WordPress Developer

Job Title: WordPress Developer

Location: Remote

Duration: 6+ months, with a very strong possibility of extension

JOB DESCRIPTION

Reporting to the Executive Director of Web and Academic Technology, the WordPress Developer is responsible for building, scaling, and maintaining enterprise web solutions on the WordPress platform. This role partners closely with OIT, Marketing/Communications, and cross-functional stakeholders to deliver accessible, high-performing, and standards-driven digital experiences that support student engagement and institutional priorities.

This position goes beyond basic site maintenance and requires ownership of front-end architecture, component-based development, and platform scalability across a complex WordPress and multi-site environment.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES

Designs, develops, and maintains custom WordPress themes, components, and plugins aligned to a shared design system and front-end standards

Translates Figma-based design systems into reusable, scalable WordPress components, and templates

Ensures all web solutions meet WCAG 2.1 AA / 2.2 AA accessibility standards, including semantic markup, color contrast, keyboard navigation, and assistive technology compatibility

Partners with Marketing/Communications to implement UX and content strategies that improve usability, conversion, and discoverability

Optimizes site performance, including page speed, mobile responsiveness, and Core Web Vitals

Troubleshoots and resolves technical issues across WordPress environments, including theme conflicts, plugin dependencies, and API integrations

Implements and maintains integrations with enterprise systems (e.g., CRM, marketing automation platforms, APIs)

Supports structured content models using tools such as Advanced Custom Fields or equivalent frameworks

Manages code quality, version control, and deployment processes across development environments

Monitors and maintains WordPress core, plugin, and security updates with minimal disruption to production environments

Contributes to scalable architecture for multi-site or multi-brand implementations

Partners with hosting vendors (e.g., Pantheon or equivalent) to ensure performance, uptime, and environment stability

Participates in testing, QA, and release management aligned to SDLC and change control processes

Provides technical guidance and support to internal teams, including training on templates, components, and publishing standards

Stays current with modern WordPress practices, including headless or hybrid architectures where applicable

QUALIFICATIONS

Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university in Computer Science or directly related field- OR-Bachelor s degree with a combination of certificates, training, and work experience relevant to the position s duties

Five years of experience in web development, with a focus on WordPress: experience with multi-site preferred

Employees working remote are responsible for providing a stable internet environment with a connection speed of at least 300 megabytes per second (Mbps).

Experience working in an institution of higher education or large and/or complex institution preferred

Experience with debugging and troubleshooting WordPress issues

Experience with performance optimization and security best practices

Experience in testing and debugging tools like Firebug, Chrome inspector, etc.

Proficient in the use of code repositories such as GitHub

Knowledge and understanding of how to interact with RESTful APIs and formats (JSON, XML)

Strong understanding of HTML, CSS, JavaScript, and PHP

Strong understanding of SEO principles and best practices

Understanding of website architecture and aesthetics

Ability to work independently and manage multiple projects

Ability to convert comprehensive layout and wireframes into responsively designed HTML pages

Ability to understand CSS changes and their ramifications to ensure consistent style across platforms and browsers

Ability to work well with employees at all levels of the organization and possess the ability to handle all situations with tact and diplomacy

Proficiency in the use of Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint)