The Marketing & Communications Department is looking for a full-time web developer to play a key role in the growth and improvement of LAU’s web presence.
MarCom currently maintains and/or supports more than 30 websites and is responsible for the continuous functioning and update of the main LAU website (www.lau.edu.lb).
The web developer will be a member of a small team that includes another web developer, an account manager and the director of online communications, as well as part-timers and student assistants. As a member of a small but multi-disciplinary team, the ideal candidate would have a well-rounded knowledge of website building and maintenance. (Candidates who are specialized in a particular area but are looking to broaden their skill set will be considered as well.)
The web developer will routinely perform the following tasks
- Code responsive websites from scratch based on composites produced by designers, using valid, clean and accessible front-end code.
- Code creative interactive features, animations, data visualizations, social media integrations, and web-based forms.
- Test all code to make sure it renders well on different browsers and platforms.
- Write and edit templates, upload content and build out websites on Movable Type 5 and 6.
- Update content (text, images, video, etc.) on MarCom-operated websites.
- Devise clever solutions to a variety of web development problems (or improve and optimize existing solutions), and implement them across our websites.
- Fix errors and bugs on websites and web applications as reported by end users or technical contacts.
- Effectively respond to support requests from other departments.
- Ensure the security of our data and websites. Immediately respond in the event of a breach.
- Perform database and file backups. Restore databases or files in the event of a failure.
- Produce prototypes and mock-ups of web pages, interactive features, etc., for testing and demo purposes.
- Develop and update online payment forms using the Authorize.net payment gateway (SIM).
- Work with RSS feeds and other XML-based feeds needed by I.T.-maintained mobile apps.
- Work with iCalendar (RFC 5545) files for easy distribution of university events.
- Configure hosting (either directly on a remote VPS, or by requesting virtual servers from the I.T. department).
- Liaise with the I.T. department when DNS changes are needed.
- Write clear and concise documentation for other developers and for end users.
- Provide input and help on major projects, notably the main website redesign.
- Help identify, test and evaluate new/better software for our websites and production work.
- Attend a weekly web team meeting and write a monthly progress report to MarCom’s AVP.
Qualifications
- Bachelor’s degree in communications, programming, design, or a related field.
- At least 3 years of experience.
- Very strong working knowledge of front-end web technologies (HTML5, CSS3, jQuery), multimedia optimization, latest web standards and best practices, accessibility principles, responsive web development, social media basics.
- Intermediate level of expertise in PHP and MySQL.
- Other programming languages, the Linux command-line, and server management basics such as SFTP and SSL are a plus.
- Knowledge of at least one CMS or content management framework is desirable.
- Ability to use APIs to integrate various external services to our websites.
- Regardless of current skills, the developer must be able to learn new skills and procedures quickly and independently, in order to tackle projects successfully.
- Although this is a technical position, the web developer is expected to be articulate and well-disposed to working with non-technical colleagues and “customers,” as well as sharing knowledge with co-workers.
- Familiarity with user experience research and principles is a plus.
A letter of interest and a CV, including examples of websites or applications you have worked on should be emailed to beirut.hire@lau.edu.lb, specifying the job title in the subject line.
Closing date for applications is Sunday March 22, 2015.
No applications will be accepted after this date, and only shortlisted candidates will be notified. Shortlisted candidates will be asked to take a one-hour test on our premises (LAU Beirut).
The Lebanese American University is committed to a policy of equal opportunity.
