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Creative Frontend Developer Jobs in Utica, NY (NOW HIRING)

Creative Frontend Developer information

See Utica, NY salary details

$43.4K

$112.8K

$158.9K

How much do creative frontend developer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 7, 2026, the average yearly pay for creative frontend developer in Utica, NY is $112,800.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $106,200.00 and $123,600.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the difference between Creative Frontend Developer vs Web Designer?

AspectCreative Frontend DeveloperWeb Designer
Required SkillsHTML, CSS, JavaScript, UI/UX principles, basic graphic designGraphic design, layout, color theory, user experience, visual aesthetics
Work EnvironmentCollaborates with developers and backend teams, often in tech or digital agenciesWorks primarily on visual design, often in creative agencies or freelance
Common CertificationsFront-end development courses, UI/UX certificationsGraphic design certifications, Adobe Creative Suite proficiency

While both roles focus on digital aesthetics, a Creative Frontend Developer combines coding skills with design to build interactive websites, whereas a Web Designer emphasizes visual design and user experience without extensive coding. The roles often overlap but serve different primary functions in web development projects.

What is a creative frontend developer?

A Creative Frontend Developer is a web developer who specializes in designing and building visually engaging and interactive user interfaces for websites and applications. They combine technical skills in HTML, CSS, and JavaScript with a strong sense of design and creativity to deliver memorable digital experiences. In addition to ensuring that websites are functional and responsive, creative frontend developers often incorporate animations, modern layouts, and unique visual elements to enhance user engagement. Their role often involves close collaboration with designers, UX specialists, and backend developers to bring concepts to life.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a creative frontend developer?

To thrive as a Creative Frontend Developer, you need a strong grasp of HTML, CSS, JavaScript, and modern frontend frameworks, often supported by a degree in computer science or a related field. Familiarity with design tools like Adobe XD or Figma, version control systems such as Git, and responsive web development techniques is essential. Strong collaboration skills, a keen eye for design, and creative problem-solving set standout candidates apart. These skills ensure engaging, user-friendly interfaces that align with both technical requirements and creative vision, driving overall project success.

How does a creative frontend developer typically collaborate with designers and backend developers during a project?

Creative Frontend Developers play a central role in bridging the gap between visual design and functional implementation. They frequently work alongside UX/UI designers to translate mockups and prototypes into interactive, responsive web experiences. Close communication with backend developers is also essential to ensure seamless integration of APIs and data, often requiring regular stand-ups, code reviews, and collaborative problem-solving. This collaborative environment fosters both creativity and technical precision, making teamwork and adaptability crucial skills for success.
What cities near Utica, NY are hiring for Creative Frontend Developer jobs? Cities near Utica, NY with the most Creative Frontend Developer job openings:
Infographic showing various Creative Frontend Developer job openings in Utica, NY as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% Internship, 77% Full Time, 18% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 89% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 8% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $112,800 per year, or $54.2 per hour.

Full Stack Developer and AI Web Technologist

Colgate University

Hamilton, NY • On-site

$85K - $90K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 7 days ago


Colgate University rating

6.8

Company rating: 6.8 out of 10

Based on 9 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

476th of 616 rated colleges and universities


Job description

Posting Details
Position Information
Job Category
Professional/Administrative
Position Title
Full Stack Developer and AI Web Technologist
Full Time/Part Time
Full Time
Division
Dean of the Faculty
Department
Information Technology Services - Services and Shared Infrastructure
Work Arrangement type
On-Site (Hamilton, NY) - expected to work fully at the designated campus/office location.
Hiring Wage/Salary Range
$85,000 - $90,000
Professional Experience/ Qualifications
  • Five or more years of experience with Drupal management and development.
  • Demonstrated experience working in modern Javascript frameworks such as React
  • WordPress management experience.
  • Experience with GitHub, MariaDB (or other RDBMS), PHP, HTML, CSS, and JavaScript.
  • Demonstrated expertise with AI/ML tools and frameworks.
  • Working knowledge of relational database systems within a LAMP stack; ability to create and manage database structures as needed for development and troubleshooting.
  • Effective oral, written, and interpersonal communication skills. Proven excellence in client contact and ability to effectively communicate technical concepts to constituents with a variety of technical backgrounds.
  • Understanding of modern web accessibility standards (WCAG).
  • A continuous learning mindset with a passion for staying updated on the latest web development trends, AI technologies, and best practices.
  • Demonstrated understanding of, sensitivity to, and respect for the academic, cultural, and social diversity in the Colgate University community.

Preferred Qualifications
Experience evaluating and correcting WCAG compliance.
Certifications:
  • Acquia Certified Drupal Developer / Cloud Engineer.
  • IAAP Web Accessibility Certification (CPACC or WAS).
  • Certifications or verified coursework in AI/ML application development.

