Sample Job Description: Delivery Information Architect
To successfully design and implement an information architecture and its supporting technology, your team needs resources to perform some key roles. Role is not a synonym of person - it is a function assumed by a person in a particular situation. One person may perform more than one role and any given role may be performed by one or more people - it really depends upon the skills of the individual(s), scope of the project, and availability of the resources.
These are the key roles you need to have for a successful DITA implementation:
Delivery Information Architect
The following role descriptions are general descriptions. Your team may have more specific descriptions that can be used or adapted for your project.
Delivery Information Architect
The Delivery Information Architect is responsible for designing and implementing the IA for specific content delivery channels or platforms. This role manages the content delivery experience, which is defined by the user journey through content in deliverables like website articles, app content, books, PDFs, etc.
The Delivery Information Architect ensures that the content and metadata provided by the Management Information Architect are optimized for the target delivery experience.
Responsibilities
The responsibilities include, but are not limited to:
Analyzing user requirements and behaviors for the assigned delivery platform
Designing the IA and content structures tailored to the delivery channel's needs
Defining the content model for the platform
Designing delivery structures to produce context-specific content combinations
Supplementing source content with platform-specific additions
Optimizing platform for new user requirements
Optimizing platform and content to evolve with use
Staying updated on industry trends, emerging technologies, and best practices in IA
Educating management about platform requirements
Coordinating with development teams to implement the platform delivery architecture
Collaborating with the Management Information Architect to harmonize delivery requirements and leverage shared content, metadata, and associations
Identifying the content and metadata needed to support the user journey
Optimizing and augmenting metadata for the platform delivery experience (e.g., personalization, customization, contextualization)
Managing platform deliverable associations
Managing platform delivery workflow
Managing content aggregation and packaging strategies for publications or applications within the delivery channel
Managing user-facing display
Ensuring the delivery IA supports the desired user experience across devices and contexts
Qualifications and Skills
The skills necessary to successfully perform this role include, but are not limited to the following:
Bachelor's degree in a relevant field (e.g., technical writing, communications, computer science) or equivalent work experience
Proven experience as an Information Architect, Technical Writer, or similar role with expertise on the subject matter
Strong understanding of technical concepts
Ability to translate complex information into clear and concise content
Excellent written and verbal communication skills
Ability to adapt content for different audiences
Experience collaborating with cross-functional teams, including technical writing, support, engineering, and marketing
Familiarity with tools for content creation and publishing
Knowledge of SEO principles
Knowledge of best practices for optimizing technical content
Detail-oriented with exceptional organizational and project management skills
Ability to work independently, prioritize tasks, and meet deadlines in a fast-paced environment
Passion for staying up to date on emerging technologies and industry trends
Strong business acumen
Expertise in IA methodologies and techniques
Knowledge of content management systems, delivery platforms, and related technologies
Experience with metadata schemas, taxonomies, and content modeling
Proficiency in developing content structures, templates, and styling
Familiarity with cross-channel publishing and omnichannel delivery strategies
Strong analytical and problem-solving skills
Excellent communication and collaboration abilities
Ability to translate business requirements into technical specifications
Knowledge of accessibility standards and inclusive design principles
Familiarity with personalization and customization techniques
Experience with user research and usability testing methods
Familiarize yourself with other roles in our DITA Implementation Team series.
If you want to learn more about hiring or training for your DITA implementation, consider booking a coaching package with Amber Swope.
