WordPress Developer

Integration Specialist - WordPress Developer

PRIMARY OBJECTIVE
Reporting to the Executive Director of Web and Academic Technology, the WordPress Developer is responsible for building, scaling, and maintaining enterprise web solutions on the WordPress platform. This role partners closely with OIT, Marketing/Communications, and cross-functional stakeholders to deliver accessible, high-performing, and standards-driven digital experiences that support student engagement and institutional priorities.
This position goes beyond basic site maintenance and requires ownership of front-end architecture, component-based development, and platform scalability across a complex WordPress and multi-site environment.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES
Designs, develops, and maintains custom WordPress themes, components, and plugins aligned to a shared design system and front-end standards
Translates Figma-based design systems into reusable, scalable WordPress components and templates
Ensures all web solutions meet WCAG 2.1 AA / 2.2 AA accessibility standards, including semantic markup, color contrast, keyboard navigation, and assistive technology compatibility
Partners with Marketing/Communications to implement UX and content strategies that improve usability, conversion, and discoverability
Optimizes site performance, including page speed, mobile responsiveness, and Core Web Vitals
Troubleshoots and resolves technical issues across WordPress environments, including theme conflicts, plugin dependencies, and API integrations
Implements and maintains integrations with enterprise systems (e.g., CRM, marketing automation platforms, APIs)
Supports structured content models using tools such as Advanced Custom Fields or equivalent frameworks
Manages code quality, version control, and deployment processes across development environments
Monitors and maintains WordPress core, plugin, and security updates with minimal disruption to production environments
Contributes to scalable architecture for multi-site or multi-brand implementations
Partners with hosting vendors (e.g., Pantheon or equivalent) to ensure performance, uptime, and environment stability
Participates in testing, QA, and release management aligned to SDLC and change control processes
Provides technical guidance and support to internal teams, including training on templates, components, and publishing standards
Stays current with modern WordPress practices, including headless or hybrid architectures where applicable

QUALIFICATIONS
Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university in Computer Science or directly related field- OR-Bachelor's degree with a combination of certificates, training, and work experience relevant to the position's duties
Five years of experience in web development, with a focus on WordPress: experience with multi-site preferred
Employees working remote are responsible for providing a stable internet environment with a connection speed of at least 300 megabytes per second (Mbps).
Experience working in an institution of higher education or large and/or complex institution preferred
Experience with debugging and troubleshooting WordPress issues
Experience with performance optimization and security best practices
Experience in testing and debugging tools like Firebug, Chrome inspector, etc.
Proficient in the use of code repositories such as GitHub
Knowledge and understanding of how to interact with RESTful APIs and formats (JSON, XML)
Strong understanding of HTML, CSS, JavaScript, and PHP
Strong understanding of SEO principles and best practices
Understanding of website architecture and aesthetics
Ability to work independently and manage multiple projects
Ability to convert comprehensive layout and wireframes into responsively designed HTML pages
Ability to understand CSS changes and their ramifications to ensure consistent style across platforms and browsers
Ability to work well with employees at all levels of the organization and possess the ability to handle all situations with tact and diplomacy
Proficiency in the use of Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint)

Notes:
Remote

VIVA is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants have an equal opportunity for placement, and all employees have an equal opportunity to develop on the job. This means that VIVA will not discriminate against any employee or qualified applicant on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability or protected veteran status.