Application Developer Lead

The Lead Application Developer serves as a senior-level technical leader responsible for the architecture, development, integration, and ongoing maintenance of custom applications within the university's Learning Management System (LMS) ecosystem. This role provides advanced expertise in application design, software development, systems integration, and educational technology standards to deliver scalable, secure, and highly functional digital solutions that support teaching, learning, and student success.

A primary initial focus of this position is leading the design and deployment of an integrated chatbot solution within the LMS to enhance the digital learning environment, improve user support, and create a more responsive faculty and student experience. The position will also support broader strategic initiatives through the development of custom LMS tools, LTI integrations, and API-based solutions that align technology capabilities with instructional and institutional goals.

This role works collaboratively with academic technology leadership, instructional designers, LMS administrators, and campus stakeholders to translate pedagogical and operational needs into innovative technical solutions.

WHAT MAKES CETLOE A GREAT PLACE?

• Generous benefits, including health, dental, vision, tuition assistance, retirement, etc.

• A knowledge-sharing organization that works collaboratively with diverse partners.

• Professional development opportunity and mentorship

• A rapidly growing center within an academic setting

HERE IS WHAT YOU WILL DO

• Application Development & Systems Architecture

• Lead the architecture, development, integration, and deployment of a comprehensive chatbot solution within the LMS environment, ensuring seamless performance, usability, and accessibility.

• Design, develop, and maintain custom LMS applications, plugins, and extensions to support academic and instructional technology initiatives.

• Architect and implement LTI (Learning Tools Interoperability) integrations, RESTful APIs, and middleware solutions to connect LMS platforms with third-party educational tools and university systems.

• Establish scalable application frameworks, coding standards, and secure development practices for enterprise-level LMS solutions.

• Evaluate emerging educational technologies and recommend technical solutions that improve the digital teaching and learning ecosystem.

• Testing, Quality Assurance & Security

• Perform rigorous testing, debugging, troubleshooting, and quality assurance processes to ensure application stability, performance, and reliability.

• Ensure all custom solutions meet security, privacy, accessibility, and compliance standards, including FERPA, WCAG, and university IT governance requirements.

• Monitor application performance, resolve system issues, and implement enhancements to optimize user experience and system functionality.

• Conduct code reviews and enforce best practices related to version control, release management, and change documentation.

• Collaboration & Technical Consultation

• Partner with academic technology leadership, instructional designers, systems administrators, and faculty stakeholders to gather technical requirements and define project scope.

• Translate instructional and pedagogical goals into technical system designs and development plans.

• Provide senior-level consultation on LMS customization strategies, integration architecture, and automation opportunities.

• Collaborate with cross-functional university teams to ensure alignment between academic needs and enterprise technology standards.

• Documentation & Knowledge Management

• Develop and maintain comprehensive technical documentation, including system architecture diagrams, source code annotations, API documentation, deployment procedures, and maintenance guides.

• Create support documentation and knowledge resources for technical teams, LMS administrators, and other internal stakeholders.

• Maintain documentation for all chatbot workflows, decision trees, and integration logic.

Disclaimer: This job requisition provides a high-level job definition. It is not intended to provide a comprehensive or exclusive list of job duties. As such, job duties and/or responsibilities within the context of this job requisition may change at the discretion of the employee's direct supervisor.

Bachelor's degree and three years related experience, or a combination of education and related experience.

Preferred Hiring Qualifications:

• Master's degree in a related technical field
• Experience building AI-powered chatbots, conversational interfaces, or virtual assistants
• Experience with cloud-based application deployment and containerization
• Familiarity with instructional design principles and digital pedagogy
• Experience in higher education or academic technology environments
• Knowledge of analytics tools, user behavior tracking, and learning data standards

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Advanced software architecture and systems integration expertise
• Strong project leadership and technical problem-solving skills
• Ability to translate functional requirements into scalable technical solutions
• Knowledge of LMS standards, LTI frameworks, and academic technology ecosystems
• Excellent written communication and technical documentation skills
• Ability to manage multiple projects in a fast-paced, collaborative environment

Salary offers will be determined based on the candidate's qualifications in relation to the Minimum Hiring Standards. Candidates earlier in their careers are typically offered salaries closer to the minimum of the hiring range, while those with more advanced or relevant experience may be considered for compensation at or above the hiring range.