Web Developer/UX

The Office of Communications shines a spotlight on the people and programs of Wesleyan University to enhance its reputation as a leader in liberal education. In so doing, it serves as a partner with units across campus, providing expertise in brand management, strategic communication, media relations, digital and social media strategy, website development, content training and strategy, print and online publications, videography, and photography.

The Web Developer’s primary responsibilities include supporting front-end web development and website functionality while enhancing Wesleyan’s digital presence (public website, CMS platforms, event management systems, data-driven applications, APIs, third-party software, blogs).

This position reports to the Manager of Web Communications and is part of the Digital Marketing and Communications Web team. This hands-on role collaborates with colleagues on the University Communications team and the broader campus community and provides support in areas of web development, data analysis, database interactions, and CMS maintenance.

Wesleyan University is in the middle of a web re-engineering initiative, and the Web Developer will play a key role in the technical implementation of the CMS functionality in coordination with our re-engineering partner. It is imperative that the Web Developer has experience working with web applications to support the university’s content and event management needs.

Responsibilities Include

• Front-end development and maintenance of Cascade content management systems (CMS), and database-driven web pages.
• Collaborate with the Web and Communication teams, campus partners, and developers, to manage and support integrations between the CMS and web applications.
• Implement and troubleshoot PHP-based web templates and scripts used to format content on the university’s website.
• Work with SQL databases to retrieve, store, and manage website-related data.
• Debug errors, troubleshoot issues, and perform routine performance optimizations.
• Diagnose and resolve problems in markup and style.
• Write high-quality, scalable, and reusable code.
• Report on emerging technologies and industry trends.
• Support a diverse population, with varying skill levels, in the maintenance of web best
• practices in the University’s CMS.
• Follow project management methodology.
• Other duties as assigned
  
  

Minimum Qualifications

• A bachelor's degree in computer science, information systems, or a related field, plus 5 years of work experience in CMS layout modifications, API integration, and IT infrastructure, including servers and data management, for collaboration on system updates and optimization, or an equivalent combination of education, training and experience.
• Strong proficiency in modifying, maintaining, and troubleshooting PHP code within complex web applications.
• Experience working with object-oriented PHP frameworks (e.g., Laravel) or other equivalent object-oriented programming language.
• Hands-on experience in managing and customizing push Content Management Systems (for e.g Cascade CMS WordPress, and other web-based platforms such as event management systems and data visualization tools.
• Proven ability to configure, maintain, and extend CMS functionalities.
• Familiarity with best practices in web application security, including user authentication, data encryption, and security principles. Understanding of server environments (Linux, PHP) and database optimization techniques for improving web application performance.
• Demonstrated experience developing modern, mobile-responsive, and cross- browser compatible websites using HTML, CSS, JavaScript, and PHP.
• Hands-on experience with API development and integration, including working with RESTful services, JSON, and third-party API connections.
• Demonstrated ability to troubleshoot and optimize API interactions.
• Strong working knowledge of SEO best practices, ADA/WCAG accessibility standards, and web development industry standards to ensure high-performing, compliant web applications.
• Effective communication skills with the ability to explain technical concepts to non- technical stakeholders, document processes, and contribute effectively in a team- based environment.
• Ability to work in a fast-paced, evolving technological environment as part of a team.
• Demonstrated strong problem-solving skills and a proactive approach to troubleshooting and improving web applications.
• Experience with one or more of the following: Velocity, JavaScript, XML, and XSLT, or other structured coding languages used to build front-end web components.
• Experience with basic SQL queries, database schema design, and optimizing database interactions for web applications to help extract and analyze web traffic data.
• Ability to analyze website traffic trends and user engagement metrics, using tools such as Google Analytics, heatmaps, and A/B testing platforms to make data-driven improvements.
  
  

Preferred Qualifications

• CMS-specific PHP development.
• Strong knowledge of front-end frameworks (such as Bootstrap) and JavaScript libraries (e.g.,jQuery or React) .
  
  

This position is an on-campus position with the potential (contingent upon performance) for a hybrid (on campus and remote) schedule after working two full semesters on campus. Position will require frequent on campus meetings.

Hybrid work is only considered for residents of MA, VT, NH, ME, CT, RI, or NY. (Relocation assistance to CT is available for those who qualify).

Position is open untill filled. For full consideration please apply by March 25, 2025 when first review of applications will begin.

As a part of your application please upload a cover letter and resume.

Compensation: $74,100-$88,200

Work Location: On Campus

All offers to external applicants are contingent on the candidate’s completion of a pre-employment background check screening to the satisfaction of Wesleyan University.

Wesleyan University, located in Middletown, Connecticut, does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religious creed, age, gender, gender identity or expression, national origin, marital status, ancestry, present or past history of mental disorder, learning disability or physical disability, political belief, veteran status, sexual orientation, genetic information or non-position-related criminal record. We welcome applications from women and historically underrepresented minority groups. Inquiries regarding Title IX, Section 504 or any other non-discrimination policies should be directed to Vice President for Equity and Inclusion, Title IX and ADA/504 Coordinator.

Wesleyan University complies with the Clery Act and maintains records of campus crime statistics and security policies. Copies of Wesleyan University’s Clery Act Report are available on request and online at https://www.wesleyan.edu/publicsafety/clery.html.

Experience is taken into consideration in the determination of salary offers. For more information visit https://www.wesleyan.edu/hr/handbook/compensation-practices/index.html

Wesleyan offers a broad range of employee benefits and development opportunities, including comprehensive group insurance plans, wellness programs and incentives, generous paid time off and retirement plans, flexible work schedules, employee and dependent tuition programs for those who qualify.

Detailed information on the benefits of working at Wesleyan is located at: https://wesleyan.edu/hr/careers/prospective-resources.html.