Designer/ Developer

Our client is seeking a talented Front-End Web Designer/Developer to join a small, collaborative web team on a project-based contract. This hybrid role will focus on refreshing high-priority web pages, including the homepage and key content sections, as well as designing and building new templates and landing pages for three academic schools.

The ideal candidate combines strong visual and UX design skills with hands-on front-end development experience. You should be comfortable taking a web concept from design through front-end implementation using HTML and CSS, while working closely with a back-end developer to ensure the work can be effectively integrated into the client’s CMS.

This is an excellent opportunity for a designer/developer who enjoys working across both creative and technical disciplines and can help create modern, engaging, and user-friendly digital experiences.

What You’ll Do

• Refresh and modernize high-priority web pages, including the homepage and Stories page, with a focus on visual design, usability, and user experience.
• Design and produce templates and landing pages for three new academic schools, including:
• School of Business & Leadership
• A new creative school
• College of Liberal Arts & Sciences
• Develop an overarching template/framework that can be adapted across the new schools.
• Translate designs into clean, well-structured HTML and CSS for implementation within the client’s CMS.
• Create high-quality design assets and front-end deliverables that can be efficiently handed off to back-end developers.
• Collaborate closely with the Web Manager and back-end developer throughout the design and development process.
• Iterate on designs and front-end work based on feedback from the web team and stakeholders.
• Participate in occasional web team meetings, typically Tuesdays at 2 PM, to discuss project progress and priorities.

• A strong portfolio demonstrating website and digital design work.
• Strong visual design skills with excellent judgment around layout, typography, usability, and interaction.
• Hands-on proficiency with HTML and CSS and the ability to produce clean, semantic, well-structured front-end code.
• Experience designing for and working within Content Management Systems (CMS).
• Experience with BigTree CMS is strongly preferred.
• Experience with other CMS platforms such as WordPress or Drupal is also valuable.
• Ability to collaborate effectively with back-end developers and understand the technical considerations involved in design implementation and handoff.
• Strong communication skills and the ability to work independently in a remote environment.
• Responsive and available during business hours for collaboration and project needs.
• Experience with SEO and/or Answer Engine Optimization (AEO) is a plus.
• Experience working with organizations in higher education, healthcare, nonprofit, or other non-consumer sectors is preferred.

Ideal Candidate

We’re looking for someone who can comfortably move between design and development. You should have a strong eye for visual design and UX, while also being able to get into the code and produce functional front-end work.

The ability to collaborate with a back-end developer and communicate effectively about both design and technical requirements will be important to success in this role. Candidates with BigTree CMS experience are especially encouraged to apply.