Lead Full Stack Developer

Ignite your career as a Lead Full Stack Developer and drive innovative software solutions that power scalable, high-performance systems. In this dynamic role, you will own the full technical lifecycle of the organization's web applications, mobile app touchpoints, and internal custom applications - including an internally built project and task management platform. You will get to design and maintain APIs, manage databases, and ensure applications are secure, scalable, and performant. This is a build-and-own engineering role, not a maintenance-only position: it carries architectural and long-term ownership responsibility for systems the organization depends on daily, and partners closely with Creative & Production, IT, and department leads across Lighthouse to translate organizational needs into technical solutions. This role requires in-office presence 3 out of 5 days of the week (Tuesday-Thursday for all staff)., * Design, build, and maintain custom internal applications, including the organization's internal project and task management platform, from architecture through ongoing support.

• Develop, maintain, and optimize both front-end and back-end components of web applications and the organization's websites.
• Design, implement, and maintain RESTful APIs to integrate front-end experiences with server-side logic and third-party systems.
• Manage version control workflows using GitHub, SVN, or similar tools; implement CI/CD pipelines for continuous integration and deployment.
• Work with relational databases (e.g., MySQL, PostgreSQL) and NoSQL databases (e.g., MongoDB) to store, manage, and query data.
• Write clean, secure, well-documented, and reusable code following professional engineering standards.
• Implement security and data protection measures appropriate to a growing internal application footprint.
• Coordinate directly with department leads across the organization to scope, prioritize, and maintain functional needs of internal tools and systems.
• Troubleshoot, debug, and upgrade existing applications to improve functionality, performance, and reliability.
• Maintain clear technical documentation for code, integrations, and system architecture, including a maintenance and continuity plan so the organization is not dependent on a single point of institutional knowledge.

• Proven experience leading full stack development teams in an Agile environment with a strong track record of delivering scalable web applications.
• Extensive knowledge of IT infrastructure components including cloud services (AWS, Azure), Linux systems, and network architecture.
• Strong proficiency in programming languages such as JavaScript (with modern frameworks), Ruby on Rails, Java, Python, C#, C++, and C; familiarity with front-end development experience is essential.
• Demonstrated expertise in designing RESTful APIs, microservices architecture, and implementing scalable systems for enterprise-level applications.
• Hands-on experience with version control tools like GitHub or SVN; familiarity with CI/CD pipelines to streamline deployment processes.
• Deep understanding of software design patterns, system security (RBAC), and database management using SQL databases such as MySQL or similar systems.
• Ability to communicate complex technical concepts clearly while fostering a collaborative environment that promotes innovation and continuous learning.

Preferred qualifications include:

• Familiarity with Agile/Scrum development practices.
• Experience with GraphQL or WebSockets for real-time application features.
• Understanding of serverless architecture and microservices.
• Experience implementing authentication/authorization (OAuth, JWT, or similar).
• Nonprofit or ministry technology stack experience, including Planning Center, CCB, or ROCK RMS.
• Demonstrated mentorship ability, with interest in eventually leading a small team of developers as the function grows.

Pulled from the full job description

• 401(k)
• Health insurance
• Paid time off
• Vision insurance
• Dental insurance
• Paid sick time
• Paid jury duty, * 401(k)
• Bereavement leave
• Dental insurance
• Flexible spending account
• Health insurance
• Paid holidays
• Paid jury duty
• Paid sick time
• Paid time off
• Vision insurance

The Lighthouse Church and Ministries is committed to serving its members, visitors, and the broader community by fostering an atmosphere of spiritual growth, inclusion, and operational excellence. With more than 22,000 in-person members and 30 ministries, the church emphasizes innovation and strategic planning to fulfill its mission. The Lighthouse Church is an equal opportunity employer. We do not discriminate in hiring or employment on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, age, disability, genetic information, or veteran status, in accordance with applicable federal law. As a 501(c)(3) faith-based religious organization, The Lighthouse Church and Ministries reserves the right to make employment decisions consistent with its religious beliefs and mission as permitted under Title VII. This job description in no way states or implies that these are the only duties to be performed by the employee(s) incumbent in this position. Employees will be required to follow any other job-related instructions and to perform any other job-related duties requested by any person authorized to give instructions or assignments. All duties and responsibilities are essential functions and requirements and are subject to possible modification to reasonably accommodate individuals with disabilities. This description does not create an employment contract, implied or otherwise, other than an "at will" relationship. Pay: $85,000.00 - $95,000.00 per year