What are the responsibilities and job description for the Senior Front-End Web Developer and UX Designer position at Case Western Reserve University?
Senior Staff position, Salary Grade 18 or above.
POSITION OBJECTIVE
The Senior Web Front-End Developer and UX Designer plays a pivotal role in advancing Case Western Reserve University's mission by presenting its online presence in visually compelling, engaging, and impactful ways. This position is dedicated to designing and implementing scalable design systems, developing dynamic and interactive user interfaces and ensuring the delivery of high-performance, responsive web pages, email templates and other digital-related assets that enhance user engagement and maintain brand consistency across all platforms. With a deep understanding of modern front-end technologies and a mastery of crafting accessible and user-centric interfaces, this individual ensures alignment with institutional design standards and strategic objectives. They ensure all web projects adhere to accessibility guidelines and branding requirements while delivering seamless, engaging digital experiences. This individual will also support the university's efforts to ensure that Case Western Reserve's online presence reflects the stature and excellence of the teaching, learning and research on its campus.
Essential Functions
Perform other duties as assigned. (
CONTACTS
Department: Contact with UMC leaders and all department staff.
University: Contact with faculty and staff in schools and management centers.
External: Contact with external vendors and consultants.
Students: Some contact with students.
SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITY
Supervise front-end development contractors and student employees as needed.
Qualifications
Education and Experience: Bachelor's and 5 years of related experience or Associate's and 7 years of related experience. Experience should include enterprise-level front-end development and user experience design.
Required Skills
General office environment. Will perform repetitive motion using computer mouse and keyboard. Some night and weekend hours will be required.
This position is eligible for hybrid work arrangement up to two remote days per week at the discretion of the department. New employees may begin a hybrid schedule upon approval from the supervisor, successful completion of an orientation period and signing the remote work checklist certification form.
In employment, as in education, Case Western Reserve University is committed to Equal Opportunity and Diversity. Women, veterans, members of underrepresented minority groups, and individuals with disabilities are encouraged to apply.
Case Western Reserve University provides reasonable accommodations to applicants with disabilities. Applicants requiring a reasonable accommodation for any part of the application and hiring process should contact the Office of Equity at 216-368-3066 to request a reasonable accommodation. Determinations as to granting reasonable accommodations for any applicant will be made on a case-by-case basis.
POSITION OBJECTIVE
The Senior Web Front-End Developer and UX Designer plays a pivotal role in advancing Case Western Reserve University's mission by presenting its online presence in visually compelling, engaging, and impactful ways. This position is dedicated to designing and implementing scalable design systems, developing dynamic and interactive user interfaces and ensuring the delivery of high-performance, responsive web pages, email templates and other digital-related assets that enhance user engagement and maintain brand consistency across all platforms. With a deep understanding of modern front-end technologies and a mastery of crafting accessible and user-centric interfaces, this individual ensures alignment with institutional design standards and strategic objectives. They ensure all web projects adhere to accessibility guidelines and branding requirements while delivering seamless, engaging digital experiences. This individual will also support the university's efforts to ensure that Case Western Reserve's online presence reflects the stature and excellence of the teaching, learning and research on its campus.
Essential Functions
- Contribute to the strategic vision for web design and front-end development by partnering with the senior executive director, content strategists and backend developers to create digital experiences that enhance CWRU¿s reputation as a leading research university. Lead the development of innovative, user-centric web solutions that align with institutional goals, strengthen brand visibility and directly contribute to increased enrollment and engagement. Develop high-quality, responsive web pages and convert high-fidelity user interface (UI) mockups into fully functional web pages using HTML, CSS (SCSS) and JavaScript frameworks such as React and Vue.js. Optimize performance and user experience by implementing best practices such as lazy loading, asset bundling and code splitting. Develop scalable, maintainable front-end code that integrates seamlessly with backend systems and Drupal CMS platforms, ensuring consistency and efficiency across all digital properties. Utilize version control systems like Git to manage code efficiently. (30%)
- Create high-fidelity web page designs and visual assets using tools like Figma and Adobe XD. Design and refine interactive components to enhance user engagement and usability. Conduct usability testing and gather user feedback to improve designs and optimize user interactions iteratively. Maintain a component-driven design approach to develop modular, reusable UI elements for use across different pages and projects, improving efficiency and design consistency. (25%)
- Develop and maintain scalable, reusable design systems that provide a consistent visual and functional experience across all digital platforms. Establish and document UI components, grid systems, and standards to streamline collaboration between design and development teams. Implement design systems to enable adaptable styling across multiple themes and platforms. Ensure seamless integration with the university's Drupal content management system, allowing dynamic content management while preserving design integrity. (25%)
- Ensure all web pages and digital assets comply with federal accessibility standards, including WCAG 2.1 , Section 508, and ADA requirements. Apply best practices in web accessibility and usability to create inclusive digital experiences. Implement semantic HTML, ARIA roles, and keyboard navigation enhancements to improve screen reader compatibility. Conduct regular accessibility audits using tools such as Siteimprove, Lighthouse, and WAVE to proactively identify and resolve compliance issues. (10%)
- Mentor colleagues by providing guidance on front-end best practices, accessibility standards, and design system implementation. Share expertise and collaborate on innovative solutions to elevate team capabilities and efficiency. (10%)
Perform other duties as assigned. (
CONTACTS
Department: Contact with UMC leaders and all department staff.
University: Contact with faculty and staff in schools and management centers.
External: Contact with external vendors and consultants.
Students: Some contact with students.
SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITY
Supervise front-end development contractors and student employees as needed.
Qualifications
Education and Experience: Bachelor's and 5 years of related experience or Associate's and 7 years of related experience. Experience should include enterprise-level front-end development and user experience design.
Required Skills
- Proven experience in UX/UI design and front-end development (portfolio required).
- Expertise in HTML, CSS (including preprocessors like SASS), and JavaScript (ES6 ).
- Expertise in design tools like Figma, Sketch, or Adobe XD.
- Expertise with modern front-end frameworks (React, Vue, or Angular).
- Expertise in responsive design, grid systems, and mobile-first development.
- Experience building and maintaining design systems and component libraries.
- Experience creating and/or managing front-end build processes with npm/yarn
- Experience with pull request and peer review workflows, including use of Git or other revision control tool for version control in a group setting
- Expertise in accessibility and web performance optimization.
- Self-directed: able to work independently and within a virtual team, and consistently manage own time and tasks
- Preferred experience with open-source Drupal CMS systems
- Preferred experience with headless CMS platforms or static site generators
- Ability to meet consistent attendance.
- Ability to interact and communicate clearly with colleagues, supervisors and campus partners, through both verbal and written communications.
- Demonstrated history of successful support, education, and advocacy for all students, aligned with the values, mission, and messaging of the university, while adhering to the staff policy on conflict of commitment and interest.
General office environment. Will perform repetitive motion using computer mouse and keyboard. Some night and weekend hours will be required.
This position is eligible for hybrid work arrangement up to two remote days per week at the discretion of the department. New employees may begin a hybrid schedule upon approval from the supervisor, successful completion of an orientation period and signing the remote work checklist certification form.
In employment, as in education, Case Western Reserve University is committed to Equal Opportunity and Diversity. Women, veterans, members of underrepresented minority groups, and individuals with disabilities are encouraged to apply.
Case Western Reserve University provides reasonable accommodations to applicants with disabilities. Applicants requiring a reasonable accommodation for any part of the application and hiring process should contact the Office of Equity at 216-368-3066 to request a reasonable accommodation. Determinations as to granting reasonable accommodations for any applicant will be made on a case-by-case basis.
