What it’s Like Here

It takes extraordinary people to create sites that are compelling and relevant. People who look at things differently but also start with a process that is proven to work time and time again.

At Grand River our goal if to cultivate an environment where like people can learn, inspire others and grow. We're a team of people who love what we do, pay attention to the details but are not afraid to fail.

When people enjoy their work, it shows. That's why we build award-winning sites. Why our clients smile. And why, after 14 years, we're still eager to keep going.

It's not all fun and games, of course. We bring focus and thought to our work. We build relationships that last with clients that push us to solve challenging business issues.

Small Company Spirit, Big Company Benefits:

  • Blue Cross PPO Healthcare Plan available the day you start
  • Comprehensive dental and vision plan
  • Retirement plan with company matching
  • Generous vacation package and time off
  • Competitive salary and bonuses

Sound like your kind of place? Contact us or check out one of our open positions.

Interactive Designer

Based on the project scope and client business goals the Interactive Designer is responsible for developing and creating concepts, executing designs, and maintaining design concepts through all phases of a project. They create design comps, present them to clients, and provide direction and mentoring to designers and the development team. They should also work closely with Information Architects in conceptualizing the overall site design and goals.

  • Communicates closely with clients in order to assess needs, conceptualize, guide and explain creative goals and their relationship to site design.
  • Works collaboratively with IA, Project Management, Copy-writing, Marketing, Production and Engineering
  • Acts in a role of creative leadership, coordinating efforts of the design team.
  • Helps Project Management and the Creative lead in scoping projects, creating timelines and estimating project hours.
  • Develops visual design to support and accommodate user interface, information design, interactive design, current technology and client requirements.
  • Be conscientious of budget, timeline, and workflow responsibilities.
  • Mentor junior creative staff on issues of client relations, design, user interface & information design, interactive design, current technology, and production coordination.
  • Be aware of department strengths and weaknesses and helps to guide the department in matters of creativity and design, process, client relations, work environment, and technology
  • Bachelor of Arts in Graphic Design, Fine Arts or equivalent from an accredited art/design school.
  • At least 5 years experience in the interactive industry or an equivalent combination of education and interactive experience.
  • Advanced knowledge of Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign, and Flash. Working knowledge of HTML a plus.
  • Refined understanding of the programming and technical aspects of web based projects.
  • Strong typography and design skills.
  • Keen attention to detail.
  • Ability to resolve creative issues with internal team members.
  • Effectiveness in managing multiple projects simultaneously with minimal supervision.
  • Strong interpersonal, oral and written communication skills and the ability to present creative internally and externally.

Required *

Senior Information Architect

The Senior Information Architect is responsible for developing the details of task flows, user interface and functional requirements for client sites. This individual will research audience needs, design and perform usability studies, and develop personas. They must consider stakeholder expectations and business requirements within a technical platform and design the structure for targeted online experiences.

  • Conduct client and target audience interviews and analysis.
  • Apply learned knowledge in the creation of site maps and in mapping out the paths and task flows users will follow.
  • Lead an IA engagement team.
  • Apply creative thinking in order to develop and present strategy and ideas to internal and external client base.
  • Design information structure and navigation flows for internet and intranet sites plus other online applications.
  • Structure and document requirements for non-linear user experiences.
  • Undergraduate degree (with coursework in human-computer interaction, psychology, architecture, visual or performing arts, computer science, literature or experience design).
  • 5 plus years in website production or internet consulting.
  • 3 plus years working in an internet consulting environment or the e-business or web communications arena within a professional services environment.
  • Knowledge of all major components of web developing including visual design, writing, technology and strategic positioning.
  • Strong foundation in website production concepts regarding HTML, XML, CMS and other dynamic website technologies.
  • Experience in designing user experiences incorporating HTML, DHTML, Flash and AJAX front-end technologies.
  • Proficiency with Visio or Axure for effective creation of site maps and wireframe documentation
  • Experience in transaction website design and development.
  • Proven success in conducting research and application of usability studies.
  • Ability to structure and document requirements for a non-linear user experience.
  • Familiarity with website tracking and analytical tools and user surveys.
  • Effective time and project management skills with ability to multi-task.
  • Strong communication, presentation and leadership skills.

