Webmaster

The Strategic Communications Department is looking for a Webmaster reporting to the Director of Digital Communications. This position is based on the Beirut campus with occasional commuting to the Byblos campus.

Role Summary

The Webmaster is mainly responsible for the maintenance and improvement of more than 50 official LAU websites. S/he will ensure site security, the overall functionality of the websites, handle website analytics, search engine optimization (SEO), troubleshooting and problem-solving. S/he will work daily with web developers and other members of the digital communications team; with the larger Strategic Communications team of creators and planners; and occasionally with faculty and staff members from other areas of the university.

Main Duties & Responsibilities

• Manages the software and hardware infrastructure on which the websites run
  • Monitors and deploys hosting (DreamHost VPS), checks error logs, analyzes website performance, troubleshoots and provides recommendations as needed
  • Supervises the upgrading, security, and stability of the CMS (Movable Type)
  • Makes and monitors requests for subdomain allocations and other DNS-related tasks
  • Implements security measures to protect the website from cyber threats, malware, or other vulnerabilities, and takes immediate action when there’s an active threat
  • Administers Google Analytics, Search, Webmaster Tools, and other SEO tools
  • Administers access to payment gateway for donations
  • Helps the supervisor ensure timely payments of subscriptions and hosting costs
• Manages digital projects in coordination with the communications associates
  • Builds new websites and updates, migrates, and/or redesigns existing websites
  • Coordinates with communications associates to identify requirements, timelines, milestones, and scope of work for web projects and identifies compelling content
  • Reviews the web developers’ code for quality, efficiency, performance, accessibility, and other standards
  • Optimizes website performance and enhances overall user experience
  • Writes documentation and trains website editors/coordinators
  • Supervises integrations with the portal and other applications managed by IT
• Manages the email marketing application (interim: Direct Mail for Mac) including composing emails, setting up lists, sending, and reporting mass emails
• Resolves technical problems promptly or assigns support/maintenance requests to the team
• Provides reports, inventories, and data such as reports on website traffic, user engagement, and other key metrics; lists/worksheets of hosted websites, website editors, etc.
• Monitors and responds to website feedback and other queries received on “webmaster@lau”
• Occasionally performs website content updates if the need arises; publishes emergency messages on the website
• Researches and recommends new software or online solutions as needs arise
• Performs other duties pertinent to this job as assigned

Minimum Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in computer science, business, or any related field
• Minimum 6 years of experience, 3 out of which are in a similar capacity
• Experience with Apache server configuration, hosting, remote connections, security, SSL, database management, and knowledge of cloud hosting
• Experience in website building technologies and languages, W3C standards, WAI-ARIA, programming, MySQL, web servers (Apache), etc.
• Experience with HTML5, CSS3, JavaScript, JQuery, PHP or equivalent technologies
• Experience in digital media manipulation and optimization
• Good command of written and spoken English; good communication skills
• Excellent teamwork skills
• Ability to explain technical topics in layman’s terms
• Keen on sharing information and resources
• Positive attitude and a solutions-focused orientation

Interested candidates should email their CVs with a letter of interest outlining the applicant’s relevant experience to vacancy7@lau.edu.lb, specifying the job title in the subject line.

CVs should include the exact month and year while listing the candidate’s professional experience and educational background.

Closing date for accepting applications is Monday, September 23, 2024.

No applications will be accepted after this date, and only shortlisted candidates will be notified.

The Lebanese American University is an Equal Opportunity Employer.