User Interface Developer

This entry-level User Interface Developer position is part of the University of Minnesota Foundation's (UMF) Digital Engagement team within the Marketing Communications Department. The Digital Engagement team develops electronic communication strategies and tools that advance fundraising goals at the University of Minnesota. As a key part of this dynamic group, the User Interface Developer will create front-end digital environments to help meet objectives for informing and inspiring audiences, improving the donor experience, and supporting major fundraising initiatives. This position requires the ability to understand business objectives of current and proposed systems, as well as partner with programmers, designers, and content strategists and creators to advance those goals. This position will require autonomy, creativity, and latitude to accomplish responsibilities.

The person in this role will balance their time between supporting the U's online giving website and priority projects in digital stewardship, where the focus in on digital donor relations--reporting the impact of giving to donors and inspiring continued engagement. This role will report to the Senior UI Developer and work closely with three additional web development professionals on the team, as well as a cross-functional group of UMF staff in Marketing, IT, and Finance.

Hybrid Work Model:

The University of Minnesota Foundation (UMF) operates under a hybrid work model, with the expectation that all staff be onsite at least 2-3 times per week. Our office is located in McNamara Alumni Center on the East Bank of the University of Minnesota - Twin Cities campus.

Key Responsibilities:

Software/Website Architecture and Design (70%)

• Create scalable applications for optimal user interfaces using the methodology of user-centered design.
• Write readable and efficient code that can easily be maintained by the team.
• Participate in the development of new digital products for internal and external audiences.
• Prototype, code, test, and debug application programs to design specifications; ensure programs provide appropriate level of access and security.
• Recommend and execute development of technology solutions, improvements, methodology, and test plans based on user research, analytics, and UI/UX best practices.
• Work closely with strategists, writers, and designers to understand content, branding, and functionality requirements that meet marketing objectives and create successful user experience.
• Assist with creation and maintenance of CMS-based sites (on Drupal platform), including themes and functionality, for primary web properties.
  Quality Control and Website Testing (20%)
• Partner with Sr. UI Developer and other team members on quality assurance, code reviews, and process improvements.
• Review, test, and manage website updates as recommended by the team lead.
• Test and validate websites for accurate code structure, code standards, browser compatibility, appropriate responsive behavior, performance, alignment to University accessibility standards, and brand compliance.
• Create technical and user documentation.
• Ensure websites meet WCAG 2.1 AA accessibility requirements.

Web Support (10%)

• Partner with developers in the team to analyze and deliver specic client needs.
• Undertake special projects as they arise.
• Assist with other digital communication needs as they arise.

Demonstrate commitment to valuing diversity and contributing to an equitable and inclusive working and learning environment (exhibit 100% of the time)

• Continuous learning of diversity, equity and inclusion practices for oneself and team via training, podcasts, articles, etc.
• Seek to explore and understand cultural differences and create a culture of belonging.
• Develop and employ anti-racist practices and principles to accomplish work.
• Advocate for employees of all ethnicities, genders, ages and backgrounds
• Cultivate and develop inclusive and equitable working relationships with employees, colleagues, stakeholders, etc.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree; or a combination of related education and work experience in the areas of application/web/systems development to equal at least four years.
• Knowledge of WCAG 2.1 AA accessibility standards and implementation.
• Experience writing semantic and well-formed HTML; modular, cascading, and reusable CSS.
• Experience coding 'from scratch' as well as light use of existing frameworks.
• Experience setting up local development environments.
• Working knowledge of JavaScript.
• Familiarity with version control systems, particularly Git.
• Demonstrated ability to manage deadlines.
• Excellent problem-solving skills and attention to detail.
• Strong communication skills and ability to work effectively in a team environment.
• Ability to take on new projects and learn new skills as technology changes and grows.
• Understanding of Google and Microsoft tools, including spreadsheets, and familiarity with Adobe creative suite.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Web Development, Information Technology or related field.
• One or more years of work experience in the areas of application/web/systems development.
• Ability to learn quickly, independently develop solutions, analyze alternative solutions, and make recommendations.
• Knowledge of fundraising operations, especially web-based gift transaction tools (e-commerce).
• Experience developing in and administering Content Management Systems, preferably Drupal.
• Knowledge of back-end frameworks and development cycles.
• Familiarity with the University of Minnesota.

At the University of Minnesota Foundation (UMF), our mission is to connect passion with possibility, inspire generosity, and support greatness at the University of Minnesota by placing donors at the heart of everything we do and every decision we make. UMF is a nonprofit organization responsible for raising and managing gifts to the University of Minnesota.

For more information about UMF, please visit https://give.umn.edu/about/about-umf.

Pay Range: $70,000- 80,000/year; depending on education/qualifications/experience

Time Appointment: 75%-100% Appointment

Position Type: Civil-Service & Non-Faculty Labor Represented Staff

Please visit the Office of Human Resources website for more information regarding benefit eligibility.

The University offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes:

• Competitive wages, paid holidays, and generous time off
• Continuous learning opportunities through professional training and degree-seeking programs supported by the Regents Tuition Benefit Program
• Low-cost medical, dental, and pharmacy plans
• Healthcare and dependent care flexible spending accounts
• University HSA contributions
• Disability and employer-paid life insurance
• Employee wellbeing program
• Excellent retirement plans with employer contribution
• Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) opportunity
• Financial counseling services
• Employee Assistance Program with eight sessions of counseling at no cost
• Employee Transit Pass with free or reduced rates in the Twin Cities metro area

Applications must be submitted online. To be considered for this position, please click the Apply button and follow the instructions. You will be given the opportunity to complete an online application for the position and attach a cover letter and resume.

Additional documents may be attached after application by accessing your "My Job Applications" page and uploading documents in the "My Cover Letters and Attachments" section.

To request an accommodation during the application process, please e-mail employ@umn.edu or call (612) 624-8647.

The University recognizes and values the importance of diversity and inclusion in enriching the employment experience of its employees and in supporting the academic mission. The University is committed to attracting and retaining employees with varying identities and backgrounds.

The University of Minnesota provides equal access to and opportunity in its programs, facilities, and employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, gender, age, marital status, disability, public assistance status, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression. To learn more about diversity at the U: http://diversity.umn.edu

Any offer of employment is contingent upon the successful completion of a background check. Our presumption is that prospective employees are eligible to work here. Criminal convictions do not automatically disqualify finalists from employment.

The University of Minnesota, Twin Cities (UMTC)

The University of Minnesota, Twin Cities (UMTC), is among the largest public research universities in the country, offering undergraduate, graduate, and professional students a multitude of opportunities for study and research. Located at the heart of one of the nation's most vibrant, diverse metropolitan communities, students on the campuses in Minneapolis and St. Paul benefit from extensive partnerships with world-renowned health centers, international corporations, government agencies, and arts, nonprofit, and public service organizations.

At the University of Minnesota, we are proud to be recognized by the Star Tribune as a Top Workplace for 2021, as well as by Forbes as Best Employers for Women and one of America's Best Employers (2015, 2018, 2019, 2023), Best Employer for Diversity (2019, 2020), Best Employer for New Grads (2018, 2019), and Best Employer by State (2019, 2022).