(McLean, Virginia)

USA TODAY is looking for an ambitious digital designer with the ability to rapidly prototype and execute outstanding user experiences that lead to growth in the business. This position requires the ability to communicate design principles verbally and through wire frames, comps and HTML. We’re looking for a team player able to easily move across disciplines in working with journalists, developers and business professionals. USA TODAY’s history for excellence in design demands you be among the best and brightest. You will be part of the Innovation team that is building some of the most high profile and cutting edge products in the company. Must be at home in code as well as more traditional digital design tools. Looking for fluency in (x)HTML, CSS and JavaScript (particularly jQuery).

RESPONSIBILITIES:

* Responsible for design and implementation of various aspects of USATODAY.com.  This includes web user interface design, news design, mobile and tablet.

* Demonstrates technical knowledge and skills, such as interaction design, user experience, tableless HTML and CSS, and cross-browser compatibility, and applies them to USA TODAY’s editorial and business objectives.

* Helps foster an open and productive atmosphere within the Design Team.

* Delivers hand-coded XHTML and CSS files to Engineering team for development.

* Developing design prototypes and comprehensives for any given stage of design process.

Required Skills/Experience:

* Four-year degree in design or relevant experience

* 3-5 years of hands-on experience in visual and interactive design

* Skills in major graphic software programs: Photoshop, Illustrator, and HTML Authoring tools such as CODA or Esspresso.

* Detailed understanding of color, space, and typography

* Keen eye for detail and a proven track record producing consistent clean icons, graphics, and layouts

* Strong HTML/CSS skills: The ability turn your creative vision into code is a must

* Able to successfully manage all aspects of a project from start to finish

* Must be self-motivated, a good communicator, comfortable following direction, and able to balance great design with meeting short deadlines

* Able to produce results independently as well as collaboratively in a team

Recommended:

* Well-developed portfolio of proven, client-facing work.

* Understanding of SEO best practices and semantic markup.

* Familiarity with next generation HTML 5 and CSS 3 technologies.

* Ability to write standards-based code that validates (XHTML/CSS/508).

* Excellent understanding of User Experience Design and the ability to move users through a series of tasks to achieve a particular outcome.

USA TODAY offer great health benefits, a state-of-the-art gym and training staff, an amazing building, and beautiful grounds that include a track, volleyball court, basketball and tennis courts and a full size softball field complete with bleachers.

If interested, please send a resume and link to your portfolio site to Chuck Rose, Director of Product Development and Design to the following address: 6966@jobs.authenticjobs.com. You must have a portfolio site to be considered.