Web Application Development Manager

University of Illinois Extension (UIE) in the College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences (ACES) seeks an experienced and capable manager of web application development to fill a full-time, 12-month, academic professional position. The successful candidate will have primary responsibility for providing project management and technical expertise for hosting and web architecture, application development, online educational delivery systems, and internal business applications in support of the educational outreach mission of UIE. The selected candidate will be a working manager and will provide management and supervision for the UIE web development team.

The successful candidate will manage day-to-day operations of the UIE web development team, including client consultation and communication, and will provide real-time analysis of web development initiatives, associated hosting, server, database, and hardware needs, budgeting, security, accessibility, and training to make recommendations to the UIE Director of Information Technology (IT). The individual will lead web application development projects from inception to completion, monitor and manage support for existing web applications and internal systems, work with UIE clients, coordinate communications with UIE Communications, and provide direct supervision of UIE web development team, including leadership, planning, training, evaluations, and work reviews, among other duties.   

One full time position is available.

Location: Urbana-Champaign Campus

This is a security-sensitive position.  Comprehensive background checks, including but not limited to a criminal conviction information check, a CANTS check, and a review of the Registered Sex Offender list, will be conducted.

Specific responsibilities of the Web Application Development Manager are as follows:

• Manage day-to-day operations of UIE web application development team, including client consultation and communication.

• Provide analysis and make recommendations to the UIE Director of Information Technology (IT) regarding UIE web initiatives, associated hosting, server, database, and hardware needs, budgeting, security, accessibility, and training. Supervise, manage, and set workflow priorities for UIE web initiatives, including more than 300 websites and multiple large business applications.

• Implement and foster an agile development environment.

• Lead web application development projects from conceptualization to launch to evaluation, outlining and tracking project milestones including time, budget, and personnel.

• Develop site architecture and programming strategy for database-driven websites and web applications and lead programming staff through implementation and completion.

• Coordinate and collaborate with other IT units in the College of ACES and University, as necessary, to ensure efficient use of resources.

• Work collaboratively with College of ACES IT and web development to maintain a consistent presence across UIE and the College.

• Coordinate as needed with communications, marketing, and technology services groups within UIE CommIT.

• Monitor and manage support for existing web applications and internal systems.

• Work with clients to develop and document web application functional requirements.

• Support and implement appropriate metrics/monitoring databases and visualization/dashboards for web, social media, contact management system, and other systems.

• Communication with UIE campus and field staff about web services, products, and training.

• Assist field and campus units within UIE with integrating new and existing applications into local workflows.

• Provide direct supervision of UIE web development team, including leadership and planning, training, conducting performance evaluations, approving time/leave, and assigning/reviewing work.

• Develop and implement plans for professional growth and competence.

• Work involves significant travel. Personal transportation required. Will involve flexible hours.

• Comply with Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity policies and guidelines in all aspects of UIE work and responsibilities. Assist Unit staff with data collection for Affirmative Action, Gender, and Targeted reports as needed.

• Perform other duties and responsibilities to further the mission of UIE as assigned by the UIE Director of IT.

• To perform the functions of this position, the employee will be required to perform work both within an office and outside in the communities that are served, and must have the capability to travel from one location to the other in a timely fashion. Employee is responsible for securing personal transportation. A valid driver’s license is preferred. Some work will be required during evenings and/or weekends. When working, the employee may be exposed to a variety of environmental factors to include, but not limited to, hot or cold weather, exposure to noise and allergens, and uneven ground. In performing the functions of this position, the employee may be subjected to various mental and physical demands as well to include, but not limited to, independently traveling to and performing work at different locations, lifting and moving items that may occasionally weigh up to forty (40) pounds and frequently weigh up to twenty (20) pounds, and twisting, pushing and pulling movements. More detailed information regarding the functions of this position (including the physical, mental and environmental requirements of the position) may be obtained from Human Resources for the College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences (ACES) by contacting hr@aces.illinois.edu.   

Administrative Relationship: The Web Application Development Manager is administratively responsible to the Director of Information Technology.

Qualifications:

• Required: Bachelor’s degree. Candidates with a Bachelor’s degree in progress may be considered for interviews, but degree must be completed by hire date. Minimum of 6 years of experience in database management, computer programming and/or web development. Experience in building database-driven web applications and developing websites. Experience in industry standard processes including accessibility issues. Evidence of strong interpersonal skills and teamwork. Strong communication skills. Extensive knowledge of Drupal, HTML, CSS, JavaScript, web programming languages, SQL, and a willingness to learn new programming languages and frameworks.

• Preferred: Master’s degree. Experience managing a technical development team. Experience in continuous integration and quality control, using a version control system. Skills and experiences in communicating technical material to technical and non-technical users. Knowledge of SEO best practices. Organizational structure, programs, and culture unique to UIE.

Additional Information

The position is a full-time, benefits-eligible, non-tenure, academic professional position appointed on a 12-month service basis.  The expected start date is as soon as possible after the closing date.  Salary is commensurate with experience and qualifications. Generous vacation and sick leave.  State Universities Retirement System.  Group health, dental, vision and life insurance.

Application Procedure: To apply, go to http://go.illinois.edu/A1800398. Log in to your account and upload a cover letter and resume, as well as the names and contact information of three professional references. Resume dates must be in month/year format and employment history, at a minimum, should include all work dating back to the completion of your undergraduate degree. Positions that were less than full-time/100% must be noted as being part-time. Transcripts may be requested at a later date.  To receive full consideration, all requested application materials must be submitted via the online system by the close date of July 20, 2018. 

For further information about the position please contact David Gerstenecker, Search Committee Chair, at dgersten@illinois.edu.  For technical assistance with the online application process, call 217-333-6747 or email jobs@illinois.edu.