date: To be confirmed

For informal enquiries please contact Paul Kelly, Digital Platforms and Developments Manager, paul.kelly@york.ac.uk.

The University strives to be diverse and inclusive  – a place where we can ALL be ourselves.

We particularly encourage applications from people who identify as Black, Asian or from a Minority Ethnic background, who are underrepresented at the University. 

We offer family friendly, flexible working arrangements, with forums and inclusive facilities to support our staff. #EqualityatYork

As a Disability Confident employer, we will ensure that a fair and proportionate number of disabled applicants that meet the minimum (essential) criteria for each position will be offered an interview.  Read more about the University of York’s commitments under the Disability Confident scheme.