Content Management System Specialist Job Description [Updated for 2025]

In the era of digital transformation, the role of Content Management System Specialists is more pivotal than ever.

As technology continually evolves, there is an escalating demand for proficient individuals who can manage, optimize, and secure our digital content repositories.

But what exactly does a Content Management System Specialist do?

Whether you are:

• A job seeker trying to understand the core responsibilities of this role,
• A hiring manager crafting the perfect job description,
• Or simply curious about the intricacies of content management systems,

You’ve come to the right place.

Today, we present a customizable Content Management System Specialist job description template, designed for effortless posting on job boards or career sites.

Let’s dive in.

Content Management System Specialist Duties and Responsibilities

Content Management System (CMS) Specialists are professionals who manage and maintain the organization’s digital content through various CMS platforms.

They analyze and implement features and improvements to enhance the overall functionality and user experience.

The duties and responsibilities of a CMS Specialist include:

• Analyzing the content management needs of the organization
• Designing and implementing CMS solutions to meet those needs
• Training staff on how to use the CMS effectively
• Ensuring the CMS software is up-to-date and performing regular maintenance
• Developing and documenting procedures for content management processes
• Monitoring the functionality of the CMS and making improvements as necessary
• Developing workflows for creating, editing, and publishing content
• Collaborating with other teams to ensure content is consistent and well-structured across all platforms
• Managing user rights and access to the CMS
• Performing regular audits to ensure content is accurate and up to date
• Resolving technical issues related to the CMS

 

Content Management System Specialist Job Description Template

Job Brief

We are searching for a highly skilled Content Management System (CMS) Specialist to guide and implement our content strategy across multiple platforms.

The CMS Specialist is responsible for managing our company’s content and web design, ensuring the platform’s functionality and improving its online presence.

This includes designing, coding, and modifying websites, from layout to function, in accordance with the company’s needs.

Candidates should be technology-savvy, with excellent attention to detail and an ability to work independently.

 

Responsibilities

• Manage and maintain the CMS, including WordPress, Joomla, or Drupal
• Design and implement new features and functionality for website
• Establish and guide the website’s architecture
• Ensure high-performance and availability of content
• Manage all technical aspects of the CMS
• Work closely with marketing team to ensure SEO best practices are properly implemented
• Provide timely resolution to reported problems with existing websites
• Monitor and analyze site performance (e.g. traffic, conversions)
• Ensure website security by setting up firewalls and login pages
• Keep abreast of new trends and best practices in web development

 

Qualifications

• Proven work experience as a CMS Specialist or similar role
• Good understanding of front-end technologies, including HTML5, CSS3, JavaScript, jQuery
• Experience building user interfaces for websites and/or web applications
• Experience designing and developing responsive design websites
• Proficient in CMS platform backend, plugin development, and customization
• Strong understanding of PHP back-end development
• Knowledge of how to interact with RESTful APIs and formats (JSON, XML)
• BSc degree in Computer Science or a related field

 

Benefits

• 401(k)
• Health insurance
• Dental insurance
• Retirement plan
• Paid time off
• Professional development opportunities

 

Additional Information

• Job Title: Content Management System Specialist
• Work Environment: Hybrid work environment with a mix of in-office and remote work. Some travel may be required for team meetings or client consultations.
• Reporting Structure: Reports to the IT Manager or Web Development Manager.
• Salary: Salary is based upon candidate experience and qualifications, as well as market and business considerations.
• Pay Range: $65,000 minimum to $95,000 maximum
• Location: [City, State] (specify the location or indicate if remote)
• Employment Type: Full-time
• Equal Opportunity Statement: We are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity at our company. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status.
• Application Instructions: Please submit your resume and a cover letter outlining your qualifications and experience to [email address or application portal].

 

What Does a Content Management System Specialist Do?

Content Management System Specialists, often referred to as CMS Specialists, primarily work within the IT sector.

They can be employed by various organizations spanning different industries or work independently as consultants.

Their main responsibility is to manage the content management systems of an organization.

This involves the creation, editing, archiving, and publishing of content.

They utilize the CMS to manage web content, allowing multiple contributors to create, edit, and publish.

CMS Specialists play an essential role in the development and maintenance of websites.

They are responsible for adding new content, updating existing content, and ensuring that the content is well-structured and easy to find.

This includes text, images, videos, and other types of web content.

They work closely with other team members, such as web developers and digital marketers, to ensure that the content supports the organization’s goals and meets the needs of its users.

Additionally, CMS Specialists may be required to train other team members on how to use the content management system and may also be responsible for troubleshooting any issues that arise with the CMS.

Finally, they ensure that the content published meets the standards for accessibility and is optimized for search engines.

They also monitor the performance of the website and use analytics to improve its effectiveness.

 

Content Management System Specialist Qualifications and Skills

A qualified Content Management System Specialist is required to have a distinct set of technical and interpersonal skills, including:

• Technical skills and proficiency in various content management systems (like WordPress, Joomla, Drupal, etc.) to manage, publish and update content effectively.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills to identify and resolve CMS-related issues swiftly and effectively.
• Understanding of SEO principles and digital marketing strategies to ensure that content is optimized for search engines and meets organizational goals.
• Excellent communication skills to collaborate with content creators, web developers, and digital marketers, and to provide clear guidelines and feedback.
• Attention to detail to ensure the accuracy and consistency of the content published across various platforms.
• Knowledge of HTML, CSS, JavaScript, and other relevant web design coding languages to understand and modify the layout of the content as needed.
• Project management skills to handle multiple projects simultaneously, prioritize tasks, and meet deadlines.
• Understanding of data protection laws and regulations to ensure the CMS complies with legal requirements.

