Junior Developer

Ave Maria University•Ave Maria, FL

About The Position

The Junior Developer is an exciting entry-level opportunity for a curious and driven technologist ready to build real things that matter. Working within our Digital Strategy team, you will contribute to the design, development, and maintenance of full-stack web applications that power our community. Whether you are crafting intuitive front-end experiences or building reliable back-end systems, you will have the support and mentorship to grow quickly while making a meaningful contribution from day one.

Requirements

Hands-on experience with modern front-end JavaScript frameworks and current web development standards
Familiarity with back-end development using languages such as Node.js, Python, PHP, or similar
Basic understanding of both relational (SQL) and non-relational (NoSQL) databases
Experience working with version control systems, particularly Git
Exposure to RESTful API design and consumption
Strong problem-solving mindset with a passion for learning and experimentation
Ability to write readable, maintainable code with attention to quality and detail
Comfort working in an agile or iterative development environment
Strong verbal and written communication skills for both technical and non-technical audiences
Collaborative team player who also works well independently
Must support the University's Catholic mission

Nice To Haves

Experience in a higher education or mission-driven organization is a plus.

Responsibilities

Build and maintain responsive, accessible user interfaces using modern JavaScript frameworks and current industry best practices
Translate design mockups and wireframes into polished, functional web pages
Optimize front-end performance and ensure cross-browser compatibility
Collaborate with designers and content teams to deliver intuitive user experiences
Develop and maintain server-side logic, APIs, and database integrations
Write clean, well-documented, and testable code following established standards
Support the design and implementation of scalable data models and application architecture
Troubleshoot bugs and performance issues across the full application stack
Own the maintenance and ongoing advancement of Virtuous, our constituent relationship management (CRM) platform, including integrations, customizations, and user support
Support and help advance additional key platforms including Jenzabar Student 1 (student information system), HubSpot (marketing and communications), and Slate (enrollment management)
Assist in managing and improving the university's web platforms and digital tools
Support integrations between internal systems, third-party services, and APIs
Monitor application health and respond to issues in a timely manner
Work closely with the Digital Strategy team and cross-functional partners on project planning and delivery
Participate in code reviews, sprint planning, and team standups
Document technical processes, codebases, and system configurations clearly
Communicate project progress and technical concepts to non-technical stakeholders
Stay current with emerging web technologies, frameworks, and development best practices
Proactively identify opportunities to improve systems, workflows, and user experiences
Take ownership of assigned projects while seeking feedback and guidance from senior team members