Director, Web Strategy & Development

Chapman University; Orange (CA); On-site; USD 140,000 - 170,000; Full time

Job summary

Chapman University in Orange, CA seeks a Director, Web Strategy & Development to shape the university’s digital presence, oversee web strategy, design, and governance, and lead a cross‑functional team to deliver accessible, high‑performing experiences.

The role blends strategic leadership with hands‑on technical direction, coordinating with marketing, IS&T, and campus partners to modernize the flagship site and drive enrollment, engagement, and reputation.

Qualifications

• 6+ years in web design/development, UX/UI and web strategy.
• 4+ years in web programming with HTML, CSS, JavaScript, jQuery, PHP, WordPress, REST, APIs.
• Strong CMS knowledge (WordPress, Drupal, Modern Campus).
• Experience with marketing tech (Salesforce Marketing Cloud, Google Analytics, GTM, dashboards).
• Proven leadership of cross‑functional teams and projects.

Responsibilities

• Drive strategy, roadmap, and execution of Chapman’s web presence aligned with marketing and enrollment goals.
• Lead governance for brand consistency, usability, accessibility, and technical excellence.
• Collaborate with marketing, content owners, and IT to ensure high‑quality, user‑centered content and experiences.
• Ensure security, privacy, accessibility, and regulatory compliance across platforms.
• Oversee CMS governance, training, workflow, and best practices.
• Lead web development team, prioritization, resourcing, and timely delivery.

Skills

Web strategy

UX/UI

Leadership

Project management

Communication

Cross-functional collaboration

Security & accessibility

SEO & analytics

Education

Bachelor's degree in CS/marketing/web

Tools

HTML

CSS

JavaScript

jQuery

PHP

WordPress

GitHub

REST & APIs

MySQL

Job description

Position Title:

Director, Web Strategy & Development

Position Type:

Regular

Job Number:

SA88724

Full or Part Time:

full-time 40 hours weekly

Fair Labor Standard Act Classification:

Exempt

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.

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 in 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.
• Code websites using HTML, CSS, JavaScript, jQuery, PHP, WordPress, GitHub, REST, APIs, and have a general understanding of other languages.
• 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.

Team Leadership & Collaboration

• 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.
• 4+ years of experience in web programming using technologies like HTML, CSS, JavaScript, jQuery, PHP, MySQL, WordPress, GitHub, REST, APIs, and have a general understanding of REST, API design, web service architecture and other languages.
• 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.