Web & Applications Developer I

The Web & Applications Developer I supports the creation, maintenance, and enhancement of VCU's enterprise websites and custom digital applications within Enterprise Marketing and Communications (EMC). The role blends foundational backend development with front-end implementation and hands-on technical support to deliver secure, accessible, and high-quality digital experiences that advance university priorities.

Reporting to the Digital Technology Manager and receiving guidance from senior team members as appropriate, the Web & Applications Developer I contributes to application development, CMS engineering, integrations, and daily technical operations. Working primarily in a .NET and Windows-based environment, the developer contributes to custom programming for EMC's internal applications and integrations. They also contribute to website projects through front-end development and site-specific programming using standard front-end technologies (HTML, CSS, JS) along with Terminalfour's templating tools.

The role further supports internal applications, enterprise tools, deployments, and issue-resolution workflows that keep EMC's digital systems running smoothly and securely.

This position is designed for an early-career developer who is excited about applying their technical skills in a marketing and communications environment-someone who wants to understand EMC's goals and use their web development skills to help us tell VCU's story and strengthen its brand by improving our websites and digital communications tools. The role offers the opportunity to deepen skills over time, work as part of a highly collaborative team, and take on meaningful responsibilities that make a visible impact on VCU's web presence.

Core Responsibilities

Custom Development & Backend Support

• Contribute to the scoping, development, and maintenance of custom web applications and system integrations as part of the development team.
• Participate in backend development using .NET (C#), SQL Server, and Git-based workflows within established team practices.
• Support integrations with university authentication systems (CAS, SSO, OAuth), CRM-related workflows, and third-party services.
• Maintain and enhance existing sites and applications with attention to performance, stability, accessibility, and long-term maintainability.
• Participate in environment management, deployment workflows, and version control processes following established procedures.
• Provide support for internal applications and digital tools used across EMC.
• Ensure all development work aligns with university web standards, brand guidelines, and security policies.

CMS Engineering & Structured Content Development

• Develop and maintain CMS templates, components, and content models within Terminalfour and the Compass framework.
• Work within structured content systems and reusable components that support scalable content creation.
• Translate design concepts into functional templates and components within Terminalfour and custom applications.
• Support CMS-related SEO, accessibility, and performance requirements.
• Collaborate with analytics partners to implement tracking, structured content, and platform integrations that support measurement and reporting.

Front-End Development & Integration

• Implement responsive, accessible, and performant interfaces using HTML, CSS, JavaScript, and media assets.
• Co-create front-end layouts, components, and interface updates with design and development partners.
• Build and update HTML email templates that meet accessibility, brand, and cross-client requirements.
• Support front-end troubleshooting, browser testing, and UI refinements acrossf devices and platforms.

IT Operations & Platform Support

• Provide secondary support for EMC's custom applications, CMS implementations, and digital tools.
• Provide secondary support for division platforms and enterprise tools such as Jira Cloud, CRM-related systems, and other internal or third-party services.
• Assist with server-hosting coordination, deployments, backups, and incident-response workflows in coordination with senior team members.
• Coordinate with Desktop Support and central IT on infrastructure, security, and access control for division resources.
• Contribute to compliance tasks related to IT governance, accessibility, security reviews, and application inventory updates.

Testing, Security & Quality Assurance

• Test backend systems and front-end features for functionality, accessibility, performance, and security.
• Participate in code reviews and follow established development standards and workflows.
• Support regression testing, release validation, and system monitoring.
• Apply secure coding practices and support compliance with privacy and data standards.
• Ensure all work meets university accessibility standards and aligns with brand and web guidelines.

Collaboration, Documentation & Team Support

• Collaborate daily with a cross-functional team.
• Contribute to development efforts through both independent work and collaborations with senior developers and peers.
• Translate technical concepts for non-technical collaborators and stakeholders.
• Maintain clear, useful documentation for systems, workflows, and development processes.
• Provide occasional guidance or support to internal users on system features, tools, or processes.

Innovation & Continuous Improvement

• Stay informed about evolving web technologies, development practices, and tools.
• Recommend improvements to development workflows, technical infrastructure, and project execution (features, innovations, reusability).
• Contribute ideas that enhance maintainability and long-term sustainability.
• Pilot small-scale solutions or prototypes that support team and division goals.

Do you have experience in Windows?, Do you have a Bachelor's degree?, * Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Web Development, or equivalent training and experience.

• 2-3 years of experience developing and maintaining production web applications.
• Demonstrated experience with .NET (C#) and relational databases (SQL preferred), with comfort working in a Windows-based environment.
• Proficiency in HTML, CSS, JavaScript, and responsive design techniques.
• Experience working within a content management system, with comfort operating inside structured content systems, reusable components, and governance requirements.
• Demonstrated ability to translate content and design requirements into functional websites or applications.
• Enthusiasm for front-end layout implementation, accessible UI development, and collaboration with designers and content strategists.
• Comfort co-developing on shared codebases and working closely with senior developers and peers.
• Ability to support ongoing maintenance, updates, and incremental improvements to existing applications and websites.
• Willingness to support internal applications, enterprise tools (such as Jira Cloud and CRM-related systems), and third-party services used across EMC.
• Willingness to assist with deployments, backups, and incident-response workflows under senior guidance.
• Awareness of federal web accessibility requirements and WCAG
• Experience using Git or similar version control systems.
• Strong communication skills and the ability to work collaboratively in a diverse, cross-functional environment.
• Commitment to excellent customer service and technical support.
• Portfolio or GitHub/Bitbucket repository with code samples demonstrating development work (not limited to UI-only projects).
• Demonstrated ability to work in and foster an environment of respect, professionalism and civility with a population of faculty, staff, and students from all backgrounds and experiences, or a commitment to do so as a staff member at VCU.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with ASP.NET MVC, Web API, or ASP.NET Core.
• Experience with SQL Server.
• Experience with Terminalfour or another enterprise CMS.
• Experience building layouts, components, or structured content models in a CMS.
• Familiarity with front-end build tools (npm, Node.js, bundlers).
• Experience integrating third-party APIs or enterprise data services.
• Understanding of authentication systems (CAS, SSO, OAuth).
• Experience implementing HTML email templates that meet accessibility and cross-client requirements.
• Experience with GA4, GTM, or analytics integrations.
• Knowledge of technical SEO and performance optimization.
• Experience applying WCAG accessibility standards in development work.
• Experience working in higher education, government, or other regulated environments.
• Familiarity with collaborative development workflows (Git, code reviews, sprints).
• Experience working within a cross-functional team.

Pulled from the full job description

• Tuition reimbursement
• Health insurance
• Employee discount
• Paid holidays
• Opportunities for advancement