Front-End Web Developer
Santa Clara County, CA - USA
Job Summary
Position Title:
Front-End Web DeveloperPosition Type:
RegularHiring Range:
$85400 - $102487 annual; compensation will be based on education experience skills relevant to the role and internal equity.
Pay Frequency:
Santa Clara University (SCU) a private Jesuit Catholic institution located in the heart of Silicon Valley is dedicated to fostering ethics social consciousness and cross-disciplinary education for over 9000 undergraduate and graduate students. SCU is on an upward trajectory having recently completed the transformative $1 billion Innovating for the Future campaign. Under the leadership of Julie Sullivan SCUs first layperson and woman president the University has embraced a bold vision for continued growth and development through its Impact 2030 Strategic Plan. This roadmap outlines key priorities for shaping the Universitys future including:
Affordable access to a Santa Clara education for all talented students
Human-centered solutions to the worlds most pressing issues
Intercultural initiatives for global learning research and service
A commitment to Inclusive Excellence and belonging
Ranked among the top 15 percent of national universities SCU boasts impressive graduation rates a curriculum blending high-tech innovation with Jesuit values strong NCAA Division I programs and notable alumni achievements. SCU is poised to enhance their national and global presence with communications playing an important role. President Sullivan prioritizes Marketing and Communications and established it as a cabinet-level unit giving it the voice and access required to advance a strategic integrated communications vision for the University.
To that end University Marketing and Communications (UMC) introduced a new brand platform visual identity enrollment and storytelling campaigns that align with and advance Impact 2030 priorities. This evolution has established UMC as a catalyst for strategic communication positioning it at the heart of SCUs efforts to tell its story with impact and purpose.
Through dynamic cross-platform storytelling UMC supports SCUs enrollment advancement and leadership goals. Its units span brand strategy visual identity social and earned media digital communications and crisis internal and executive communications. UMC also produces SCUs award-winning University magazine and serves as the central communications hub collaborating with communicators across campus to build community share best practices and foster effective brand storytelling that resonates with SCUs diverse audiences.
With a strong influence across the University UMC is positioned to drive an integrated strategic communications approach that attracts prospective students and employees raises awareness and builds support for SCUs ambitious Impact 2030 roadmapan inspiring pathway for growth and innovation.
A. POSITION PURPOSE
As a member of the University Marketing and Communications team the Frontend Web Developer supports Santa Clara Universitys digital presence by developing user interfaces for websites and web-based applications. Reporting to the Director of Digital Strategy this position provides technical leadership in component-based frontend development translating design mockups and wireframes into responsive interactive accessible web interfaces and supporting implementation in Terminalfour (T4) CMS and other campus web platforms.
Working under general supervision the developer contributes to projects and to the thoughtful use of emerging AI-assisted workflows to address complexity and scale in frontend development. The position writes and tests code for new or existing websites and applications builds prototypes supports backend integrations maintains graphic standards and branding throughout the UI serves as an escalation point for advanced technical issues and identifies technologies that may add visual display capabilities or enhance functionality and site usability.
The ideal candidate is a curious collaborative problem-solver with foundational knowledge of HTML CSS JavaScript jQuery React Bootstrap and related web technologies. This role supports execution from concept through deployment while developing frontend quality precision in interface implementation and accessibility practices aligned with WCAG guidelines and ADA/504 requirements.
B. ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
1. Frontend web development
Develop user interfaces for Santa Clara websites microsites HTML emails web applications and embedded tools ensuring brand consistency usability and responsive behavior.
Translate Figma mockups and visual designs into responsive accessible and performant web interfaces using HTML/CSS/JS and integrate them into Terminalfour and other CMS platforms.
Utilize tools and languages including HTML CSS JavaScript React Bootstrap Sass/SCSS Git DevTools Figma Dev Mode Terminalfour and LiveWhale.
Apply AI-assisted web development practices to support prototyping code generation debugging documentation and refinement of frontend interfaces while reviewing outputs for accuracy accessibility and alignment with Santa Claras brand and technical standards.
Transform design layouts and wireframes into usable frontend functionality through developing testing and revising web application code.
Collaborate with designers to refine layouts including pixel tuning for spacing alignment and typography across devices and breakpoints.
