Contract Information Architect - Global Website

n-tara, Inc., a thought leading visual commerce company based in Johnson City, TN, is seeking a talented contract-based Information Architect. n-tara is a full service digital media firm, specializing in the strategy, production, implementation and measurement of rich media communication solutions for corporate communication, training, sales and marketing.

Description of Position:
This position is a contract hire for an enterprise-level website project for a global consumer electronics company. The project spans a period of 6 months beginning in August 2006, and ending in approximately January, 2007, and will require significant commitment to the project during this period. This position may potentially transition into a full-time hire.

This position will not require relocation, but will require periodic travel to client location.

Goals of Project:
Define the development of a world class website for a leading global consumer electronics company. The website will be a best-in-class experience for customers to research, select, buy and get support for products. The website will engage potential customers in a productive and visually compelling experience -- like no other brand in the category. The website will enhance, promote and extend the brand image.

Responsibilities:
Responsible for creating user-centric web site and web application architectures that are experiential, scalable, intuitive, and easy to use. Provide client and creative/project teams with insight and ideas to create salient user experiences.

•Act as an advocate for the user, creating structures that help users accomplish their goals quickly and easily.
•Work with client stakeholders to understand and define business requirements.
•Work directly with creative team to develop intuitive user interfaces.
•Work directly with technologists to develop use cases and functional specifications documents.
•Author/Co-author the following documents:
oSite Maps
oProcess Flows
oTask Paths
oPage Architectures (Wireframes, Schematics)
oResearch Findings and Recommendations (with The Customer Insight Analyst)
oPosition Statements/Point of View Documentation
oDevelop organizational models, navigation, and taxonomy
oSite Audits
•Contribute to new business pursuits through presentations and written documentation such as competitive reviews.
•Contribute to strategy sessions with competitive, environmental and landscape reviews.
•Contribute to usability testing by developing stimuli and participate in analysis of results.
•Must be able to travel.
REQUIREMENTS
Required:
•Previous experience in information architecture and user-centered design.
•Experience working within creative project teams. Knowledge of quantitative and qualitative research methodologies, including experience in qualitative usability testing.
•Outstanding communication skills.
•Experience in client interactions and presentations; must have excellent writing skills.
•An in-depth understanding of user-centered design theory and practice.
•Mastery of the capabilities of web technologies.
•Relevant years of experience: 5+.
•Education: BA in social sciences, information sciences, marketing, business, or design.

Ideal Candidate:
The Information Architect must have at least 3 years as an IA at an advertising or interactive agency, working on complex, large-scale projects with large teams. Experience in planning qualitative research tests and analyzing results. Excellent writing and presentation skills, with substantial experience interacting with clients when presenting work.

Preferred: additional experience in a) emerging technologies (wireless, iTV, etc.); b) brand development; c) online marketing; d) metrics reporting systems and analytical methods; e) Ajax and Web 2.0 principles.

Please send resume and links to applicable reference projects to [Click here for email]. No calls please. To learn more about n-tara, Inc., please visit www.ntara.com.