The Front End Web Developer role at the University of Minnesota Libraries IT in Minneapolis, MN (hybrid) focuses on building accessible, high-performance front-end interfaces using HTML, CSS, and JavaScript, while collaborating with cross-functional teams to align with design systems and standards.
Responsibilities
- Partner with CMS, application, and server administrators to implement user interfaces using HTML, CSS, and JavaScript, selecting appropriate technologies for each task.
- Collaborate with colleagues in the Web Development department, Libraries Communications, and University Marketing and Communications to ensure alignment with University standards, design systems, and best practices.
- Apply strong UX judgment to features, prioritizing clarity, usability, accessibility, and consistency across interfaces.
- Make thoughtful implementation decisions that balance design intent, technical feasibility, brand standards, and user needs.
- Develop, test, and maintain front-end code within modern workflows, using tools such as Git, local development environments, and CSS/JavaScript build processes.
- Contribute to the maintainability and sustainability of codebases through clear structure, documentation, and adherence to shared standards and practices.
- Stay current with evolving web technologies, standards, and approaches, evaluating their applicability to the Libraries web ecosystem.
- Participate in the ongoing design and evolution of the University Libraries web presence, including the main site, unit sites, applications, and integrations; apply user-centered thinking and established design patterns to support clear, usable, and consistent experiences.
- Apply and extend the University design system and branding guidelines in daily work, ensuring consistency while adapting to Libraries use cases.
- Collaborate with application support staff and other partners to coordinate and refine interfaces for enterprise systems and services, contributing to cohesive experiences across platforms.
- Maintain awareness of evolving UX practices, accessibility considerations, and institutional design standards, and incorporate them into design and implementation work.
- Provide guidance on UI and UX projects, including coordinating staff, communications, and reporting as needed.
- Consult on library committees, initiatives, and projects to promote consistency and alignment of user experience across services and platforms.
Requirements
- BA/BS plus at least two years of experience, or a master’s degree.
- Proven experience developing front-end interfaces with HTML, CSS, and JavaScript.
- Experience delivering responsive, accessible, and user-centered interfaces across multiple devices and browsers.
- Working knowledge of web accessibility standards such as WCAG and integrating accessibility considerations into front-end development.
- Experience translating specifications and design concepts into clean, functional interfaces.
- Experience using modern development workflows and tools, including Git, local development environments, and front-end build processes.
Technologies
- HTML
- CSS
- JavaScript
- Git
- Drupal
Position Summary
The Front End Web Developer is responsible for building and maintaining high quality, accessible, and performant front-end experiences for the Libraries web platforms. The role focuses on crafting thoughtful interfaces using modern technologies (HTML, CSS, JavaScript) and applying established design patterns and frameworks to deliver cohesive, user-centered experiences that support key tasks and journeys.
Service Unit Summary
Libraries IT supports the Libraries programs and services with information technology resources, including website and web application development and maintenance, hardware and software procurement and upkeep, digital preservation, digital accessibility and content strategy, and coordination with the University’s Office of Information Technology.
