Entry Level Front End Web Developer Jobs in Arden, NC

Posting Details
Posting Information
Posting Number
EHRA1099P
Quick Link for Internal Postings
https://jobs.wcu.edu/postings/34564
Classification Title
IT Web Designer/Developer I
Working Title
Web Developer & CMS Solutions Specialist - #002861
Department
Marketing
Anticipated Hiring Range
$60,523
About WCU
Western Carolina University continues to rank high on Forbes 'Best Employers' lists each year. Including:
• 2025 - Ranked 1st in the top 100 employers in North Carolina in Forbes 'America's Best Employers by State' list.
• 2024 - Ranking in the top 8.5% on Forbes 'America's Best Midsize Employers' list, WCU was ranked 34 out of the top 400 employers across all industries.
• 2023 - Ranked in the top 20% on Forbes 'America's Best Midsize Employers' list, WCU was ranked 97 out of the top 500 employers across all industries.
• 2022 - Ranked 14th in the top 100 employers in North Carolina in Forbes 'America's Best Employers by State' list.
Western Carolina University is the UNC system's westernmost campus and has been consistently ranked as one of the top 15 public regional institutions in the South.
Employees of WCU are provided a comprehensive benefits package as well as other resources, policies and programs to ensure a happy and healthy work/life balance. Benefit eligible employees have access to dental, vision and health insurance plans - eligibility begins on the first of the month following date of hire. Retirement plan contributions begin on the eligibility date following election and include employer contributions for either a defined contribution or a defined benefit plan. Optional disability plans are also available.
Eligible employees have access to tuition waivers for up to three courses per academic year; employee may enroll at any of the constituent UNC System campuses. Also offered are free group exercise classes multiple times per week, a discounted membership to the campus recreation center, free vaccine and booster shots offered on campus, pretax flexible spending accounts, 12 paid holidays and 24 hours of paid community service leave each year. Leave earning employees (staff and 12-month faculty) who work at least half of the working days of their first month of employment will begin accruing vacation and sick leave immediately. Paid parental leave after 12 months of continuous service.
WCU offers an abundance of training and development programs, certifications, workshops and conferences - many of which are offered free of charge.
Position Summary
The primary location of this position is on-site in Cullowhee, NC. This position is designated as being exempt from the State of North Carolina Human Resources Act (EHRA).
Western Carolina University seeks a Web Developer & CMS Solutions Specialist to support the development, maintenance, and continuous improvement of the university's web presence. This position focuses on front-end development, CMS enhancements, accessibility implementation, and digital experience optimization across WCU websites by creating accessible, responsive, and user-friendly digital experiences.
The position develops and maintains CMS templates, page layouts, reusable components, and custom functionality; translates approved designs, wireframes, and content needs into maintainable web pages; and uses front-end technologies such as HTML, CSS, JavaScript, XML, and XSL to support CMS-managed content, feature areas, landing page elements, embedded tools, social media integrations, and related web functionality.
The position also troubleshoots layout, styling, browser behavior, mobile display, accessibility, usability, performance, and functionality issues; tests new and updated web features before launch; and supports ongoing improvements to website accessibility, consistency, page load speed, and overall digital experience. In collaboration with content creators, designers, marketers, web administrators, IT partners, and campus stakeholders, this role provides CMS guidance, implements practical and scalable web solutions, maintains documentation, and stays current with emerging web technologies, user experience trends, accessibility requirements, and CMS capabilities.
Required Knowledge, Skills, And Abilities

• Knowledge of front-end web development using HTML, CSS, JavaScript, XML, and XSL.
• Knowledge of content management systems and reusable web components.
• Knowledge of web accessibility, usability, responsive design, and UX best practices.
• Skill in building, maintaining, and troubleshooting CMS templates, layouts, and web functionality.
• Skill in translating designs and content needs into accessible, mobile-friendly web pages.
• Ability to identify and resolve layout, browser, mobile display, performance, and functionality issues.
• Ability to test web features for accessibility, responsiveness, usability, and cross-browser compatibility.
• Ability to document technical processes and provide CMS guidance to users.
• Ability to collaborate with designers, marketers, IT partners, and campus stakeholders.

Minimum Qualifications

• Interested candidates must already be legally authorized to work in the United States and will not require any immigration sponsorship or support.
• Bachelor's degree and one to three years of related web development experience; or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Demonstrated experience developing or maintaining websites using HTML, CSS, and JavaScript.
• Demonstrated experience creating, updating, or maintaining web content in a content management system.

Preferred Qualifications

• Preferred qualifications include experience with Modern Campus CMS, formerly OmniUpdate; experience building reusable templates, widgets, or CMS components; and working knowledge of XSL and XML. Additional preferred experience includes WordPress or similar web platforms, support for large-scale websites or digital governance initiatives, web performance optimization and analytics tools, and implementation of accessibility standards such as WCAG 2.1 AA.

Position Type
Permanent Full-Time
Number of Hours Per Week
40
Number of Months Per Year
12
Posting Text
Open Date
07/16/2026
Close Date
Open Until Filled
Yes
Special Instructions to Applicants
To be considered, you must apply online.
Please include the following:

1. Resume.
2. Link to work portfolio.
3. Three professional letters of recommendation are required. Letters should come from current or former supervisors, managers, clients, or professional colleagues who can speak to the applicant's technical expertise, work performance, communication skills, and ability to work effectively with stakeholders. Please be sure to include full contact information for each. The letters of recommendation will need to be combined into a single pdf in order to upload.

For more information please contact Deborah Millican at dsmillican@email.wcu.edu
Background/E-Verify
Final candidates are subject to criminal & sex offender background checks. Some vacancies also require credit or motor vehicle checks.
Western Carolina University uses E-Verify to confirm employment eligibility of all newly hired employees. To learn more about E-Verify, including your rights and responsibilities, please visit www.dhs.gov/E-Verify. Proper documentation of identity and employability are required at the time of employment.
Credential Verification
All new employees are required to have listed credentials/degrees verified within 30 days of employment. All new employees who will be teaching are required to provide official transcripts within 30 days of employment. Transcripts should be provided for the highest earned degree and/or the degree which is being used to satisfy credential/qualification requirements.
EOE
Western Carolina University is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race; color; ethnicity; religion; sex; pregnancy; sexual orientation; gender identity or expression; national origin; age; disability; genetic information; political affiliation; National Guard or veteran status, consistent with applicable federal, state and local laws, regulations, and policies, and the policies of The University of North Carolina. Persons with disabilities requiring accommodations in the application and interview process please call (828) 227-7218 or email at jobs@email.wcu.edu.
University Safety
The Western Carolina University Annual Safety Report is available online at University Annual Safety Report or in hard-copy by request at the office of the Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs, 227 HFR Administration Building, Cullowhee, NC 28723 (828-227-7147) or the Office of University Police, 111 Camp Annex, Cullowhee, NC 28723 (828-227-7301). The report, required of all universities participating in Title IV student financial aid programs, discusses crime statistics, procedures for reporting suspicious or criminal activity, security, police authority, crime prevention strategies, university policies on substance abuse and sexual offenses, workplace violence and fire safety.