Front-End Web Developer

About the role

Santa Clara University (SCU) is seeking a Frontend Web Developer to support the University's digital presence. Reporting to the Director of Digital Strategy, this position develops user interfaces for websites and web-based applications, ensuring brand consistency, usability, and responsive behavior.

Responsibilities

• Develop user interfaces for Santa Clara websites, microsites, HTML emails, web applications, and embedded tools, ensuring brand consistency, usability, and responsive behavior.
• Translate Figma mockups and visual designs into responsive, accessible, and performant web interfaces using HTML/CSS/JS, and integrate them into Terminalfour and other CMS platforms.
• Utilize tools and languages, including HTML, CSS, JavaScript, React, Bootstrap, Sass/SCSS, Node.js, Git, DevTools, Figma Dev Mode, Terminalfour, and LiveWhale.
• Apply AI-assisted web development practices to support prototyping, code generation, debugging, documentation, and refinement of frontend interfaces, while reviewing outputs for accuracy, accessibility, and alignment with Santa Clara’s brand and technical standards.
• Transform design layouts and wireframes into usable frontend functionality through developing, testing, and revising web application code.
• Collaborate with designers to refine layouts, including pixel tuning for spacing, alignment, and typography across devices and breakpoints.
• Build, maintain, and evolve Santa Clara’s digital design system and reusable components in collaboration with Academic Technology; contribute specs and code for new features.
• Collaborate with the University Webmaster to strategize implementation, request back-end support, and strengthen alignment across systems and standards.
• Support campus units in developing intuitive, user-friendly websites that reflect Santa Clara’s brand and mission.
• Provide UI guidance and assist with content building and updates in the CMS.
• Support, maintenance, and troubleshooting:
• Diagnose and resolve frontend issues related to layout, accessibility, and cross-browser compatibility.
• Aid in testing and quality assurance prior to deployment.
• Use AI tools to assist with troubleshooting, drafting documentation, and issue analysis, ensuring the final work is reviewed and validated before implementation.
• Support third-party, backend, and API integrations and widgets, ensuring responsive behavior and alignment with Santa Clara’s branding.
• Write internal and external documentation to support ongoing development and user implementation.
• Web accessibility and performance:
• Write semantic, accessible frontend code that supports inclusive user experiences across websites, applications, HTML emails, and a shared digital design system.
• Apply appropriate ARIA attributes, roles, states, and properties when native HTML alone does not fully communicate meaning, interaction, or status to assistive technologies.
• Remediate accessibility issues identified through the Level Access platform, Axe DevTools, browser-based testing tools, manual review, or stakeholder feedback; ensure code and interfaces support ADA, Section 504, and university accessibility expectations.
• Test frontend work using established accessibility practices, including keyboard-only navigation, screen reader considerations, browser inspection tools, and validation against accessibility success criteria.
• Use AI tools to help identify, explain, or remediate potential accessibility and performance issues, while confirming results through established testing methods and accessibility standards.
• Collaborate with backend, UI/UX, design, and accessibility partners to assess and resolve interrelated accessibility and performance issues.
• Use accessibility validation, page speed, SEO, and traffic reporting tools to support web quality and continuous improvement.
• Collaboration and project contribution:
• Independently manage development timelines, technical requirements, and deliverables from initiation through deployment.
• Communicate progress and technical considerations with supervisor, internal stakeholders, clients, and collaborators.
• Collaborate with the university Webmaster on coding strategies, backend development, and shared governance of university-wide tools and infrastructure.
• Coordinate or support large-scale CMS and platform upgrades, ensuring testing, continuity checks, and stakeholder alignment.
• Identify new technologies that can add visual display capabilities and enhance site usability.
• Mentor student developers and peers; provide guidance on frontend practices.
• Participate in stakeholder meetings, workshops, and training sessions.

Qualifications

• Proficient knowledge of HTML, CSS, JavaScript, and modern frontend frameworks and libraries such as Bootstrap, React, and Node.js.
• Experience using Git, component-based architecture, and design-to-code implementation workflows such as Figma Dev Mode and DevTools.
• Proficient knowledge of web accessibility standards and practices, including WCAG 2.2 AA, Section 508 ICT Standards, semantic HTML, keyboard accessibility, focus management, ARIA attributes, color contrast, accessible forms, headings, links, and assistive technology considerations.
• Experience with QA methodologies, responsive design, frontend performance optimization, and building resilient interfaces using progressive enhancement and graceful degradation techniques.
• Familiarity with CSS pre-processors such as Sass/SCSS and frontend build tools.
• Experience working in enterprise CMS platforms such as Terminalfour, Livewhale, and WordPress, including integration with social media and third-party tools.
• Experience translating design mockups and wireframes into usable frontend code.
• Understanding of how generative AI can support frontend development workflows.
• Understanding of digital project management tools and workflows.
• Understanding and appreciation of the vision and values of a Jesuit Catholic educational mission.