Job Seekers, Please send resumes to resumes@hireitpeople.com

Description:  This position will be the information architect (IA) for activities to improve the user experience of the State of Michigan’s Department of Treasury Michigan Tax Online Project. This project’s scope is in support of overhauling the user experience within Michigan Treasury Online (MTO); the existing, public-facing website, providing businesses the means to electronically file returns and pay obligations related to SUW taxes. The IA of a website directs the organization of the content of the site. A strong, logical site taxonomy leads to easy navigation . The best way to organize website content is to first understand how actual users of the site would expect it to be organized. User Experience activities and tools have been developed that gather user input about those expectations. Those activities include card sorting and IA validation. Both of these activities are enabled by web applications with which representative users a) sort content into logical categories, and b) navigate a “skeleton” website to try to find content. By taking this user-centered approach to IA, an Information Architect can be secure that the website’s organization will meet the needs of the user, before expending a great deal of time and resource in its redesign. This leads to a more efficient development cycle, more confidence about the finished product, a better, more efficient user experience, and increased consumer satisfaction. Once the MTO Optimization project is completed. the IA will then be reassigned to other Treasury projects, such as the eService Phase 3 redesign and other potential legacy replacement projects.

Skills Required: Identifies user requirements by researching and analyzing user needs, preferences, objectives, and working methods; studying how users consume content, including data categorization and labeling; meeting with focus groups. 
• Plans information architecture by studying the site concept, strategy, and target audience; envisioning architectural scheme, information structure and features, functionality, and user-interface design; creating user scenarios; preparing data models; designing information structure, work-and dataflow, and navigation; evaluating information representation; conducting creative meetings. 
• Organizes information by translating user behavior into media structure and elements; crafting interactive experiences; producing workflow diagrams, user scenarios, flowcharts, and storyboards; preparing interaction specifications, navigation rules, organization of information, and site maps; coordinating with business, technology, visual, structural, editorial, cognitive, and brand strategists.
• Implements information architecture by preparing paper and interactive prototypes and mockups including page layout and navigational elements; coordinating with Web Producer and Production Developer to integrate site concept, visual design, writing, interface, and navigational structure; documenting structure and processes.
• Validates information delivery by developing and completing usability test plans; evaluating traffic patterns; studying user feedback; coordinating with Usability Specialists.
• Updates job knowledge by tracking research regarding web design and usability; participating in educational opportunities; reading professional publications; maintaining personal networks; participating in professional organizations.
• Enhances organization reputation by accepting ownership for accomplishing new and different requests; exploring opportunities to add value to IT applications and usability.
Requirements Analysis, Planning, Database Management, Self-Motivated, Presenting Technical Information, Problem Solving, Data Modeling, Strategic Planning, Multi-tasking, Ad Hoc Reporting, Data Maintenance, JavaScript, Visual Studio 2010/2013.

Experience Required: 
5 years of more in extensive Information architecture with experience in coding and creating site maps, wireframes, understand object-oriented programming, and have skills in full-lifecycle software development. A solid background in Data Modeling and such concepts as UML, ORM diagrams, ERwin, Agile and different schema is necessary. strong familiarity with the various relational/SQL-based systems as well as specifics involving queries, DML, data types, extensions, and controls. Proven track record and understanding of business processes and structures. 
1. A good understanding of model information structures, data gathering requirements, user needs and behaviors, organizational platforms, labeling techniques, and creation and use of navigational systems are all important. General knowledge of controlled vocabularies, faceted classification, and techniques of knowledge sharing are also necessary. 2.Programming background, including programming experience in one or more of the following: C/C++, Java, PHP, Ruby, Perl, Python, XML, HTML and others is vital and for most positions a requirement.
Experience Preferred: Strong familiarity with the various relational/SQL-based systems as well as specifics involving queries, DML, data types, extensions, and controls among others.