Junior Web Developer

PURPOSE:

The Junior Web Developer will serve as a member of the Web Development Team of the Office of University Communications’ Division of Web Innovation & Strategy. This position will develop new functionality, refine existing functionality, ensure that CMS and hosting configuration is optimized for high-level performance, as well as help determine and implement technical solutions for Drupal and SharePoint (intranet) sites hosted within a cloud-based multi-site application. 

NATURE AND SCOPE:

This position will help to increase the internal capacity of the Office of University Communications to support the University’s growing internal (Intranet) and external web-based content and properties.

SUPERVISORY ACCOUNTABILITIES:

N/A

PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTABILITIES: 

• Design, build, implement, and maintain websites that conform to both university branding and industry best practices. Development is primarily in Drupal and Sharepoint (intranet), but may also include other content management frameworks. 

• Manage multi-site Drupal cloud environments, including safeguarding and building upon existing codebases 

• Manage and safeguard codebase update protocol 

• Help to assess and build on the work of senior third-party developers for integration into codebases 

• Help advise on best practices for internal sites, as well as University digital properties beyond the sites directly hosted by the Office of University Communications  

• Proficient in using command line interfaces (CLI) for web development tasks, including version control with Git, Drupal site management with Drush, and package management with tools like Composer and npm 

• Develop and implement custom modules and custom themes for the latest versions of Drupal 

• Manage a cloud-based hosting environment 

• Use APM monitoring tools for cloud-based hosting environment to improve server and site performance 

• Manage and optimize QC process for new site launches and code reviews for new functionality 

• Establish and provide technical support for usability testing/prototyping and A/B testing 

• Perform accessibility compliance testing and remediation 

• Evaluate code to ensure that it is valid; properly structured; meets industry standards; and compatible with browsers, devices, or operating systems. 

• Demonstrate strong analytical skills by performing root cause analysis, contributing to technical discussions with evidence-based insights, and rapidly researching potential solutions 

• Write technical documentation, within code files, as well as otherwise 

Preferred, but not required 

• Ability to develop and modify Drupal themes with Twig 

• Experience using Composer for dependency management 

• Knowledge of Drupal hooks system 

• Experience with Drupal Paragraphs module 

• Experience with cache optimization and creating and configuring APIs 

• Experience with Google Optimize to configure and implement A/B testing in live Drupal sites 

• Experience developing or configuring SharePoint Framework components using React 

• Experience managing an enterprise-level cloud-hosting environment 

• Experience testing and adjusting site structure and design for accessibility compliance 

• Experience using and writing bash scripts 

• Ability to translate technical considerations into layman’s terms 

• Ability to design web pages; to communicate effectively; to handle multiple projects; schedule, test and install web pages; to communicate effectively; and to train others 

• Prototyping for usability testing 

CORE COMPETENCIES: 

• Proficient in front-end technologies (HTML5, CSS3, JavaScript/ES6+), with ability to consume and interact with RESTful APIs 

• Confidence in the ability to acquire new technical skills, when needed for new tasks/projects 

• Excellent written and oral communications 

• Diligence, attention to detail, and the ability to get things done in reasonable amount of time 

• Integrity, reliability and dedication 

• Ability to plan and organize several projects and handle multiple priorities simultaneously 

• Able to independently interpret and apply technical documentation to make sound implementation decisions and troubleshoot issues effectively. 

• Ability to follow instructions from a manager, as well as confidence to give honest input/feedback to a manager 

• Ability to set and meet timeline/milestones 

• Strong inclination for self-initiative 

• Inclination for innovation 

• Strong collaborative skills to establish and maintain an effective and harmonious work relationship amongst colleagues, campus partners, and third-party partners.

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS: 

Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science or related field and at least 2-3 years of relevant work experience. 4-8 years of related work experience may be substituted in lieu of educational qualifications. MUST be able to work in a hybrid office setting.

Compliance Salary Range Disclosure

Expected Salary Range: $65,000 - $70,000

BENEFITS:

The Talent Acquisition department hires qualified candidates to fill positions which contribute to the overall strategic success of Howard University. Hiring staff “for fit” makes significant contributions to Howard University’s overall mission.

At Howard University, we prioritize well-being and professional growth.

Here is what we offer: 

• Health & Wellness: Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision insurance, plus mental health support
• Work-Life Balance: PTO, paid holidays, flexible work arrangements
• Financial Wellness: Competitive salary, 403(b) with company match 
• Professional Development: Ongoing training, tuition reimbursement, and career advancement paths
• Additional Perks: Wellness programs, commuter benefits, and a vibrant company culture

Join Howard University and thrive with us! 

https://hr.howard.edu/benefits-wellness