Web Developer/Designer
4 days ago
Chicago
Job Description POSITION SUMMARY: The Web Developer/Designer maintains and provides solutions for websites, landing pages, and mobile experiences across multiple platforms for external audiences and internal staff needs. The Web Developer reports directly to the Director of Marketing and works with other staff members to provide high-quality services for the students, faculty and staff at Erikson Institute. This position closely collaborates with IT and external resources, as necessary. The Web Developer/Designer is responsible for designing, coding and managing all modifications for erikson.edu (WordPress) and other sites (student information portal my.erikson.edu, SharePoint intranets, promotional landing pages and other sites as assigned), continuously improving upon a visually appealing site to advance strategic goals of the organization. The role is comprised of both regular maintenance of web properties and larger projects. Regular maintenance of the site requires creating and modifying web pages with SEO, AEO, mobile, User Experience (UX) and accessibility best practices as top priorities. This also includes keeping content up to date in accordance with our Website Governance policy. Larger projects may include – but are not limited to – adding features or sections to the website, merging sites and migrating content for a more cohesive web experience based on the organization’s strategic goals. Creating web solutions to solve business problems or address users’ needs is also a major part of this role. Troubleshooting code and regular maintenance of content will be required as needed via ticketing system. The developer will provide expert assistance with CRM, HTML email marketing, and landing pages. The web developer/designer will help contribute to the success of marketing campaigns designed to increase lead generation, grow awareness, enhance fundraising, and build brand reputation. Efforts will be inclusive of graduate education, professional development, clinical services, and more. PRINCIPAL DUTIES: Web Infrastructure & Architecture • Administer and optimize Erikson’s web infrastructure, including server environment (Apache), database management (MySQL), SSL configuration, and PHP-based application frameworks., • Ensure platform stability, scalability, and performance across all WordPress and web-based properties., • Oversee secure integrations between the website and enterprise systems including SLATE, NXT, and Mailchimp., • Develop responsive, accessible, and standards-compliant web experiences using HTML5, CSS3, JavaScript, and AJAX., • Implement and enforce digital design systems and brand standards across all web properties., • Optimize user journeys for key audiences (prospective students, donors, researchers, partners, alumni)., • Ensure WCAG accessibility compliance and mobile-first design best practices., • Lead WordPress governance across all institutional sites, including plugin lifecycle management, updates, and custom theme enhancements., • Establish and enforce coding standards, version control practices, and content governance workflows., • Provide technical training and documentation for internal stakeholders contributing to web content., • Monitor and interpret web analytics to inform content strategy, conversion optimization, and UX improvements., • Ensure accurate tagging, experimentation (A/B), and data capture., • Implement SEO and AEO best practices to increase visibility and engagement., • Conduct ongoing quality assurance including performance testing, broken link audits, and accessibility validation., • Ensure consistent branding and cross-platform user experience across website, CRM, and digital communications channels., • Optimize digital assets (including image editing and formatting) for performance and accessibility. REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS • Bachelor’s degree in web development/design, Information Technology, User Interface Development, Graphic Design, Human Computer Interaction, Computer Science or related field, • A minimum of 3+ years[CC1] of experience or equivalent in web design with a WordPress focus, front-end development, back-end development or related fields., • Demonstratable experience in the following areas: (1) solid working knowledge of HTML, CSS, JavaScript, JQuery and API's; (2) hands-on experience with WordPress, particularly with the Gutenburg editor[CC2] , page blocks, form creation, plugins, widgets, and Advanced Custom Fields; and (3) experience with WCAG[CC3] compliance and optimization., • Working knowledge of UX principles and demonstrated experience implementing them, • Experience creating and maintaining complex websites that include e-commerce elements, video, widgets, forms and other functionalities., • Strong understanding of UI, cross-browser compatibility, general web functions and standards., • Understanding of best practices in web development and web design including UI/UX, accessibility, SEO, AEO, web analytics and security., • Intermediate knowledge of Google Analytics, setting up analytics dashboards and reporting on trends. PREFERRED HUMAN RELATIONS SKILLS • Strong communication and presentation skills with the ability to work with staff across the organization and at various levels in the reporting structure, including multiple business units and teams., • Self-motivated, proactive, curious, collaborative, responsible and flexible., • Working independently as well as within a team, detail-oriented and able to take a project from conception through completion., • Time management skills, • Solution-oriented, • Ability to identify and effectively articulate the organization’s web/technical needs both orally and in writing., • Ability to ask questions and seek clarification to gain complete understanding of issues or materials., • Ability to work effectively and productively with limited supervision., • Ability to work in confidential situations and with confidential information. About Erikson Institute We are the premier early childhood development organization committed to ensuring that all children have equitable opportunities to realize their potential. Erikson Institute’s graduate school uniquely prepares child development, education, and social work leaders to improve the lives of young children and their families. Our impact and influence are further amplified through our innovative academic programs, applied research, direct services in the community, advocacy, policy and leadership. Erikson Institute is an equal opportunity employer. We consider all applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, national or ethnic origin, sexual orientation, marital status, age, disability, veteran status, family responsibilities, or any other classes protected by federal, state, or local laws. In addition, Erikson Institute provides reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities in accordance with the Americans With Disabilities Act and applicable state and local laws (including during the application or hiring process). To learn more, please visit our web site at