Backend Developer

Backend Developer

The CUNY Office of Communications and Marketing (OCM) works in partnership with the University’s academic and administrative offices and the 26 colleges to promote CUNY’s unique mission and transformative role as an engine of social mobility. The office includes eight divisions:
Communications, Creative, Marketing, Social Media, Multimedia, University Events, CUNY TV and Citizenship Now! Together, the teams manage all aspects of press and public relations, editorial content, art design, publishing, social media, advertisement, web development, TV, video and podcast production to tell the story of the premier urban public university in the United States.

The Creative Team is responsible for overseeing the University’s visual identity and includes both Web and Design Teams. The Web Team manages the entire CUNY.edu website and maintains the content management system, while providing support to several CUNY campuses and other University entities. Additionally, the team supports the online components of the Communications and Marketing (OCM) department, encompassing social media, electronic communications, and multimedia.

Reporting to the Web Director, the Backend Developer, supports the development, maintenance, and operation of backend web applications, APIs, data integrations, and CMS server-side components. This position focuses exclusively on backend implementation and support tasks and does not involve design, graphics, layouts or visual materials.

The Backend Developer assists in evaluating backend systems and workflows, identifying inefficiencies, and implementing approved code changes and configuration improvements under the guidance of senior developers or supervisors to enhance performance, reliability, and security.

Key duties include, but are not limited to the following:

• Develops and maintains assigned backend functionality for CUNY websites and applications using PHP, Apache, NGINX, MySQL/MariaDB, APIs, and Linux-based hosting environments.

• Assists with monitoring system logs, database performance, API usage, and backend workflows to help identify issues and resolve issues.

• Implements backend solutions, integrations, and updates as directed by senior technical staff.

• Assists with the customization and maintenance of CMS backend components, including Word Press plugins and server-side logic.

• Implements and maintains RESTful APIs and integrations with third-party data sources and authentication systems under supervision.

• Works with server administrators and senior developers to help troubleshoot server environments, hosting configurations, and backend performance issues.

• Follows established security, accessibility, and compliance requirements in backend systems.

• Participates in backend code reviews and maintains technical documentation as assigned.

• Supports digital projects, backend migrations, and system upgrades, by performing assigned technical tasks.

• Performs related backend development and support duties as assigned.

Until further notice, this position is eligible for a hybrid work schedule.

Minimum:

Bachelor's degree and four years' related experience required.

Preferred:

• Experience supporting and optimizing websites built on Word Press or similar content management systems.

• Working knowledge of web technologies such as HTML, CSS, JavaScript, PHP, Apache, NGINX, and MySQL/MariaDB.

• Familiarity with Linux-based server environments (RHEL) and common web hosting configurations.

• Awareness of web accessibility standards (WCAG) and the ability to apply established accessibility requirements in assigned work.

• Experience assisting with backend code maintenance, updates, and troubleshooting under established coding standards.

• Familiarity with…