Acquity Group: Front-End Development Architect

Location: Chicago, IL
URL: www.acquitygroup.com

Acquity Group is a Chicago-based digital agency with offices across the U.S., and we’re ranked by Ad Age as one of the Top 5 Independent Digital Agencies in the country. Our Front-End Development team holds a key role in bridging the gap between user-centered design and cutting edge technology implementation. We write JavaScript, objective-C, HTML, and ActionScript; but in turn, we also help our designers be better designers, and help our technologists be better technologists. As Front-End Development Architect, you will have an excellent opportunity to lead project teams, run a group of like minded developers, and work with exciting, strategic clients. A strong visual eye and understanding of design concepts is necessary, as is a perspective on front and backend technologies and their impact on the design process.

What would you say… you do here?

• Architect and produce HTML/CSS/JavaScript templates from design documentation for integrating into desktop and mobile websites and web applications
• Understand cross-browser and cross-platform compatibility and quirks

• Develop standards, methodology and repeatable processes
• Provide oversight and critique during projects
• Map out the development approach for projects
• Explore industry trends to share with the team
• Mentor and lead a team of junior developers
• Work closely with Client representatives throughout a project to refine deliverables and meet expectations.
• Provide overview of FED group mission and typical project work to both prospective and signed Clients using RFPs and kickoff sessions.
• Contribute to scoping and project estimation efforts.
• Assist in the development of standards, methodologies and repeatable processes for delivery of creative services

It’d be great if you had:

• Minimum five years experience working at an advertising, design, or consulting agency
• Bachelor’s (Master’s a plus) degree in Computer Science / Marketing / Advertising / Interactive Design / Graphic Design or equivalent experience
• Experience leading the execution of large scale website launches

• Ability to solve complex development problems and efficiently develop practical, forward-thinking, semantic/well-structured code
• Solid understanding of W3C and accessibility guidelines
• Process-oriented with ability to work with different UI materials and rapid prototyping

• Strong communications and organizational skills with an ability to thrive in a fast-paced production deadline-driven environment

You’re definitely going to need to be an expert with:

• HTML, XHTML, HTML5, CSS, Web graphic production
• AJAX / JavaScript / jQuery
• Adobe CS production suite (Photoshop, Illustrator, Flash)
• IE  6+, Firefox, Safari and Chrome Browsers on Mac and PC
• SVN

While not required, it might be helpful if you knew a thing or two about:

• iOS / Android / Blackberry app development
• Flash / ActionScript / Flex

Ok, sounds great and all, but what’s the actual team and culture like over there?

• There’s a reason the happy hour for the entire Chicago office is called the “FED Workshop”.
• Be warned. The FED Team has an odd obsession with cats. All the FPO images we use are cat pictures. Cat memes are shared frequently (read: all the time). Whenever we give internal presentations? You guessed it: cat-themed PowerPoints.

* This is a full-time salaried position with great benefits and bonus opportunities.

* Applicants for employment in the U.S. must possess work authorization which does not require sponsorship by the employer for a visa.

* Acquity Group is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

To apply: Visit our Careers Site at this URL, http://www.acquitygroup.com/Careers/Front-End-Development-Manager/, and submit your resume and contact info there. Be sure to mention that you found us through 37signals too. We look forward to hearing from you. Cheers.

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