Director, Web Strategy & Development

PeopleAdmin, Inc.; Irvine (CA); On-site; USD 140,000 - 170,000; Full time

Job summary

Chapman University seeks a Director of Web Strategy & Development to shape the vision and execution of the university’s web ecosystem. You will drive high-performing, accessible digital experiences that advance enrollment, engagement, and the Chapman brand.

This role blends strategic leadership with hands-on design and development, partnering with campus leaders to translate needs into scalable digital solutions, while governing web platforms and ensuring security, accessibility, and governance

Qualifications

• 6+ years of experience in web design/development, UX/UI and web strategy.
• Strong understanding of CMS platforms (WordPress, Drupal, Modern Campus).
• Experience with marketing technologies: Salesforce Marketing Cloud, Google Analytics & GTM.

Responsibilities

• Lead strategy, architecture, design, development, and optimization of the university’s web ecosystem.
• Oversee UX/UI, accessibility, and SEO to improve usability and engagement.
• Plan and prioritize website enhancements, upgrades, and performance improvements.
• Manage web development team, project intake, and delivery within scope.
• Ensure documentation, governance, and best practices across digital properties.
• Lead and mentor a team of web professionals and manage vendor relationships.

Skills

Web strategy

Leadership

Project management

Communication

Collaboration

Education

Bachelor’s degree in computer science, digital marketing, web development, UX design, or related field

Tools

WordPress

Drupal

Modern Campus

Salesforce Marketing Cloud

Google Analytics

Google Tag Manager

Asana

Jira

Trello

Job description

Please see Special Instructions for more details.

At Chapman University, we believe collaboration thrives through in-person engagement. This position is fully on campus, and employees work alongside colleagues, faculty, students, and staff each day to support our vibrant university community.

Chapman University is an equal opportunity employer that provides equal employment opportunities to all individuals, regardless of their protected characteristics. All qualified applicants and employees are encouraged to apply and will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, national origin, ancestry, citizenship status, physical disability, mental disability, medical condition, military and veteran status, marital status, pregnancy, genetic information or any other characteristic protected by state or federal law.

Applicants for Staff and Administrator positions must be currently authorized to work in the United States on a full-time basis.

The offer of employment is contingent upon satisfactory completion and outcomes of a criminal background screening and returning to the Office of Human Resources a signed original acceptance of the Chapman University Agreement to Arbitrate.

Position Information

Position Type Regular

Job Number

SA88724

Full or Part Time

full-time 40 hours weekly

Fair Labor Standard Act Classification Exempt

Anticipated Pay Range

Anticipated Pay Range $140,000-$170,000

Pay Range Information

Chapman University is required to provide a reasonable estimate of the compensation range for this position. This range takes into account a variety of factors that are considered in making compensation decisions, including experience, skills, knowledge, abilities, education, licensure and certifications, and other business and organizational needs. Salary offers are determined based on the final candidate’s qualifications and experience, as well as internal equity and other internal factors. The anticipated pay range is not a promise of a particular wage.

Position Summary Information

Job Description Summary

The Director, Web Strategy & Development is a strategic leader responsible for shaping the vision, strategy, and execution of Chapman University’s web ecosystem. This role drives the evolution of the university’s digital presence by delivering engaging, accessible, high-performing, and user-centered web experiences that advance institutional priorities, strengthen the Chapman brand, and support enrollment, engagement, and reputation.

This position requires a unique blend of strategic leadership, technical expertise, web design and development experience, and cross-functional collaboration. The Director partners with campus leaders and stakeholders to translate business needs into scalable digital solutions while leading the ongoing development, optimization, and governance of the university’s web platforms. The role is both strategic and operational, serving as a trusted advisor to university leadership while remaining closely connected to the technical direction, architecture, and implementation of the web ecosystem.

This is an exciting opportunity to lead a major digital transformation, including the redesign of Chapman’s flagship website, modernization of web governance, and the development of scalable digital experiences that serve key audiences.

This position is in person in Orange, CA. The successful candidate will be expected to be full-time in office.

Responsibilities

Strategic Web & MarTech Leadership

• Drive the strategy, roadmap, and execution of the university’s web presence aligned with institutional marketing and enrollment goals.
• Lead website governance to ensure brand consistency, usability, and accessibility, and technical excellence across all digital properties.
• Partner and collaborate with marketing teams, content owners and creators to ensure engaging, high-quality, user-centered content and a seamless digital experience.
• Collaborate with IS&T, legal, and other campus partners to ensure web platforms meet security, privacy, accessibility, and regulatory compliance requirements.
• Help facilitate the research, implementation, training and technical maintenance of our marketing technology stack.
• Build trusted relationships with campus leaders and communicate digital strategy, performance, and recommendations through data-driven insights, clear presentations, and actionable roadmaps.

