Protect our Land, Ascend with Us!

Ascension LLC is seeking a Website Design Subject Matter Expert (SME) to support the University of Maryland’s initiative to equip undercapitalized entrepreneurs with professionally designed, mobile-optimized websites. The SME will deliver end-to-end website development services tailored to an entrepreneur’s business stage and digital maturity, including planning, design, CMS configuration, SEO setup, analytics integration, e-commerce configuration (as applicable), revisions, launch, and training.

The ideal candidate is a detail-oriented, highly organized digital designer/developer with strong creative and technical skills. They must be self-driven, proactive, and comfortable working independently with minimal supervision. The role requires a resourceful professional who can:

• Quickly assess business needs
• Translate expectations into high-quality website deliverables
• Guide non-technical entrepreneurs through the full lifecycle
• Communicate clearly, manage multiple priorities, and anticipate issues

This SME will ensure entrepreneurs receive a website they can confidently manage post-launch. Tools needed include CMS platforms (WordPress, Wix, Shopify, Squarespace), design tools, and analytics platforms (Google Analytics or CMS-native tools).

Day-to-Day Responsibilities:

• Conduct intake discovery sessions to assess entrepreneur goals, digital maturity, and required website features.
• Recommend the appropriate website package (3–10 pages; with or without e-commerce).
• Gather, organize, and prepare client-provided content (text, photos, links).
• Design mobile-optimized, professional website layouts consistent with the entrepreneur’s brand and business goals.
• Build websites using CMS platforms such as WordPress, Wix, Squarespace, or Shopify.
• Configure CMS settings, navigation menus, templates, and responsive formatting.
• Set up basic or advanced SEO settings depending on the package tier.
• Integrate analytics tools (Google Analytics or platform-level tracking).
• Create e-commerce components where applicable (product listings, payment gateways, checkout flows).
• Manage and complete 1–3 rounds of revisions per package requirements.
• Test website functionality across browsers and device types.
• Train the entrepreneur on how to update content independently post-launch.
• Prepare post-launch documentation and instructions.
• Submit monthly status updates and progress notes in NeoSerra CRM.
• Communicate clearly with entrepreneurs to manage expectations and maintain engagement.
• Ensure on-time delivery of all project milestones.