The Full-Stack Web Developer (TERM) position is part of the Digital Strategies team within the Communications and Marketing team at Vanderbilt University and is responsible for developing and maintaining websites for Vanderbilt University colleges, schools, programs, divisions, and departments, and supporting respective site owners. This will include taking ownership of applications and systems and driving them through the product life cycle, as well as planning, developing, testing, and implementing new features in managed systems. This position is a 12-month, term position.*

This position works closely with Digital Strategies colleagues in UX Design and Content Strategy on a day- to-day basis as well as with colleagues in Vanderbilt IT (VUIT) and with clients and stakeholders across the university as necessary. The Full-Stack Web Developer (TERM) should divide their focus between technology and people.

Reporting directly to the Senior Associate Director of Digital Product Development, this position does not have supervisory responsibility. The work this position is responsible for has high visibility because Vanderbilt’s digital assets play an extremely important role in the University’s reputation, recruiting, and retention. The Full-Stack Web Developer (TERM) position requires expert knowledge of WordPress development, specifically HTML/CSS, JavaScript, PHP, and MySQL. Attention to detail and the ability to test code is of paramount importance. This position requires knowledge of core WordPress functionality, custom theme development, plugins, page builder modules, and experience working directly with web servers and CDN. This role also does not require the ability to report to work in-person on the Vanderbilt University campus.

The Communications and Marketing team at Vanderbilt is a dynamic and deeply collaborative group. The division, with all of its departments and sub-teams, serves as the institution-wide center of excellence for communications and marketing, developing and executing strategies that inform, engage and inspire others to participate in Vanderbilt University’s global academic and research mission. The division is a key strategic adviser and partner for other divisions in the university, providing comprehensive plans and thoughtful analysis on messaging opportunities and constraints. The Communications and Marketing team continuously seeks innovative solutions to new and emerging challenges in order to deliver results at scale to advance the larger mission, values and priorities of the university.

*NOTE: A Term position is a staff position that exists for a period longer than six months but is not expected to last beyond one year. Although a position may exist for a specified or indefinite period, staff who accept term positions are not guaranteed employment for the entire period; they are employed for indefinite periods within the limit of the appointment. There are no guarantees of continued employment, either within the term or when the term ends

 

Duties and Responsibilities: 

Architect and develop new software solutions to fulfill project requirements. Code WordPress Beaver Builder modules and theme templates. Collaborate with UX design colleagues to find solutions and develop, test, and implement net new and extended modules and theme functionality. Write back-end code for custom application integration with WordPress. Maintain legacy WordPress themes and PHP/MySQL web applications. Create and maintain database designs for data storage and processing. Maintain legacy code written by other developers, including bug fixes. Integrate external software libraries and APIs into existing projects. Document systems implementation and operations as assigned. Take ownership of applications and systems and drive them through the product lifecycle. Migrate functionality from existing sites to new sites as needed. Utilize project management software in workflow, coordinating efforts with colleagues. Provide exemplary customer service during interactions with university clients. Assist in management of Help Desk support tickets. Coordinate regularly with the Digital Strategies leadership team to implement strategies that support new and ongoing projects. Attend and actively contribute to department-based meetings. Maintain confidentiality on projects, especially those that may be under embargo or other restrictions. Communicate and collaborate effectively with a wide range of audiences—including faculty, students, leadership, staff, alumni, suppliers, and agencies. Efficiently and effectively manage multiple, complex, and results-oriented projects often with quick turn-around requirements and with autonomy. Maintain fluency in current and ongoing core WordPress developments. Think creatively and pragmatically with a willingness to consider many options, problem solve and take directives as necessary. Adhere to confidentiality and business ethics; demonstrate outstanding judgment and discretion. Analyze and interpret data and information and make appropriate recommendations based on findings. Demonstrate understanding of the university’s mission, values, goals and priorities and an ability to ensure that all are considered in developing communications strategies. Demonstrate a commitment to equity, diversity, and inclusion and the importance of equity as an organizational operating principle. Efficiently and effectively manage multiple, complex, and results-oriented projects with both quick turn-around requirements and long lead times. Operate in a highly organized fashion with attention to detail on all projects. Perform other relevant duties as assigned.

Qualifications 

Bachelor’s degree or experience in lieu is necessary. Minimum of 6 years of related experience is necessary. Programming skills in front-end languages such as HTML5, CSS, and JavaScript is necessary. Experience in database development using PHP/MySQL to support application back-end and front-end is necessary. Experience developing custom WordPress themes is necessary. Experience with common web development tools and services, such as version control software, web servers and CDN, and package managers is necessary. Knowledge of website interfaces, cross-browser compatibility, accessibility, and web standards is necessary. Strong attention to detail and problem-solving skills is necessary. Strong written and verbal communication skills is necessary. This includes the ability to explain complex concepts in simple language via email, documentation, and video calls with audiences of differing technical knowledge and skill levels. Experience developing Twig+Timber WordPress Beaver Builder modules is preferred. Experience using third-party APIs and web services to develop robust applications and user experiences is preferred. Experience in product management and software testing is preferred. Understanding and familiarity with internet security best practices is preferred.