Web Design, Development & Optimization

• Lead the strategy, architecture, design, development, and continuous optimization of Chapman’s web ecosystem to deliver exceptional, user-centered digital experiences.
• Oversee website architecture, user experience (UX), and interface design (UI) to improve usability, engagement, and conversion.
• Direct the planning, prioritization, and execution of website enhancements, redesigns, platform upgrades, and performance optimization initiatives.
• Lead the web development team’s project intake, prioritization, resource planning, and delivery to ensure projects are completed on time and within scope.
• Ensure all digital experiences are optimized for SEO , mobile responsiveness, and accessibility standards ( WCAG ).
• Manage the debugging process to ensure healthy and functioning marketing websites.
• Oversee content management system ( CMS ) governance, support, training, workflow, and best practices.
• Lead and mentor a team of web design, development, UX/UI, content and analytics specialists.
• Manage relationships with external vendors, agencies, and technology partners.
• Work with SMC team members and other stakeholders for user testing and feedback needs.
• Work with IT and other campus partners in the procurement of new web & marketing technology.
• Ensure the documentation of new processes, technology, consistency guides, training materials, and style libraries.
• Participate in the hiring and performance evaluations of team members.
• Foster a culture of innovation, collaboration, and continuous improvement.

Analytics & Performance Measurement

• Establish KPIs and use data-driven insights to optimize the website for conversions and engagement.
• Conduct regular audits, usability testing, and competitive analysis to refine strategies.
• Implement A/B testing and personalization strategies to enhance user experience.
• Measure and report through analytics and other tracking systems.

Required Qualifications

• 6+ years of experience in web design/development, UX/UI and web strategy.
• Strong understanding of CMS platforms (e.g., WordPress, Drupal, Modern Campus), UX/UI best practices, and web technologies.
• Experience in web content optimization for SEO and improving engagement.
• Experience with marketing technologies including Salesforce Marketing Cloud (marketing automation), Google Analytics, Google Tag Manager, dashboard, SEMrush and other tools to support marketing goals.
• Experience with tools like SiteImprove for accessibility standards ( WCAG ), compliance, and web security best practices.
• Proven leadership experience managing teams and cross-functional projects.
• Strong project management skills, with experience using tools like Asana, Jira, or Trello.
• Excellent communication skills, both written and oral and interpersonal skills.
• Strong commitment to customer service and teamwork.
• Ability to work under tight deadlines and sometimes shifting priorities.

Desired Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in computer science, digital marketing, web development, UX design, or a related field.
• Familiarity with marketing automation, CRM platforms, and personalization strategies.
• Experience in higher education and/or nonprofit sectors is a plus.
• Strong communications skills to explain technology concepts in an understandable manner.

Special Instructions to Applicants

At Chapman University, we believe collaboration thrives through in-person engagement. This position is fully on campus, and employees work alongside colleagues, faculty, students, and staff each day to support our vibrant university community.

Chapman University is an equal opportunity employer that provides equal employment opportunities to all individuals, regardless of their protected characteristics. All qualified applicants and employees are encouraged to apply and will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, national origin, ancestry, citizenship status, physical disability, mental disability, medical condition, military and veteran status, marital status, pregnancy, genetic information or any other characteristic protected by state or federal law.

Applicants for Staff and Administrator positions must be currently authorized to work in the United States on a full-time basis.

The offer of employment is contingent upon satisfactory completion and outcomes of a criminal background screening and returning to the Office of Human Resources a signed original acceptance of the Chapman University Agreement to Arbitrate.

Pre-screening Questions

Required fields are indicated with an asterisk (*).

Required Documents

• Resume
• Cover Letter

Optional Documents

MAIN CAMPUS

One University Drive

Orange, CA 92866

[phone]

RINKER HEALTH SCIENCE CAMPUS

9401 Jeronimo Road

Irvine, CA 92618

© 2019 CHAPMAN UNIVERSITY

The offer of employment is contingent upon satisfactory completion and outcomes of a criminal background screening, and returning to the Office of Human Resources a signed original acceptance of the Chapman University Agreement to Arbitrate.