Education
Bachelor's Degree in Computer Science, Information Technology, or a closely related field, or equivalent additional professional experience in essential duties and responsibilities. Master's degree preferred.
Certifications
Offer Determination
When extending an offer, Colgate University considers factors such as (but not limited to) the scope and responsibilities of the position, candidate's work experience, education/training, key skills, internal peer equity, as well as market and organizational considerations.
Physical Requirements
Other Information
Work visa sponsorship is not available for this position.
Benefits
Colgate University offers a competitive benefits package, with most benefits effective on the date of hire. Highlights include: medical, dental, vision, retirement contributions, paid time off, paid family leave, health & wellness, continuing education and professional development. We also offer unique perks, such as free parking, gym discounts, bookstore savings, athletic tickets, and access to cultural and recreational facilities. Explore the full benefits package on our Benefits page.
Department Statement
Colgate University's Information Technology Services (ITS) is a dynamic organization that serves the diverse technology needs of the university community. Comprised of several functional areas, Classrooms, Digital Media & Events; Data Analytics & Decision Support; Engagement & Support; Information Security; Learning & Applied Innovation; and Services & Shared Infrastructure, ITS prides itself on exceptional customer service and building collaborative relationships to meet the unique needs of our liberal arts campus. ITS endeavors to foster an inclusive environment that values diversity, professional development, creativity, and innovation to support the growth of individuals and the organization.
Accountabilities
The Colgate University ITS team is seeking a collaborative, creative thinker who is motivated to build, modernize, and support our web presence. This position is responsible for providing support and optimizing the user experience for Colgate's web content management systems and other Colgate websites, which includes building new websites, enhancing existing websites, developing custom templates and add-ons, creating custom modules, and front-end development. Additionally, this position is accountable for maintaining expertise in emergent AI technologies that intersect with existing web technologies and protocols and guiding their adoption and implementation.
The successful candidate will have a solid knowledge of Drupal web development. Experience with Lando and GitHub is helpful as well. This position is responsible for regular Drupal maintenance and for maintaining its security and performance within our hosting environment. WordPress management experience is helpful, as this position will provide occasional support for our Domain of One's Own environment. The Developer will work closely with colleagues in Communications and ITS to assess the impact of new AI technology developments to ensure Colgate maintains a strong web presence.
Responsibilities:
Web Development & Operations: Lead the full lifecycle of web development-from theme customization to module development and API integrations, ensuring all work aligns with Colgate's branding, security, and WCAG accessibility standards. Own the deployment pipeline, performing routine maintenance, core/contributed module updates, and security patches. Establish and manage performance baselines with tools such as New Relic and Web Core Vitals, recommend and implement optimization strategies, and participate in developing contingency plans, including reliable backup and restore procedures.
Collaboration: Collaborate closely with the Communications team to translate stakeholder feedback and usability data into iterative design enhancements. Work closely with campus partners to gather requirements and provide technical consultation for existing and new websites and other Colgate systems.
Compliance: Monitor and maintain compliance with Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) and other web accessibility standards. Acquire and maintain technical knowledge of accessible technologies through reading, self-paced training, computer-based training, or video-based training, courses, seminars, and other methods as necessary.
AI Integration & Emerging Technologies: Embrace current and emerging AI web technologies to participate in our AI SEO strategy.
Additional responsibilities:
  • Act as the primary point of contact for efficiently identifying, diagnosing, and resolving Drupal-related bugs and other errors.
  • Design, create, and manage database structures in the development, testing, and production website environments.
  • Lead assigned projects and actively participate in them. Work with others, including team members, to meet task deadlines and communicate about the project status. Create, maintain, and provide technical documentation for web platforms and related systems.
  • Architect enterprise web content management solutions, including data, display, and information architecture.
  • Participate in professional development and networking opportunities, such as attending regional or national conferences, workshops, and specialized training sessions.
  • Act as the web team's technical point of contact for external consultants, collaborating on large-scale projects.
  • Perform other related duties and projects as assigned.

Posting Detail Information
Requisition Number
2026S050Posting
Temporary
No
Work Schedule
Normal schedule is daily, Monday through Friday, concurrent with the business hours of the office. Adjustments to the normal schedule to accommodate evening, overnight, weekend, and holiday work as required for system and service maintenance and upgrades.
Employment is subject to the terms and conditions of Colgate University Human Resources policy, consistent with the laws of New York State.
Job Open Date
07/01/2026
Job Close Date
Open Until Filled
Yes
Special Instructions Summary
EEO Statement
The University recognizes that equal employment opportunity can only be achieved through demonstrated leadership. It is the Policy of the University to recruit, employ, retain, promote, and train employees on the basis of skills and experience, capacity to do the job, and valid job qualifications without regard to any characteristics protected by applicable local, state or federal laws.
Clery Act
CAMPUS CRIME REPORTING AND STATISTICS
The Department of Campus Safety will provide upon request a copy of Colgate's Annual Security and Fire Safety Report. This report includes statistics as reported to the United States Department of Education for the previous three years concerning reported: 1. crimes that occurred on-campus; in certain off-campus buildings or property owned or controlled by Colgate University; and on public property within, or immediately adjacent to and accessible from, the campus and 2. fires that occurred in student housing facilities. The report also includes institutional policies concerning campus security and fire safety, such as policies concerning sexual assault, life safety systems, and other related matters. You may access the report from the Clery Compliance web page at: https://www.colgate.edu/about/offices-centers-institutes/dean-college/campus-safety-staff/clery-compliance. Printed copies of this report may be obtained upon request from the Department of Campus Safety via e-mail at cusafety@colgate.edu.

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