Job Specification

Purpose of Position :

Leads EQAO's Web strategy to achieve business objectives and to make the Web experience an excellent one for site visitors. Develops and maintains site standards. Develops and trains staff on governance and guidelines for ensuring the effective and consistent creation, maintenance, and retirement of site content. Monitors and evaluates the use, effectiveness and success of the Web site to inform its ongoing development (analytics and reporting/analysis). Develops strategies to optimize and showcase the site's content (UX). Works with stakeholders throughout the organization and external vendors in the development and maintenance of site content.
Approves content readiness and publishes content to the site. Actively develops and produces digital content for the site.

Duties / Responsibilities :

1. Develops and oversees the implementation of EQAO's Web strategy. Providing design and development services for complex or high-profile web-based projects; providing consultation to identify website requirements for specific business needs and initiatives; determining the appropriate web-based tools to effectively meet the program/initiative and communication objectives; Provides direction and consultation on the 'look' and 'feel' of content; Ensures compliance with government and industry standards, make sure the website is always AODA compliant. Arranges for translations for French content for site upload where required.
2. Leads, guides and coordinates the preparation of content and updates for EQAO's websites in English and
French, to support EQAO program areas and initiatives and integration with social media channels. Implements and manages the collection of content for the website; reviewing website content prepared by content owners for online clarity and presentation; Develops and maintains website content naming conventions, Establishes Reviews and provides feedback to content prepared by others for HTML publishing. Identifies client objectives, requirements and target audiences; works with staff to prepare and design the material to optimize user interface/experience based on industry standards.
3. Project manages projects related to the Web site and digital communications. Manages project issues and expectations related to product quality and deadlines and provides regular updates concerning project status and progress. Ensures projects are within budget.
4. Monitors and produces statistical reports on website usage or other criteria to evaluate site effectiveness and identify concerns and issues related to website content, linkages or management; developing and implementing methods/strategies for resolution and implements approved changes.
5. Manages and updates a website publishing calendar and schedules projects accordingly and in conjunction withEQAO corporate requirements and governance; develops project tracking, monitoring and reporting system.
6. Provides input into creative and design options for website products. Prepare videos for uploads to web and ensures they are playing (streaming/downloading) properly when viewed (transcript).
7. Participates on committees and/or chairs working groups to share/exchange information on best practices, strategy development, policy, program, and service-related issues and solutions and program and service delivery improvement approaches with colleagues in related business areas.
8. Assists in the procurement of external services (e.g., website development, photographers, videographers, and specialized technical support), develops business cases, costing of services, specifications and requirements and monitoring vendor work quality and timelines; Evaluates and makes recommendations for requirement related to digital communications.
9. Leads and maintains a strong working group of representatives from other EQAO teams in
developing/maintaining the website, (e.g., leading meetings to identify/consider improvements and to resolve technical and/or process issues, leading and coordinating discussions and implementation of new website initiatives).
10. Develop and document effective business procedures and subsequent development of appropriate platforms training material for content creators and approvers.
11. Supervises and provides training to the editor-in-chief backup role, pertaining to all aspects of day-to-day website content management, conducts web site content management training, e.g., developing training objectives, preparing training outlines and exercises.
12. Participates in the development of EQAO internet governance, policies and standards and recommends improvements to internal procedures to improve effectiveness. Updates Content Author manual and website design style guidelines.
13. Undertakes other communications-related duties, as assigned. Occasionally, on short notice, works beyond normal hours caused by emerging requests and unpredictable job demands. Responding to correspondence and inquiries from the public on EQAO's websites services.

Staffing and Licensing :

n/a

Knowledge :

Communications theory, methods, techniques and planning methods pertaining to web site design, mobile/tablet standards, content development and graphics techniques; video production and editing, social media tools e.g., YouTube, Vimeo;
Mandatory knowledge of closed caption
Strong analytical knowledge and skills (Google Analytics) to provide detailed analytical reports based on data findings.
Expert in Web UX ' Various CMS (such as SharePoint, WordPress, etc.) Architecture, workflows, Testing methodologies, concepts, governance, operations and development disciplines; Website design and architecture, mobile/tablet responsive design, technology and trends, user interface/experience theories, information architecture, content publishing and graphics to design, develop and maintain agency Internet website;
Government website design and publishing industry standards (WWW), web conventions to ensure compliance with established practice; OPS regulatory/legislative requirements (e.g. Accessibility requirements, Internet
Design Standards, Publishing and Content guidelines, Ontarians with Disabilities Act, French Language Services Act), to reflect requirements for government agency websites; Objectives and business needs to adapt and develop website materials to meet agency requirements; EQAO communications standards, policies, protocols conventions and decision-making structures to ensure that website is accurate, user-friendly and accessible to users;
Current desktop and Internet software, networks and groupware, Internet protocols, to coordinate day to day project services related to the development and management of the EQAO internet sites, and to design/manage the EQAO overall website structure; research methods and writing styles/techniques to research and write content for websites;
Project management including project planning and budgeting to coordinate all stages of web design/development and video projects within tight deadlines;
Ministry administrative directives, policies and procedures related to tendering, purchasing and contract administration to ensure purchasing of creative services meet standards.
HTML, web content management and content web authoring and editing tools; CMS, Google analytics, MS Office suite, content management systems, File Transfer Protocol (FTP) software; Mobile and responsive design theories; digital media design and editing software i.e., Photoshop, illustrator, InDesign, Fireworks;

Skills :

Strategic thinking and analytical skills to determine communication concept/strategy of website
projects/assignments; to assess the effectiveness and use of EQAO's web site in order to continuously enhance the site strategy and improve the web experience for users; develop products and content for the website; design new/innovative techniques for the format and display of on-line communications; determine style, approach and tone for maximum impact; evaluate and determine the best option for presentation on-line.
Problem-solving and reasoning skills to determine whether the source of a technical problem is coding and resolve by administering changes in coding, layout, language or positioning within the codes; to identify and restore broken links, and add or correct links from website pages to other resources; coordinate arrangements with EQAO staff and external/contractors, and to resolve problems; to determine the appropriate website design, structure and content to effectively promote/communicate EQAO programs/services.
Negotiation, facilitation and assertiveness skills to discuss and coordinate arrangements with EQAO staff external/contractors; Articulate feedback to unsuccessful bidders and to resolve problems with project team. Relationship management, oral communication and presentation skills used in the delivery of training; to communicate, consult and determine website problems and processes and develop improvements in content and service; liaise with EQAO staff and vendors and service providers; participate on committees; work collaboratively on project teams, committees and other joint initiatives.
Reasoning, analytical and evaluative skills to determine and coordinate the design and development of digital media products and services to meet organization communication needs: to ensure that sites meet mandatory standards; implement communication approaches to meet specific agency requirements; evaluate site
effectiveness; to evaluate digital media strategies against communications objectives, report on findings, develop solutions and make appropriate recommendations to management to ensure strategies continue to advance business and EQAO interests; to provide advice on appropriate evaluation criteria before implementation of digital strategies, and analyze and summarize performance metrics;
Guidance / Supervision skills to provide direction to staff on Website Content Management System; training, advice and guidance for creating and publishing web content on the various sites, resolves problems/issues, and explains processes and approvals to ensure posting timelines/project requirements are met in compliance with EQAO governance.
Project Management and organizational skills to plan, organize and manage resources to achieve project goals and deliverables; plan and lead procurement initiatives; adapt to changing plans, priorities and issues affecting work/assignments.
Design and development skills to design and code website pages, troubleshoot code, and advise on industry web standards and best practices; check links, verify copy to link; ensure visual identity/appearance is user-friendly; Written communication skills to develop training material, prepare business cases, RFP's, contracts, and materials for the website related to complex and/or high profile EQAO programs/initiatives.

Freedom of Action :

The incumbent acts with a considerable degree of independence and initiative under general direction of the Manager, Communications and Public Affairs within a broad framework of government policies/guidelines and recognized communication practices and quality standards. The incumbent works with the senior management and other communications counterparts. The incumbent is expected to set own priorities and schedule, select own approaches, methods and techniques, plan and oversee assigned resources in a timely and cost-effective manner.
Job requires using best judgment and independent decision making in the absence of supervisor or director.
Situations clearly outside policy or subject to varying interpretations are referred to the manager.
The position acts as a website/digital communications expert. Decision-making involves: identifying objectives, requirements and target audiences;
recommending strategies for presenting online communication material; recommending digital strategies and processes to maximize communications effectiveness; making recommendations on standards, and content uploaded to support EQAO goals; recommending and providing insights and opportunities in the digital landscape; providing direction and advice into digital communication policies and standards; and recommending improvements to internal procedures to improve effectiveness.
The position exercises judgement by developing and managing EQAO's website's structure, content and linkages, and providing project leadership to website design, development and digital communications projects; monitoring and assessing the ongoing quality and effectiveness of website content and structure, and initiating changes as required.
The position consults with the Manager, Communications and Public Affairs related to complex website project development/implementation problems, and to clarify the interpretation of project plans, objectives and priorities as required. Work is reviewed by the Manager, Communications and Public Affairs for website quality and ability to meet project objectives and deadlines.