Front-End Web Developer (CMS & Digital Experience)

Empire State University invites applications for the position of Front-End Web Developer within the Marketing and Creative Services team. This role is well suited for a detail-oriented professional with expertise in developing and optimizing user-facing web experiences within a content management system-driven environment.

The successful candidate will play a key role in maintaining and enhancing the university's public website utilizing the Modern Campus CMS platform. The ideal candidate will demonstrate strong proficiency in front-end development, experience working within content management systems, and a commitment to accessibility standards, performance optimization, and user-centered design principles.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop, implement, and maintain responsive, accessible, and user-friendly web pages using HTML, CSS, and JavaScript within the Modern Campus CMS.
• Build and extend reusable templates, components, and content blocks based on wireframes, mockups, and design system standards.
• Collaborate with designers, content creators, and marketing stakeholders to translate business and user needs into effective web solutions.
• Ensure consistency with university branding, design systems, and digital standards across all web properties.
• Troubleshoot and resolve front-end issues, including layout inconsistencies, cross-browser compatibility, and performance concerns.
• Optimize web pages for accessibility (WCAG 2.1), SEO, and overall usability.
• Support ongoing site improvements through audits, testing, and iterative enhancements to user experience.
• Contribute to documentation of templates, components, and CMS workflows to support scalability and governance.
• Stay current with front-end best practices, emerging technologies, and accessibility standards.

Required Qualifications

• Associate's OR Bachelor's degree in Web Development, Computer Science, Digital Media, or a closely related field; OR an equivalent combination of education and relevant professional experience.
• A minimum of three (3) years of professional front-end web development experience.
• Strong proficiency in HTML5, CSS3, and JavaScript, including responsive design and modern layout techniques (Flexbox, Grid).
• Experience working with a content management system (Modern Campus CMS, WordPress, Drupal, or similar).
• Solid understanding of web accessibility standards (WCAG/ADA) and front-end best practices.
• Experience debugging and optimizing front-end performance across browsers and devices.
• Strong attention to detail and ability to maintain visual and brand consistency.
• Excellent communication skills and ability to collaborate across technical and non-technical teams.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with Modern Campus CMS, including templates, snippets, and assets.
• Familiarity with design tools such as Figma or Adobe Creative Suite.
• Experience working within a design system or component-based architecture.
• Basic understanding of SEO principles and analytics tools.