Lead Web Developer

by | Jul 17, 2023 | Uncategorized

Job Description

Lead Web Developer

Locations
US-REMOTE-DC
USA-Remote (Any)
US-REMOTE-NC

Time Type: Full time
Job Requisition Id: Requisition – 2023200731

Job Summary:
Design Lab is FHI 360’s creative studio specializing in print and web design for human development. Design Lab provides creative support to FHI 360’s business units to meet the program needs of the company. The Lead Web Developer will serve as the technical expert and lead developer for the Design Lab’s digital projects, including small and large-scale websites, email templates, and other digital projects as needed. Typical assignments include translating website designs created in Adobe Illustrator or XD to highly customized themes in WordPress that are derived from core theming. In addition to custom front-end theming and styling, create a technical system design for the WordPress dashboard that makes maintenance of the site easy and intuitive using plugins such as Advanced Custom Fields to make editing simple and understandable from an admin perspective.

Accountabilities:

  • Build custom WordPress themes to design specifications, ensuring websites are optimized for mobile devices and low-bandwidth internet connection
  • Create an intuitive user-experience in the backend for client content editors
  • Serve as technical expert for small and large-scale web projects, and actively participate in client kick-off and status meetings to define requirements, provide rationale for build approach, and propose solutions for user and business needs
  • Provide monitoring, ongoing maintenance/backups, and plugin updates for websites
  • Work with Design Lab Studio Manager to create realistic budgets and timelines; meet all agreed-upon deadlines and budget parameters
  • Identify and communicate web accessibility and compliance concerns and recommendations at the outset of the project specifically color contrast, semantic markup, alt text on imagery, etc.
  • Review proposed wireframes and visual design prior to client submission, and appraise designer of any recommendations/concerns to ensure feasibility of development
  • Implement effective page speed optimization and SEO strategies to ensure that websites are quick to load and easily discoverable
  • Write user documentation and provide WordPress training as needed for clients so they have the ability to update web content
  • Manage and oversee the work of external contractors (e.g., web designers, web developers) as needed
  • Collaborate with other business units and internal clients, build rapport, and nurture productive professional working relationships through the course of the project
  • Mentor, share knowledge, and provide direction to Senior Web Developer; for large projects, develop and implement a plan to divide tasks so that the project can be completed on time and within budget
  • Troubleshoot bugs/issue as they arise and contact external vendors (e.g., hosting service providers, plugin technical support) to resolve them in a timely manner
  • Contribute to business development activities
  • Continuously improve upon technical skills
  • Maintain archive of projects following the established file structure and organization
  • Performs other duties as assigned

Applied Knowledge & Skills:

  • Expertise and demonstrated fluency in WordPress development and system design, CSS, HTML, JavaScript, and PHP
  • Must have strong portfolio of highly-tailored CSS-driven websites, with demonstrated ability to translate design mockups into code
  • Thorough knowledge of Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) and remediation of documents to meet Section 508 compliance standards in addition to familiarity with GDRP and EU compliance.
  • Strong expertise in Google Analytics, SEO, Google Tag Manager and extracting information from analytics to make development decisions and inform design decisions.
  • Experience with UI/UX design tools such as Adobe XD or Figma
  • Strong understanding of coding for search engine optimization, page speed optimization for low-bandwidth scenarios), and cybersecurity protocols
  • Experience with Drupal 8/9 theming, SQL, PHP, Mongo DB & Mongo Charts, ASP.NET MVC, Angular 6 framework are a plus.
  • Must be able to translate design to development independently and communicate decisions based on bandwidth concerns and analytics.
  • Supervisory experience required
  • Ability to work independently and as a team member
  • Ability to nurture client relationships is key
  • Excellent verbal and written communications skills
  • Excellent problem-solving and critical-thinking skills
  • Must be able thrive in a diverse, fast-paced collaborative studio environment and have superb time management skills

Problem Solving & Impact:

  • Works on problems that are diverse in scope and require judgment in resolving or making recommendations for solutions.
  • Respond to client feedback in a timely, professional manner
  • Exercises judgement within defined policies and procedures to obtain solutions to perform duties.
  • Decisions made generally affect own job or specific functional area.
  • Decisions and actions have serious implications with delays in schedules, operations and may affect overall business operations.

Supervision Given/Received:

  • Works as a team member by doing own share of work and listening to and acting on expressed needs.
  • Serves as a mentor or lead to less experienced staff.
  • Reports to Design Lab Creative Director.

Education: **

  • Bachelor’s Degree or its International Equivalent in Computer Science, Computer Engineering, Information Technology, Management Information Systems or Related Field.
  • **Or equivalent years of experience and education

Experience: **

  • Minimum of 8 years professional experience in custom WordPress web development (HTML, CSS, Javascript, PHP).
  • Experience in the use of common WordPress plugins and integrations (Search & Filter, Advanced Custom Fields, Google Analytics, etc.)
  • Experience managing or serving as technical lead for large-scale web projects
  • Strong technical documentation skills
  • Prior experience working in a non-governmental organization (NGO) is preferred.

Typical Physical Demands:

  • Typical remote office environment.
  • Ability to spend long hours looking at computer screen and doing repetitive work on a keyboard.
  • Ability to sit/stand for extended periods of time.

Technology to be Used:

  • Personal Computer/Laptop, Microsoft applications (i.e., Office 365, SharePoint, Skype/Zoom/Teams), cell phone/mobile technology, and standard office equipment.

Travel Requirements:

  • Less than 10%

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