Web Designer & Content Creator

Devon County Council; Exeter; On-site; GBP 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

A local government authority in Exeter is seeking a Web Designer and Content Creator to design and maintain user-friendly websites for the education sector. The role involves collaborating with staff and students to create engaging content using WordPress and ensuring accessibility standards are met. The ideal candidate will have strong web design skills, proficiency in WordPress and related tools, and a commitment to excellence. This position offers competitive compensation and collaborative working conditions.

Benefits

Access to the Local Government Pension Scheme

Health scheme and cycle-to-work scheme

Subsidised meals in staff café

High-spec IT equipment

Investment in professional development

Qualifications

• Proven experience in web design with a strong portfolio.
• Proficiency in WordPress, ideally using Elementor.
• Excellent written English and copywriting skills.
• Strong layout design skills and high attention to detail.
• Working knowledge of HTML and CSS, with experience of JavaScript.

Responsibilities

• Design and develop responsive, engaging WordPress-based websites.
• Manage and develop the staff and student intranet.
• Support the migration of the English Hub website from Joomla to WordPress.
• Implement SEO best practices to improve visibility and performance.
• Provide training and guidance to staff on managing website content.

Skills

Web design

WordPress

Communication skills

Organisational skills

Attention to detail

HTML

CSS

JavaScript

UX/UI principles

Tools

Adobe Photoshop

Adobe Premiere Pro

Microsoft SharePoint

Microsoft 365

Job description

As our Web Designer and Content Creator, you will be responsible for designing, developing, and maintaining visually appealing, user-friendly, and accessible websites that act as a digital gateway to our school communities and the wider education sector. You will need to ensure that they are not only well presented but easily navigated, well written to represent the education focus of the Trust. You will work closely with staff, pupils, and the Trust's PR and Marketing Team to ensure websites accurately reflect our ethos and provide clear, engaging, and compliant information to all stakeholders.

• Design and develop responsive, engaging WordPress-based websites, including building sites from scratch.
• Manage and develop the staff and student intranet—using Microsoft SharePoint and the wider Microsoft 365 tools.
• Support the migration of the English Hub website from Joomla to WordPress.
• Apply HTML, CSS, JavaScript, and ideally PHP, to enhance functionality and customise WordPress solutions.
• Demonstrate an understanding of web hosting, DNS, and domain management to support site performance and troubleshooting.
• Create well-structured layouts with a strong eye for detail and consistent visual standards.
• Create content by taking high-quality photos and footage which is then edited into usable images and videos using tools such as Adobe Photoshop and Premiere Pro.
• Provide photography support for events, staff ID photos, and marketing activities.
• Ensure websites meet accessibility standards (WCAG 2.1 AA).
• Implement SEO best practices to improve visibility and performance.
• Maintain and regularly update website content, including news, events, and statutory information.
• Collaborate with staff to gather, review, and publish accurate content.
• Provide training and guidance to staff on managing website content.
• Support the wider marketing team with projects, campaigns, and event planning.

You will have proven experience in web design and a strong portfolio demonstrating both technical and creative ability. You will be confident working independently, proactive in identifying improvements, and comfortable balancing multiple priorities in a busy environment.

Essential Skills & Experience

• Proven experience in web design with a strong portfolio.
• Proficiency in WordPress, ideally using Elementor.
• Excellent organisational, communication, and time-management skills.
• Excellent written English and copywriting skills.
• Strong layout design skills and high attention to detail.
• Working knowledge of HTML and CSS, with experience of JavaScript.
• Strong understanding of UX/UI principles.
• Ability to work collaboratively with technical and non-technical colleagues.

Desirable Skills

• Experience with PHP for WordPress customisation.
• Understanding of hosting environments and DNS management.
• Experience working in an education or public-sector environment.
• SharePoint and Microsoft 365.
• Drone experience.

Cornerstone Academy Trust is a Trust of seven primary schools; the successful candidate will be responsible for supporting the development of our websites and the wider educational community which includes the Department for Education's national English Hub website.

Working primarily with WordPress and Elementor, we also make extensive use of plugins and custom code to deliver the rich, immersive digital experiences expected by our users. Our Trust has a national reputation for its innovative use of technology, and this role offers a rare opportunity to work on local, national, and international websites, providing excellent scope for professional and career development. We believe our websites should reflect the same high standards, creativity, and commitment to excellence that our schools demonstrate every day. You will be provided with a modern, high-spec PC, laptop, and all the technology required to succeed in your role.

Benefits

We offer a competitive package salary, starting in the region of £27,114, commensurate with experience. Working at Cornerstone Academy Trust you'll be working in a modern facility with:

• A supportive and collaborative working environment.
• Opportunities to work on high-profile national and international education websites.
• Access to the Local Government Pension Scheme.
• Health scheme and cycle-to-work scheme.
• Subsidised meals in our staff café, prepared by in-house chefs.
• High-spec IT equipment provided.
• Investment in professional development, training, and performance management, including performance-related bonuses.
• Discounted childcare scheme.

This post is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 (Exceptions) Order 1975 (2013 and 2020). This means that certain convictions and cautions are considered 'protected' and do not need to be disclosed to employers, and if they are disclosed, employers cannot take them into account. Guidance about whether a conviction or caution should be disclosed can be found on the Ministry of Justice website: Guidance on the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 and the Exceptions Order 1975 - GOV.UK. An enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service check is required for all our posts. We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expect all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. Please note online searches may be done as part of pre-recruitment checks.