at University of Chicago in Chicago, Illinois, United States
Job Description
DepartmentARD Digital Communications
About the Department
Alumni Relations and Development (ARD) engages alumni (~220k), current students, parents, and friends of the University through intellectual, professional, and social activities on campus, around the world and online. ARD raises $600 Million annually to support faculty and researchers, practitioners and patients, and students and programs across the University. Our work supports priorities in every division, school, department, and institute.
ARD Communications partners with colleagues within ARD and across the University to advance ambitious goals in fundraising and constituent engagement. The 35-person communications team produces several print and electronic publications, creates donor-facing propositions for both individuals and large audiences, and will be a key partner in creating and executing the upcoming campaign's messaging, creative approach, and positioning.
Associate Web Developer brings a strong focus on HTML, CSS, and jQuery development to the Digital Communications team. As an Associate Web Developer, you will work within a Content Management System (CMS) environment, primarily utilizing Salesforce. Under the direct supervision of the manager, you will play a crucial role in defining and building high-performance websites, email, email templates and other digital tools that are usable, accessible, and standards compliant. The Associate Web Developer has an expertise working in front-end web development, Web application administration and project management. They will work collaboratively with internal and external teams of developers, content creators and designers to find and develop user-centered solutions to digital communications problems.
Job Summary
This position works independently to perform a variety of activities relating to software support and/or development. Analyzes, designs, develops, debugs, and modifies computer code for end user applications, beta general releases, and production support. Guides development and implementation of applications, web pages, and user-interfaces using a variety of software applications, techniques, and tools. Solves complex problems in administration, maintenance, integration, and troubleshooting of code and application ecosystem currently in production.
Responsibilities
- Collaborates with the team to assist in website configuration, HTML email configuration, giving form design and configuration, content placement, browser and functional testing, bug fixing, troubleshooting, and general website maintenance.
- Provides support in requirements gathering, website graphic design, and user testing.
- Seeks opportunities for professional development that will enhance job performance including attending webinars, seminars, building networks within the University and with colleagues at peer institutions.
- Designs new systems, features, and tools. Solves complex problems and identifies opportunities for technical improvement and performance optimization. Reviews and tests code to ensure appropriate standards are met.
- Utilizes technical knowledge of existing and emerging technologies, including public cloud offerings from Amazon Web Services, Microsoft Azure, and Google Cloud.
- Acts as a technical consultant and resource for faculty research, teaching, and/or administrative projects.
- Performs other related work as needed.
Minimum Qualifications
Education:
Minimum requirements include a college or university degree in related field.
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Work Experience:
Minimum requirements include knowledge and skills developed through 5-7 years of work experience in a related job discipline.
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Certifications:
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Preferred Qualifications
Education:
- Bachelor's degree.
- Advanced degree.
Experience:
- Minimum five years of professional work experience developing CMS-based websites or web applications, web programming or similar professional work experience.
- Minimum one year of professional web development experience using HTML, CSS, JavaScript, or similar technologies.
- Knowledge of WCAG 2.0 AA accessibility standards and experience in implementing solutions that adhere to the standards.
- Implementing content managed sites using a common CMS platform such as Drupal, WordPress, or similar.
- Familiarity with web editors (e.g., VSCode, etc.) and graphics software (e.g., Adobe Creative Suite).
- Designing and producing graphical user interfaces for websites.
- Client management is an advantage.
Technical Skills or Knowledge:
- Demonstrated skill and knowledge of, or ability to learn quickly, the internal workings of the University as well as the technology tools available to the Office of Alumni Relations and Development including Phoenix, the University's donor relationship management system, and the Microsoft Windows environment.
- Demonstrated proficiency in standards-compliant, semantic HTML, CSS, and JavaScript.
- Basic knowledge of programming languages such as Python, PHP, or Ruby is beneficial.
- Basic understanding of back-end development, databases, and API integration.
- Knowledge of Sphere CMS, Blackbaud Luminate is a plus.
- Knowledge of responsive web design principles.
- Familiarity with front-end frameworks and libraries like React, Angular, or Vue.js is a plus.
- Proficiency in using design tools like Adobe Photoshop or Sketch.
- Strong understanding of web accessibility and usability, including cross-platform and browser compatibility issues.
- Proficiency in using Chrome and Firefox built-in browser development tools.
Preferred Competencies
- Excellent analytical skills and the ability to conceptualize a course of action and organize its successful completion.
Working Conditions
- This position has a hybrid work schedule which includes weekly in office presence.
- Standard office environment
- Travel to campus and/or non-campus locations for University business.
- Work evenings and weekends as needed.
- This position is located in Hyde Park at 5235 South Harper Court.
Application Documents
- Resume/CV (required)
- Cover Letter, addressed to Hiring Committee (preferred)
When applying, the document(s) MUSTbe uploaded via the My Experience page, in the section titled Application Documents of the application.
Job Family
Information Technology
Role Impact
Individual Contributor
FLSA Status
Exempt
Pay Frequency
Monthly
Scheduled Weekly Hours
37.5
Benefits Eligible
Yes
Drug Test Required
No
Health Screen Required
No
Motor Vehicle Record Inquiry Required
No
Posting Statement
The University of Chicago is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity/Disabled/Veterans and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, national or ethnic origin, age, status as an individual with a disability, military or veteran status, genetic information, or other protected classes under the law. For additional information please see the University's Notice of Nondiscrimination.
Staff Job seekers in need of a reasonable accommodation to complete the application process should call 773-702-5800 or submit a request via Applicant Inquiry Form.
We seek a diverse pool of applicants who wish to join an academic community that places the highest value on rigorous inquiry and encourages a diversity of perspectives, experiences, groups of individuals, and ideas to inform and stimulate intellectual challenge, engagement, and exchange.
All offers of employment are contingent upon a background check that includes a review of conviction history. A conviction does not automatically preclude University employment. Rather, the University considers conviction information on a case-by-case basis and assesses the nature of the offense, the circumstances surrounding it, the proximity in time of the conviction, and its relevance to the position.
The University of Chicago's Annual Security & Fire Safety Report (Report) provides information about University offices and programs that provide safety support, crime and fire statistics, emergency response and communications plans, and other policies and information. The Report can be accessed online at:http://securityreport.uchicago.edu.Paper copies of the Report are available, upon request, from the University of Chicago Police Department, 850 E. 61st Street, Chicago, IL 60637. To view full details and how to apply, please login or create a Job Seeker account
