Web Developer

Web Developer

Cairn University is seeking a qualified Web Developer to join the Communications and Marketing team. The Web Developer is responsible for the structure, design, and development of the University's websites. This position oversees website refreshes, conducts routine assessments of site structure, and ensures that all digital properties meet current accessibility, performance, and usability standards. The ideal candidate will have a strong understanding of web development best practices and a commitment to creating an engaging, user-friendly online experience for prospective students, current students, faculty, staff, alumni, and other university stakeholders.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities
Web Architecture — defining the structure, direction, and long-term roadmap of the university's digital presence
UX/UI Design — designing interfaces, page layouts, and digital experiences from concept through execution
Front-End & Back-End Development — building and engineering all web properties and systems
Systems Design & Implementation — creating new digital tools and platforms to support institutional operations
Accessibility & Compliance — ensuring all properties meet WCAG 2.1 and ADA/Section 508 standards
Skills and Abilities
Technical leadership: Advise leadership on emerging web technologies, digital trends, and platform decisions.
Standards and Policies: Establish and enforce web governance standards, content policies, and platform documentation across the institution.
Collaboration: Collaborate with the Creative Director, Director of Marketing, and other team members to ensure the digital experience reflects the university's brand and strategic priorities.
Technical Expertise: Strong knowledge of web development basics, including HTML, CSS, and experience with content management systems (CMS) such as WordPress or Drupal.
Problem-Solving: Ability to troubleshoot technical and content-related issues.
Communication Skills: Capable of conveying technical concepts to non-technical stakeholders and collaborating effectively with cross-functional teams.
Required Education and Experience
Bachelor's degree in Web Development, Computer Science, Digital Media, Communications, or a related field — or equivalent professional experience.
Demonstrated proficiency in HTML, CSS, JavaScript, PHP, and SQL/relational database management.
Hands-on experience with WordPress including custom theme development, plugin customization, and multisite configuration.
Proven experience managing multiple web properties and leading large-scale web projects independently.
Strong UX/UI design sensibility with experience designing web interfaces from concept through implementation.
Working knowledge of WCAG 2.1 accessibility standards and experience with accessibility auditing and remediation.
Proficiency with web analytics platforms including Google Analytics or GA4.
Excellent communication and collaboration skills, with the ability to present technical concepts clearly to non-technical audiences.
Strong organizational and project management skills with the ability to manage competing priorities independently.
Preferred Qualifications
Experience in higher education or a similarly complex institutional environment.
Familiarity with version control systems as used in WPEngine.
Experience with accessibility auditing tools such as axe, WAVE, or Lighthouse.
Knowledge of SEO best practices, structured data, and Core Web Vitals optimization.
Experience with project management or ticketing platforms (e.g., Asana, Jira, Basecamp).
Familiarity with design tools such as Figma, Adobe XD, or similar.
Physical Requirements
Prolonged periods of sitting at a desk while developing strategies, reviewing materials, and working on a computer or digital platforms.
Frequent use of hands and fingers to operate a computer, mobile device, and standard office or media equipment.
Visual and auditory ability to review, edit, and approve written, visual, and digital content, and to communicate effectively with internal and external stakeholders.
Occasional walking and movement across campus or to external sites for meetings, events, photoshoots, and public relations activities.
Occasional lifting, carrying, and set up of marketing materials, signage, or media equipment weighing up to 25 pounds.
Physical stamina and flexibility to attend and support University events that may occur outside standard business hours, including evenings, weekends, and special occasions.
Sustained mental focus and attention to detail required for managing multiple concurrent projects, deadlines, and communications initiatives.
Ability to remain composed and professional while working in a fast-paced environment with shifting priorities and tight deadlines.
Capacity to lead and collaborate effectively with a team of creative professionals, faculty, administrators, and external partners.
Adaptability to emerging technologies, evolving media platforms, and changes in marketing and communication strategies.
This position requires adherence to university communications, branding, and public relations standards, and may include occasional travel for meetings, conferences, or professional events.
Serving at Cairn University
Located in Langhorne, Bucks County, Pennsylvania, Cairn University exists to educate students to serve Christ in the church, society, and the world as biblically minded, well-educated and professionally competent men and women of character. Students earn bachelor's degrees in various areas including Bible, Education, Music, and Business Administration; and graduate degrees in Business, Divinity, Education, Organizational Leadership, Worship and Music, and Counseling. Cairn is a conservative evangelical institution within the protestant tradition that employs faculty and staff who profess Jesus Christ as personal Savior; agree to Cairn's Foundational Statements and serve students in a ministerial capacity through imparting and upholding biblical instruction, prayer, and mentoring. Members of the faculty are required to integrate biblical instruction in their respective professional subject areas. All members of the Cairn community are obligated to affirm, agree with, and align with the University Foundational Statements. During the application process, applicants will have the opportunity to review these statements and must agree to affirm and support the position of the University, if hired. Applicants are also asked to provide a Personal Testimony of salvation as part of the application process.