Full-Stack 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 Full-Stack Web Developer with expertise in both front-end and back-end development. The overall job responsibility is to collaborate closely with a 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 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.

• Writes clean, functional, and well documented code.
• Builds and maintains reusable code libraries.
• Designs and develops plugins, templates, and ongoing enhancements.
• 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.

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

SUPERVISION EXERCISED:
None.

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

• 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 Mongo
  
  DB.
• Knowledge of Git and Github.
• Experience with content management systems (Word Press, Django) and e-commerce solutions.
• Experience with Agile frameworks.
• Experience with Salesforce is a plus.
• Experience working on projects with LLMs and using Claude Code 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.

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

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.

Position requires sitting for extended periods, while at the computer and answering and placing telephone calls. Requires moving throughout the building and occasionally to outdoor business offices. Physical requirements include the ability to see and perceive colors in order to proofread, edit on paper and on screen, and create and view graphics. Requires the ability to manipulate fingers to operate computer keyboard and mouse.

The Full-Stack Web Developer will be expected to work under and meet precise deadlines. Routine interruptions and unforeseen assignments are to be expected.

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 Full-Stack Web Developer may be required to travel up to two times per year to the Poynter Institute.

EOE