Front End Developer

How to Apply

A cover letter is required for consideration for this position and should be attached as the first page of your resume. The cover letter should address your specific interest in the position and outline skills and experience that directly relate to this position.

Summary

As a Front-End Web Developer this position plays a pivotal role in crafting visually appealing, accessible, and user-friendly web interfaces that provide seamless interactions for our users. The position works closely with design and back-end development teams to enhance the overall user experience and create responsive, engaging, and performant web interfaces that align with our business objectives.

Responsibilities*

60% - Collaborate with design and developers to build user interfaces and implement visual elements of website

• Closely work with the UI/UX designers to provide input on technical feasibility and potential enhancements during the design phase.
• Collaborate with designers and developers to understand and interpret wireframes, mockups, and design concepts, ensuring accurate implementation in the final product across different screen sizes and device types.
• Collaborate on coding approach to achieve design intent.
• Learn, understand, and keep up-to-date with internally used third-party software, recommending application of additional features and functions.
• Develop responsive web applications using HTML, CSS, ASP.Net, and JavaScript, adhering to industry best practices for clean, maintainable, accessible code.
• Create reusable UI components and templates that streamline development and maintain consistency across the website.
• Implement dynamic, accessible, and interactive features, such as animations, transitions, and user input validations, to enhance user engagement and interaction.
• Maintain and update existing web applications, addressing bugs, adding new features, and continuously improving the overall user experience.
• Work closely with the back-end development team to integrate front-end components with server-side logic, ensuring seamless data exchange and functionality.
• Ensure consistent visual and interactive experiences across different devices and screen sizes.
• Conduct thorough testing and debugging across various browsers and devices to identify and fix compatibility issues and ensure consistent functionality.
• Optimize web applications for speed and performance, identifying and addressing bottlenecks to deliver smooth user experiences.
• Participate in code reviews, providing constructive feedback to colleagues and addressing feedback received on your own code positively and professionally.
• Troubleshoot and resolve user-reported issues, providing timely and effective solutions to maintain a positive user experience.
• Contribute to the documentation of front-end development processes, guidelines, and best practices to facilitate knowledge sharing and onboarding of new team members.
• Stay updated with the latest web development trends, techniques, and technologies, and proactively propose the integration of new tools and practices where relevant.

35% - Contribute to customer research, tracking, and user testing

• Collaborate with the marketing/sales and design teams to implement tracking and analytics tools, enabling data-driven decision-making to improve the website's performance and user experience.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to plan and execute A/B tests and user surveys, leveraging insights to refine and enhance the website's user interface and functionality.
• Review customer comments, surveys, interviews, and other documents

5% - Other duties as assigned

• Participate on Institute strategic teams
• Other duties as assigned

Required Qualifications*

• Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Web Development, or a related field
• 5-7 years of professional experience in front-end web development.
• Proficiency in XML, HTML5, CSS, responsive web design, JavaScript, current Web browsers and current mobile devices with ability to apply them to legacy systems.
• Strong experience with at least one modern JavaScript framework.
• Familiarity with responsive and mobile-first design principles.
• Familiarity with web accessibility standards.
• Solid understanding of cross-browser compatibility and web accessibility standards.
• Experience with version control systems (Git) and code collaboration tools.
• Experience writing development specs.
• Familiarity with relational databases.
• Ability to work effectively in a collaborative team environment.
• Strong problem-solving skills and attention to detail.
• Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal.
• Ability to adapt to changing priorities and manage multiple projects simultaneously.
• Demonstrated ability to develop based on wireframes and design specifications.
• Demonstrated reliability, accuracy, and attention to detail.
• Ability to communicate technical concepts to non-technical staff, including understanding staff requests.
• Demonstrated ability to complete projects quickly, accurately, and on schedule.
• Successful completion of a work sample exercise administered by ICLE

Desired Qualifications*

• A portfolio showcasing previous front-end development work is a plus.
• Familiarity with principles of project management.
• Familiarity with iMIS, RISE, Higher Logic, and TopClass LMS.
• Experience with implementing accessible web sites and applications.
• Familiarity with PCI security requirements and approaches.

Background Screening

The University of Michigan conducts background checks on all job candidates upon acceptance of a contingent offer and may use a third party administrator to conduct background checks. Background checks are performed in compliance with the Fair Credit Reporting Act.

Application Deadline

Job openings are posted for a minimum of seven calendar days. The review and selection process may begin as early as the eighth day after posting. This opening may be removed from posting boards and filled anytime after the minimum posting period has ended.

U-M EEO/AA Statement

The University of Michigan is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer.