Lead Full-Stack WordPress Developer Pantheon Specialist

Job Description

Job Description

Title: Lead Full-Stack WordPress Developer (Pantheon Specialist)
Location: Onsite - Massachusetts
Work authorization: US Citizen

Key Personnel / Core Technical Production
Role Summary
The Lead Developer is responsible for the architectural integrity, performance, security, and deployment reliability of MassArt.edu. This role maintains and evolves the custom WordPress theme, reusable components, integrations, and multienvironment deployment workflows within Pantheon. The developer ensures the site remains secure, accessible, high performing, and aligned with MassArt’s long term digital sustainability goals.

Key Responsibilities
• Custom Theme & Component Engineering — Maintain and enhance custom WordPress themes, Gutenberg components, PHP templates, and plugins.
• Pantheon DevOps Management — Oversee Git based branching, multidev environments, automated testing, and rollback procedures.
• Security & Platform Health — Apply core, theme, and plugin updates; perform vulnerability reviews; execute malware scanning.
• Performance Optimization — Manage Redis object caching, Pantheon caching layers, image optimization, code refactoring, and Core Web Vitals improvements.
• Integration Maintenance — Support integrations with Localist, Slate, Mailchimp, analytics tools, and other institutional systems.
• Cross Browser & Cross Device Remediation — Resolve layout conflicts, script regressions, and responsive design issues.
• Multi CMS Support — Provide tactical support for Drupal, Modern Campus, or other platforms when authorized.

Required Qualifications
• Expert level proficiency in PHP, HTML5, CSS3, JavaScript (ES6+), and database querying.
• Extensive experience managing Pantheon hosted WordPress environments, including multidev workflows and caching layers.
• Deep familiarity with Git based deployment, continuous integration, automated testing, and rollback procedures.
• Proven ability to troubleshoot cross browser, cross device, and responsive design issues.
• Experience developing and maintaining custom WordPress themes, plugins, reusable components, and API integrations.
• Demonstrated capabilities in security hardening, performance optimization, technical debt reduction, and Core Web Vitals improvements.

Preferred Qualifications
• Experience supporting higher education digital ecosystems with complex integrations and admissions workflows.
• Familiarity with Localist, Slate, Mailchimp, Modern Campus, or similar platforms.
• Experience with Drupal or other CMS platforms used by academic institutions.
• Background supporting visually driven institutions, especially art and design colleges.