Web Developer

OVERALL JOB RESPONSIBILITY

Are you passionate about building innovative solutions for the web? The Poynter Institute for Media Studies is looking for a Web Developer with expertise in both front-end and back-end development. The overall job responsibility of the Web Developer is to collaborate closely with a small, dynamic team to drive the full product development lifecycle—from interpreting product backlog items and prototypes to delivering high-quality solutions. You’ll play a key role in shaping and executing our web-based projects, ensuring seamless integration and user experience at every stage.

Poynter’s web properties are recognized industry leaders providing journalism content and educational resources in key subject areas including leadership, ethics, fact-checking, media literacy, local news, broadcast and multimedia and a variety of modes for online learning. As a key member of our in-house web team, you’ll work directly with our Wordpress-based CMS and LMS platforms to collaborate on a variety of projects outlined in our product roadmap, ensuring that code is functional, well-written, and released on schedule.

Our ideal candidate is a flexible, analytical problem solver who thrives in an Agile environment. You’ll be adept at anticipating requirements, providing insights into solutions, and adapting to changing priorities with ease.

POSITION RESPONSIBILITIES

• Writes clean, functional, and well documented code.
• Builds and maintains reusable code libraries.
• Designs and develops plugins, templates, and ongoing enhancements.
• Supports pre/post-release functional, cross-browser testing, and bug fixes.
• Translates UI/UX into functional web design features.
• Works with freelancers/contractors for successful project completion.
• Participates in backlog refinements, daily stand-ups, and other meetings.
• Stays current and provides insight on new software approaches, architectures, and vendors
• Ensures that non-functional requirements such as security, performance, maintainability, scalability, usability, and reliability are considered when building solutions.
• Maintains job knowledge by studying new development tools and techniques.
• Other duties as assigned.

RELATIONSHIP RESPONSIBILITIES

SUPERVISION RECEIVED: The Digital Experience and Web Team is responsible for monitoring the Web Developer’s progress and performance.

SUPERVISION EXERCISED: None.

POSITION SPECIFICATIONS

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:

• B.S. in Computer Science/Computer Engineering/Information Systems, or related experience.
• 1–3 years of software development experience.

KNOWLEDGE AND SKILLS:

• Knowledge of front-end languages/frameworks: HTML, CSS, JavaScript.
• Knowledge of back-end languages like PHP, Node.js, and Python.
• Knowledge of one or more of the following libraries/frameworks: NextJS, React, Node.js, etc.
• Familiarity with database technologies such as MySQL and MongoDB.
• Knowledge of Git and Github.
• Experience with content management systems (WordPress, Django) and e-commerce solutions.
• Experience with Agile frameworks.
• Experience with Salesforce is a plus.
• Experience working on projects with LLMs and using ClaudeCode is a plus.
• Ability to build relationships.
• Team player with a proven track record of taking ownership and driving results.
• Ability to troubleshoot and research.
• Excellent verbal and written interpersonal skills.
• Strong organizational and communication skills.
• Strong problem solving skills and attention to detail.

PROBLEM SOLVING/DECISION MAKING:

The Web Developer must have the ability to make autonomous decisions and build technical solutions that benefit the Institute’s long-term strategic goals.

BUSINESS MEASURES: Responsible for working with the Digital Experience Team members to write clean front-end/back-end code, implement CI/CD practices and implement security measures.

WORKING CONDITIONS

PHYSICAL DEMANDS: Position requires sitting for extended periods, while at the computer and answering and placing telephone calls. Requires moving throughout the building and occasionally to outside business offices. Physical requirements include: ability to see and perceive colors in order to proofread, edit on paper and onscreen, and create and view graphics. Requires the ability to manipulate fingers to operate computer keyboard and mouse. The Web Developer will be expected to work under and meet precise deadlines. Routine interruptions and unforeseen assignments are to be expected.

WORK ENVIRONMENT: Duties are performed in a non-smoking office environment. There are routine deadlines, disruptive work schedules and unpredictable events. If not located in St. Petersburg, the Web Developer may be required to travel up to two times per year to the Poynter Institute.

EOE

No phone calls, please.

Position is remote or can be hybrid based in St. Petersburg, FL.

No relocation benefit is available.

Send a cover letter and resume to [email protected].

Deadline to apply: July 15, 2026

Start date: Immediately