Build maintain and evolve Santa Claras digital design system and reusable components in collaboration with Academic Technology; contribute specs and code for new features.
Collaborate with the University Webmaster to strategize implementation request back-end support and strengthen alignment across systems and standards.
Provide UI guidance and assist with content building and updates in the CMS.
Support campus units in developing intuitive user-friendly websites that reflect Santa Claras brand and mission.
2. Support maintenance and troubleshooting
Provide support for Santa Clara websitesincluding diagnosing layout defects resolving accessibility issues and configuring advanced CMS settings.
Diagnose and resolve frontend issues related to layout accessibility and cross-browser compatibility.
Assist with testing and quality assurance prior to deployment.
Use AI tools to assist with troubleshooting drafting documentation and issue analysis ensuring the final work is reviewed and validated before implementation.
Support third-party backend and API integrations and widgets ensuring responsive behavior and alignment with Santa Claras branding.
Write internal and external documentation to support ongoing development and user implementation.
3. Web accessibility and performance
Write semantic accessible frontend code that supports inclusive user experiences across websites applications HTML emails and a shared digital design system.
Build and test interfaces to meet WCAG 2.2 AA including keyboard navigation visible focus states logical focus order appropriate input modalities form labels and instructions error messaging and responsive behavior.
Apply appropriate ARIA attributes roles states and properties when native HTML alone does not fully communicate meaning interaction or status to assistive technologies.
Remediate accessibility issues identified through the Level Access platform Axe DevTools browser-based testing tools manual review or stakeholder feedback; ensure code and interfaces support ADA Section 504 and university accessibility expectations.
Test frontend work using established accessibility practices including keyboard-only navigation screen reader considerations browser inspection tools and validation against accessibility success criteria.
Use AI tools to help identify explain or remediate potential accessibility and performance issues while confirming results through established testing methods and accessibility standards.
Collaborate with backend UI/UX design and accessibility partners to assess and resolve interrelated accessibility and performance issues.
Use accessibility validation page speed SEO and traffic reporting tools to support web quality and continuous improvement.
4. Collaboration and project contribution
Independently manage development timelines technical requirements and deliverables from initiation through deployment.
Communicate progress and technical considerations with supervisor internal stakeholders clients and collaborators.
Collaborate with the university Webmaster on coding strategies backend development and shared governance of university-wide tools and infrastructure.
Coordinate or support large-scale CMS and platform upgrades ensuring testing continuity checks and stakeholder alignment.
Identify new technologies that can add visual display capabilities and enhance site usability.
Mentor student developers and peers; provide guidance on frontend practices.
Participate in stakeholder meetings workshops and training sessions.
Other duties as assigned
C. PROVIDES WORK DIRECTION
This position provides formal work direction to shared student employees.
D. GENERAL GUIDELINES
Recommend initiatives and implement changes to improve quality and services.
Identify the causes of problems and present recommendations to improve established processes and practices.
Maintain contact with campus partners and solicit feedback for improved services.
Maximize productivity through appropriate tools planned training and performance initiatives.
Prepare progress reports and keep the supervisor informed of project status and deviations from goals.
Prepare and submit reports as requested and required.
Develop and implement guidelines to support the functions of the unit.
E. QUALIFICATIONS
To perform this job successfully an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The items below are representative of the knowledge skills abilities education and experience required or preferred.
This position requires the ability to effectively establish and maintain cooperative working relationships within a diverse multicultural environment and to promote and contribute to an inclusive and respectful workplace.
1. Knowledge
Proficient knowledge of HTML CSS JavaScript and modern frontend frameworks and libraries such as Bootstrap React and .
Experience using Git component-based architecture and design-to-code implementation workflows such as Figma Dev Mode and DevTools.
Proficient knowledge of web accessibility standards and practices including WCAG 2.2 AA Section 508 ICT Standards semantic HTML keyboard accessibility focus management ARIA attributes color contrast accessible forms headings links and assistive technology considerations.
Experience with QA methodologies responsive design frontend performance optimization and building resilient interfaces using progressive enhancement and graceful degradation techniques.
Familiarity with CSS pre-processors such as Sass/SCSS and frontend build tools.
Experience working in enterprise CMS platforms such as Terminalfour Livewhale and WordPress including integration with social media and third-party tools.
Experience translating design mockups and wireframes into usable frontend code.
Understanding of how generative AI can support frontend development workflows.
Understanding of digital project management tools and workflows.
Understanding and appreciation of the vision and values of a Jesuit Catholic educational mission.
2. Skills
Strong analytical problem-solving and debugging skills.
Attention to detail and a quality-focused mindset.
Effective communicator both verbally and in writing with the ability to document work and engage stakeholders.
Collaborative team player with the ability to contribute constructively in cross-functional settings.
Ability to receive direction ask clarifying questions and incorporate feedback.
3. Abilities
Build quality cross-browser compatible websites using Santa Claras content management systems and design standards.
Translate visual designs into polished interfaces in collaboration with UI/UX Designers and technical partners.
Use tools for accessibility validation page speed optimization SEO analysis and traffic reporting.
Evaluate AI-generated code for accuracy accessibility security maintainability and alignment with established standards.
Apply accessibility best practices during frontend development including semantic structure keyboard navigability appropriate ARIA usage visible focus states accessible interactive components and validation of common WCAG success criteria.
Manage multiple projects and shifting priorities independently.
Provide training support and documentation for technical and non-technical users.
Learn and apply institutional policies and technical standards efficiently.
Maintain confidentiality and handle sensitive communications with discretion.
4. Education and Experience
Required:
Bachelors degree in Computer Science or Information Technology
3 years of relevant experience in Frontend Web Development or information technology
Knowledge of HTML CSS and JavaScript
Preferred:
Experience implementing accessibility best practices including semantic code ARIA operable web components and WCAG-informed testing.
Experience working in higher education
Experience using Bootstrap Figma Dev Mode and Terminalfour
Training coursework or certification using generative AI tools in web development workflows
F. PHYSICAL DEMANDS
The physical demands described below are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act as amended the California Fair Employment & Housing Act and all other applicable laws Santa Clara provides reasonable accommodations for qualified persons with disabilities. A qualified individual is a person who meets skill experience education or other requirements of the position and who can perform the essential functions of the position with or without reasonable accommodation.
Considerable time is spent at a desk using a computer and phone.
Required to sometimes travel to outside constituent meetings.
Required to travel to other buildings on the campus.
May be required to attend conferences and training sessions in the Bay Area in-state or out-of-state.
Meeting with external constituents at off-campus locations including other offices restaurants and other private and public venues.
G. WORK ENVIRONMENT
The work environment characteristics described below are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job.
Typical office environment with shared spaces and frequent interruptions.
Mostly indoor office environment with possible windows (they dont open to the outside).
Offices with equipment noise (office printers).
Hybrid or flexible work arrangements may be considered in alignment with University policy and departmental needs.
Telecommute
Santa Clara University is registered to do business in the following states: California Nevada Oregon Washington Arizona and Illinois. Employees approved to telecommute are required to perform their work within one of these states.
EEO Statement
Equal Opportunity/Notice of Nondiscrimination
Santa Clara University is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants are encouraged to apply and will receive consideration for employment without regard to race color ethnicity national origin citizenship ancestry religion age sex sexual orientation gender gender expression gender identity marital status parental status veteran or military status physical or mental disability medical conditions pregnancy or related conditions reproductive health decision making or any other characteristic protected by federal state or local laws. For a complete copy of Santa Clara Universitys equal opportunity and nondiscrimination policies please visit the Office of Equal Opportunity and Title IX website at Notice of Availability
Santa Clara University annually collects information about campus crimes and other reportable incidents in accordance with the federal Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act. To view the Santa Clara University report please visit the Campus Safety Serviceswebsite. To request a paper copy please call Campus Safety at . The report includes the type of crime venue and number of occurrences.
Americans with Disabilities Act
Consistent with its obligations under the law Santa Clara University will provide reasonable accommodations to applicants and employees with disabilities. Applicants who wish to request a reasonable accommodation for any part of the application or hiring process should contact the Department of Human Resources ADA Team ator by phone at . Please note: This contact information is intended for accommodation requests only. Resumes or inquiries about application status sent to this inbox will not be reviewed or forwarded. For resumes or questions regarding application status please contact .
Required Experience:
IC