 

Content Management System Specialist Experience Requirements

Content Management System (CMS) Specialists are often required to have a degree in a field related to Computer Science or Information Technology.

However, relevant work experience in content management systems can sometimes take the place of formal education.

Entry-level CMS Specialists may have 1 to 2 years of experience, often acquired through internships or part-time roles in website administration or content management.

During this period, they gain hands-on experience in handling CMS platforms like WordPress, Drupal, Joomla, or Magento.

Candidates with more than 3 years of experience are likely to have developed a strong skill set in CMS operation, as well as a broad understanding of web development, user interface design, and database management.

They are also expected to have a good understanding of web programming languages such as HTML, CSS, and JavaScript.

CMS Specialists with more than 5 years of experience are often considered experts in their field and may have some leadership or managerial experience.

At this level, they are expected to have strong project management skills and may be capable of leading a team to handle large-scale CMS projects.

They are also responsible for training and supervising junior staff, ensuring the efficient and accurate updating and maintenance of the content management system.

Regardless of their experience, CMS Specialists need to stay updated with the latest trends and technologies in CMS platforms, as the field is constantly evolving.

Continuing education and certification in CMS can significantly boost their professional development.

 

Content Management System Specialist Education and Training Requirements

Content Management System (CMS) Specialists typically possess a bachelor’s degree in computer science, information technology, or a similar field.

They are required to have an extensive understanding of content management systems such as WordPress, Drupal, Joomla, and others.

In addition to CMS expertise, a deep understanding of web development technologies like HTML, CSS, JavaScript, and PHP is crucial.

Some positions, especially those requiring a specialist role, might demand a master’s degree in a specific IT discipline or extensive work experience in the CMS domain.

Certifications in specific CMS platforms or web development technologies can enhance a candidate’s chances of landing a job.

For example, HubSpot CMS Hub Certification, Joomla Certified Administrator, or Acquia Certified Drupal Site Builder.

Ongoing self-training is a must in this field, given the frequent updates and evolution of content management systems.

Having a master’s degree and/or relevant CMS certifications can help demonstrate a candidate’s commitment to continuous learning and leadership potential.

 

Content Management System Specialist Salary Expectations

A Content Management System Specialist can expect to earn an average salary of $68,500 (USD) per year.

The actual salary can differ based on several factors, such as the specialist’s professional experience, educational qualifications, geographical location, and the specific industry of employment.

 

Content Management System Specialist Job Description FAQs

What skills does a Content Management System Specialist need?

A Content Management System Specialist should have strong technical skills, including proficiency in various content management systems like WordPress, Drupal, and Joomla.

They should also have a good understanding of HTML, CSS, and JavaScript.

Additionally, they should possess excellent problem-solving skills, attention to detail, and the ability to work both independently and collaboratively.

 

Do Content Management System Specialists need a degree?

While a degree in computer science, information technology, or a related field is beneficial, it’s not always necessary.

Many CMS Specialists are self-taught or have obtained their skills through online courses or certifications.

However, most employers do prefer candidates with a bachelor’s degree and relevant experience with various CMS platforms.

 

What should you look for in a Content Management System Specialist resume?

Look for a candidate’s experience with different CMS platforms and knowledge of various programming languages.

Certification in specific CMS platforms, such as HubSpot or WordPress, is also a plus.

Also, look for experience in managing and updating website content, troubleshooting CMS issues, and developing CMS training for other staff members.

 

What qualities make a good Content Management System Specialist?

A good Content Management System Specialist is detail-oriented, analytical, and has excellent problem-solving skills.

They should also be adaptable, as they may need to learn new CMS platforms or technologies as they emerge.

Good CMS Specialists are also effective communicators, as they often need to explain complex information to non-technical team members.

 

Is it difficult to hire a Content Management System Specialist?

The difficulty of hiring a CMS Specialist depends on the specific needs of your organization.

While there are many professionals with CMS experience, finding a specialist with experience in the specific CMS platform your organization uses can be more challenging.

Offering competitive salaries and benefits, as well as opportunities for professional development, can help attract high-quality candidates.

 

Conclusion

And there we have it.

Today, we’ve unraveled the complexities of being a Content Management System Specialist.

Surprise, surprise.

It’s not just about managing content.

It’s about shaping the digital landscape, one content update at a time.

With our ready-to-use Content Management System Specialist job description template and real-world examples, you’re poised to take the next step.

But why end here?

Delve deeper with our job description generator. It’s your pathway to meticulously crafted job listings or fine-tuning your resume to stand out.

Always remember:

Every piece of content is a part of a larger digital framework.

Let’s shape that future. Together.

How to Become a Content Management System Specialist (Complete Guide)

Breathe Easy: Jobs Where Stress Is Just a Myth

Workplace Weary: The Jobs That Are a Struggle to Love

Career Oddities: Unusual Jobs That Break the Norm

The Stress Endurance: What It Takes to Survive These Jobs!