The Web Developer plays a key role in developing and maintaining the Salk Institute's websites and web-based applications. This is an in-office position reporting to the Digital Communications Manager. This individual works collaboratively with graphic designers, vendors, and internal stakeholders to deliver high-quality, responsive, and accessible digital experiences.

Primary responsibilities include engineering WordPress websites using HTML, CSS, JavaScript, and PHP; maintaining custom database-driven applications (PHP/MySQL); customizing WordPress themes and plugins; and developing digital tools and registration systems to support laboratories, events, and core facilities.

This role requires strong technical skills, a keen eye for design and usability, and the ability to manage multiple projects with attention to detail. The Web Developer also supports IT with security updates and server/database-related needs and plays a key role in ensuring Salk's digital properties adhere to accessibility and branding standards.

What Your Key Responsibilities Will Be

Web Development and Support

• Serve as the primary contact for day-to-day website and web application needs, with strategic oversight and final advisement from the Digital Communications Manager.
• Build, test, and maintain responsive, cross-browser compatible websites and web apps.
• Update and manage content using WordPress and custom PHP/MySQL applications.
• Create specialty tools such as email signature generators, lab asset databases, and event registration systems.
• Ensure ADA compliance and accessibility across web properties.
• Support internal communications by managing multimedia content (videos, photos, text).
• Collaborate with Advancement/Communications to align web content with Salk branding.
• Conduct usability testing and implement analytics to assess website effectiveness.
• Troubleshoot and resolve web-related issues including functionality, server-side issues, and content accuracy.
• Develop web forms, interactive features, and backend systems to streamline processes.
• Monitor and implement web security measures and system updates.
• Performs other related duties as assigned by management.

Planning, Strategy, and Innovation

• Evaluate new web technologies for integration into Salk's digital infrastructure.
• Contribute to the strategic planning of web and application development.
• Recommend performance and design enhancements for existing systems.
• Maintain documentation of best practices and ensure software license compliance.

Collaboration and Communication

• Consult with faculty and staff, as needed, to assess web development needs and define project scopes.
• Translate client requirements into functional and aesthetic web solutions.
• Communicate timelines, development processes, and technical constraints effectively.

Supervisory Responsibilities:

• This job has no supervisory responsibilities.

What we Require

Required:

• Bachelor's Degree (BA) from four-year college or university, or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Minimum of four years of professional web development experience, preferably within a communications, marketing, or similar environment.
• Proficient in HTML5, CSS3, JavaScript, and PHP, with experience working with REST APIs.
• Strong WordPress development experience, including an in-depth understanding of WordPress architecture and the ability to build, customize, troubleshoot, and maintain complex, highly customized websites.
• Experience developing and maintaining custom PHP/MySQL content management systems.
• Familiarity with web accessibility standards, usability principles, and web development best practices.
• Working knowledge of Adobe Photoshop and multimedia integration.
• Strong organizational and project management skills, with the ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines with accuracy and attention to detail.
• Ability to independently troubleshoot, diagnose, and resolve technical issues.
• Experience gathering user requirements and translating business and functional needs into effective web development solutions.
• Excellent written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills.
• Strong collaboration skills and a customer-focused approach to working with internal stakeholders and external partners.
• High degree of professionalism and integrity, with the ability to appropriately handle confidential information.

Preferred:

• Experience in a large (500+ employees) nonprofit or academic institution.
• Working knowledge of cloud-based server with test environments.
• Experience with ticketing, booking, and event management software customizations.

What We Can Offer

The expected pay range for this position is $45.00 to $52.00 an hour. Salk Institute provides pay ranges representing its good faith estimate of what the institute reasonably expects to pay for a position. The pay offered to a selected candidate will be determined based on factors such as (but not limited to) the scope and responsibilities of the position, the qualifications of the selected candidate, departmental budget availability, internal equity, geographic location, and external market pay for comparable jobs.

Benefits

Salk Institute offers competitive benefits, including medical, dental, vision, retirement, paid time off, tuition reimbursement, patient advocacy services, and transit/parking program.

Salk Values

The Salk Community, both scientists and administrators, worked together to define values that we believe support Salk's pursuit of excellence. To be truly the best scientific institution requires not only incredible discoveries, but a common understanding of how we should work together to enable those discoveries.

The acronym "I CARE" provides a simple way to remember each of the values and reminds each of us of the importance of what we do each day.