Web & UX Design Specialist

Job Description

The Massachusetts Department of Public Health (DPH) is seeking a motivated Web and UX Design Specialist within the Communications Office. You will play an essential role in shaping a high-impact, user-focused digital experience for one of the most visited public health websites in the Commonwealth. This position champions a seamless and accessible web presence, ensuring that content is clearly written, thoughtfully organized, and aligned with the highest standards of readability, accessibility, and responsiveness. Through strategic use of the Drupal CMS and tools like Google Analytics, you will turn complex health information into engaging, easy-to-navigate web content that helps diverse audiences find the resources they need, including during public health emergencies and high-traffic moments.

This is a dynamic opportunity for a design-minded communicator who values clarity, usability, and digital equity. You will collaborate closely with public health experts, contribute to campaign strategy, and ensure that every web interaction reflects the Department's mission and brand. Whether enhancing accessibility for users with disabilities or optimizing for search engine performance, your work will directly impact the public's ability to access critical information when it matters most. As a core member of a supportive, mission-driven team, you will stay at the forefront of UX trends and digital communication practices in government.

Duties and Responsibilities (these duties are a general summary and not all inclusive):

• Lead the development, maintenance, and continuous quality improvement of the Department's website using the Drupal content management system, ensuring a user-friendly and accessible digital experience.
• Serve as the primary point of contact for all emergency and after-hours web content updates related to emerging public health threats, critical information alerts, and breaking news.
• Apply advanced knowledge of Drupal's technical features and image tools to structure content logically and incorporate branded campaign imagery across diverse page types.
• Monitor and troubleshoot website functionality, including resolving broken URLs and addressing back-end issues that hinder access to content.
• Utilize Google Analytics to perform behavioral analysis, identify user navigation patterns, and make data-informed recommendations to enhance the user experience.
• Implement and maintain compliance with all applicable digital accessibility standards (including WCAG), using leading testing tools and techniques to ensure inclusivity.
• Collaborate with internal subject matter experts to create and revise content aligned with the Mass.gov style guide, and manage the review and approval process for publication.
• Develop and maintain web content using plain language principles, ensuring clarity and readability for a wide range of public audiences.
• Strategize, design, and maintain campaign-specific web pages and coordinate content repurposing for social media platforms to support broader communication efforts.
• Contribute to departmental communications planning, participate in team meetings and cross-functional workgroups, and support the management of intranet content and internal initiatives.

• Proficient in all aspects of the Drupal content management system, with the technical expertise to troubleshoot broken links and resolve back-end website issues.
• Skilled in using Google Analytics for behavioral mapping and data analysis to inform continuous website improvement and user experience optimization.
• Knowledgeable in search engine optimization (SEO) strategies and web accessibility standards, including screen reader compatibility and WCAG compliance.
• Demonstrated ability to write and edit web content using plain language principles, with excellent communication skills and attention to detail.
• Experienced in managing content for social media platforms and aligning messaging across digital channels to support public health campaigns.
• Strong organizational skills, including the ability to assemble, format, and present information using charts, graphs, tables, and reports.
• Adaptable and responsive to feedback, capable of identifying user needs and making timely, strategic updates to web content.
• Committed to staying current with best practices and emerging trends in web writing and digital communications, especially within the public sector.
• Able to work independently and under pressure, including availability for emergency and after-hours updates during public health events.
• Proven ability to follow and give clear instructions, exercise sound judgment, manage confidential information with discretion, and collaborate effectively with colleagues and stakeholders.

• Proven experience with UX design.
• Knowledge of standards of digital accessibility.
• Demonstrated writing and editing skills.