Web Developer & CMS Solutions Specialist

The primary location of this position is on-site in Cullowhee, NC. This position is designated as being exempt from the State of North Carolina Human Resources Act (EHRA).

Western Carolina University seeks a Web Developer & CMS Solutions Specialist to support the development, maintenance, and continuous improvement of the university’s web presence. This position focuses on front-end development, CMS enhancements, accessibility implementation, and digital experience optimization across WCU websites by creating accessible, responsive, and user-friendly digital experiences.

The position develops and maintains CMS templates, page layouts, reusable components, and custom functionality; translates approved designs, wireframes, and content needs into maintainable web pages; and uses front-end technologies such as HTML, CSS, JavaScript, XML, and XSL to support CMS-managed content, feature areas, landing page elements, embedded tools, social media integrations, and related web functionality.

The position also troubleshoots layout, styling, browser behavior, mobile display, accessibility, usability, performance, and functionality issues; tests new and updated web features before launch; and supports ongoing improvements to website accessibility, consistency, page load speed, and overall digital experience. In collaboration with content creators, designers, marketers, web administrators, IT partners, and campus stakeholders, this role provides CMS guidance, implements practical and scalable web solutions, maintains documentation, and stays current with emerging web technologies, user experience trends, accessibility requirements, and CMS capabilities.

• Knowledge of front-end web development using HTML, CSS, JavaScript, XML, and XSL.
• Knowledge of content management systems and reusable web components.
• Knowledge of web accessibility, usability, responsive design, and UX best practices.
• Skill in building, maintaining, and troubleshooting CMS templates, layouts, and web functionality.
• Skill in translating designs and content needs into accessible, mobile-friendly web pages.
• Ability to identify and resolve layout, browser, mobile display, performance, and functionality issues.
• Ability to test web features for accessibility, responsiveness, usability, and cross-browser compatibility.
• Ability to document technical processes and provide CMS guidance to users.
• Ability to collaborate with designers, marketers, IT partners, and campus stakeholders., * Interested candidates must already be legally authorized to work in the United States and will not require any immigration sponsorship or support.
• Bachelor’s degree and one to three years of related web development experience; or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Demonstrated experience developing or maintaining websites using HTML, CSS, and JavaScript.
• Demonstrated experience creating, updating, or maintaining web content in a content management system.

Preferred Qualifications

• Preferred qualifications include experience with Modern Campus CMS, formerly OmniUpdate; experience building reusable templates, widgets, or CMS components; and working knowledge of XSL and XML. Additional preferred experience includes WordPress or similar web platforms, support for large-scale websites or digital governance initiatives, web performance optimization and analytics tools, and implementation of accessibility standards such as WCAG 2.1 AA.

Western Carolina University continues to rank high on Forbes ‘Best Employers’ lists each year. Including:

• 2025 - Ranked 1st in the top 100 employers in North Carolina in Forbes ‘America’s Best Employers by State’ list.
• 2024 - Ranking in the top 8.5% on Forbes ‘America’s Best Midsize Employers’ list, WCU was ranked 34 out of the top 400 employers across all industries.
• 2023 - Ranked in the top 20% on Forbes ‘America’s Best Midsize Employers’ list, WCU was ranked 97 out of the top 500 employers across all industries.
• 2022 - Ranked 14th in the top 100 employers in North Carolina in Forbes ‘America’s Best Employers by State’ list. Western Carolina University is the UNC system’s westernmost campus and has been consistently ranked as one of the top 15 public regional institutions in the South. Employees of WCU are provided a comprehensive benefits package as well as other resources, policies and programs to ensure a happy and healthy work/life balance. Benefit eligible employees have access to dental, vision and health insurance plans - eligibility begins on the first of the month following date of hire. Retirement plan contributions begin on the eligibility date following election and include employer contributions for either a defined contribution or a defined benefit plan. Optional disability plans are also available. Eligible employees have access to tuition waivers for up to three courses per academic year; employee may enroll at any of the constituent UNC System campuses. Also offered are free group exercise classes multiple times per week, a discounted membership to the campus recreation center, free vaccine and booster shots offered on campus, pretax flexible spending accounts, 12 paid holidays and 24 hours of paid community service leave each year. Leave earning employees (staff and 12-month faculty) who work at least half of the working days of their first month of employment will begin accruing vacation and sick leave immediately. Paid parental leave after 12 months of continuous service. WCU offers an abundance of training and development programs, certifications, workshops and conferences - many of which are offered free of charge., Western Carolina University uses E-Verify to confirm employment eligibility of all newly hired employees. To learn more about E-Verify, including your rights and responsibilities, please visit www.dhs.gov/E-Verify. Proper documentation of identity and employability are required at the time of employment. Credential Verification