Required *

System Architect

The System Architect is responsible for guiding a technical team of software engineers in the design and development of transactional Web-based solutions. System Architects must provide the overall solution design and effectively develop system integrations. Essential Functions, Duties and Responsibilities: The System Architects responsible for implementing technical solutions for Grand River clients' e-commerce websites.

The System Architect is the internal "expert" on applying the technical components for the e-Commerce platform build outs addressing specific customer requirements. Must have a thorough understanding of the capabilities and benefits of the solution. As a technologist with client-facing responsibilities, the this person is responsible both for leading all aspects of a project's technical implementation, including translating functional requirements into technical specifications and implementing the solution, as well as interacting with the client's team and the internal project team to ensure successful completion of projects.

  • Possess a deep technical understanding of e-commerce solutions, including its implementation, configuration and customization.
  • Provide technical expertise on client projects utilizing Grand River's internal processes.
  • Participate on project teams to design, develop and implement the required customer solution and technical integration.
  • Identify and quantify the customers' technical and business needs and the value of addressing those needs. Map Grand River's capabilities and solution recommendation to those needs, build consensus around the required technical solution and implement that solution.
  • Present technical solutions in an articulate and professional manner to internal team and external customers.
  • Act as the technical expert to coach client and internal team members with respect to customization, configuration and use of various e-commerce solutions, depending on business need.
  • Work with technology partners to integrate with their products as part of an overall client solution.
  • Develop statements of work and estimates with team members incorporating technical reviews, expertise and solution development.
  • Minimum of 4 years of software implementation experience with wide ranging knowledge of technical processes (including installation, implementation, coding and testing) to support the revenue chain in client environments.
  • Minimum of 3 years of software development experience in Java, JSP, HTML, XML, .NET, PHP.
  • Established implementation skills, at a technical level, as a consultant within a professional services team focusing on solution delivery.
  • Solid understanding of software enterprise architectures, the application of technology and full life-cycle customer application implementations.
  • Working understanding of modern enterprise application platform technologies, such as:
  • Distributed computing (J2EE, ESB, EJB, SOAP).
  • Operating Systems (Windows, UNIX).
  • Databases (Oracle, SQL Server, MySQL).
  • Demonstrated history of excellent verbal and written communication skills.
  • Confident communicator who is enthusiastic, self-starting and flexible in style and approach.
  • Bachelor's degree in a related field; Master's degree preferred.

Required *

Senior Project Manager

The Senior Project Manager's responsibility includes the ability to lead and manage a creative and technical team as well as third party resources in the development of transactional based websites. The Senior Project Manager also has daily contact with the client throughout the project build and communicates all progress as well as collects all deliverables to effectively manage the build out through delivery, testing and launch.

  • Manages the project and team from creation of the project descriptions through delivery. This includes project estimates, functional and technical specifications, project plans schedules, timelines and web portals.
  • Documents all aspects of project development through the use of our internal project management tool including enhancements and changes.
  • Understands and follows the established project development and change management process and contributes to this process.
  • Working knowledge of RoboHead Process Management software and project planning a plus.
  • Communicates weekly status reports, project tracking updates and overall assessments for the team.
  • Manages project team including utilization of hours, forecasting and budget.
  • A minimum of 5 years of project management experience.
  • Experience with Web and eBusiness development process.
  • Strong organization, written, verbal and communication skills.
  • Experience working through the creative, information and techinal aspects of eCommerce solutions.
  • Knowledge and experience managing projects, using project plan management software, and expert level management of budget management and financial reporting.
  • Interactive agency experience.

Required *