Front End Web Developer Contract Jobs in California

$85,400 - $102,487 annual; compensation will be based on education, experience, skills relevant to the role and internal equity.

Santa Clara University (SCU), a private Jesuit, Catholic institution located in the heart of Silicon Valley, is dedicated to fostering ethics, social consciousness, and cross-disciplinary education for over 9,000 undergraduate and graduate students. SCU is on an upward trajectory, having recently completed the transformative $1 billion Innovating for the Future campaign. Under the leadership of Julie Sullivan, SCU's first layperson and woman president, the University has embraced a bold vision for continued growth and development through its Impact 2030 Strategic Plan. This roadmap outlines key priorities for shaping the University's future, including:

• Affordable access to a Santa Clara education for all talented students

• Human-centered solutions to the world's most pressing issues

• Intercultural initiatives for global learning, research, and service

• A commitment to Inclusive Excellence and belonging

Ranked among the top 15 percent of national universities, SCU boasts impressive graduation rates, a curriculum blending high-tech innovation with Jesuit values, strong NCAA Division I programs and notable alumni achievements. SCU is poised to enhance their national and global presence, with communications playing an important role. President Sullivan prioritizes Marketing and Communications, and established it as a cabinet-level unit, giving it the voice and access required to advance a strategic, integrated communications vision for the University.

To that end, University Marketing and Communications (UMC) introduced a new brand platform, visual identity, enrollment, and storytelling campaigns that align with and advance Impact 2030 priorities. This evolution has established UMC as a catalyst for strategic communication, positioning it at the heart of SCU's efforts to tell its story with impact and purpose.

Through dynamic, cross-platform storytelling, UMC supports SCU's enrollment, advancement, and leadership goals. Its units span brand strategy, visual identity, social and earned media, digital communications, and crisis, internal, and executive communications. UMC also produces SCU's award-winning University magazine and serves as the central communications hub, collaborating with communicators across campus to build community, share best practices, and foster effective brand storytelling that resonates with SCU's diverse audiences.

With a strong influence across the University, UMC is positioned to drive an integrated, strategic communications approach that attracts prospective students and employees, raises awareness, and builds support for SCU's ambitious Impact 2030 roadmap-an inspiring pathway for growth and innovation.

A. POSITION PURPOSE

As a member of the University Marketing and Communications team, the Frontend Web Developer supports Santa Clara University's digital presence by developing user interfaces for websites and web-based applications. Reporting to the Director of Digital Strategy, this position provides technical leadership in component-based frontend development, translating design mockups and wireframes into responsive, interactive, accessible web interfaces, and supporting implementation in Terminalfour (T4) CMS and other campus web platforms.

Working under general supervision, the developer contributes to projects and to the thoughtful use of emerging AI-assisted workflows to address complexity and scale in frontend development. The position writes and tests code for new or existing websites and applications, builds prototypes, supports backend integrations, maintains graphic standards and branding throughout the UI, serves as an escalation point for advanced technical issues, and identifies technologies that may add visual display capabilities or enhance functionality and site usability.

The ideal candidate is a curious, collaborative problem-solver with foundational knowledge of HTML, CSS, JavaScript, jQuery, React, Bootstrap, and related web technologies. This role supports execution from concept through deployment while developing frontend quality, precision in interface implementation, and accessibility practices aligned with WCAG guidelines and ADA/504 requirements.

B. ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

1. Frontend web development

• Develop user interfaces for Santa Clara websites, microsites, HTML emails, web applications, and embedded tools, ensuring brand consistency, usability, and responsive behavior.

• Translate Figma mockups and visual designs into responsive, accessible, and performant web interfaces using HTML/CSS/JS, and integrate them into Terminalfour and other CMS platforms.

• Utilize tools and languages, including HTML, CSS, JavaScript, React, Bootstrap, Sass/SCSS, Node.js, Git, DevTools, Figma Dev Mode, Terminalfour, and LiveWhale.

• Apply AI-assisted web development practices to support prototyping, code generation, debugging, documentation, and refinement of frontend interfaces, while reviewing outputs for accuracy, accessibility, and alignment with Santa Clara's brand and technical standards.

• Transform design layouts and wireframes into usable frontend functionality through developing, testing, and revising web application code.

• Collaborate with designers to refine layouts, including pixel tuning for spacing, alignment, and typography across devices and breakpoints.

• Build, maintain, and evolve Santa Clara's digital design system and reusable components in collaboration with Academic Technology; contribute specs and code for new features.

• Collaborate with the University Webmaster to strategize implementation, request back-end support, and strengthen alignment across systems and standards.

• Provide UI guidance and assist with content building and updates in the CMS.

• Support campus units in developing intuitive, user-friendly websites that reflect Santa Clara's brand and mission.

2. Support, maintenance, and troubleshooting

• Provide support for Santa Clara websites,including diagnosing layout defects, resolving accessibility issues, and configuring advanced CMS settings.

• Diagnose and resolve frontend issues related to layout, accessibility, and cross-browser compatibility.

• Assist with testing and quality assurance prior to deployment.

• Use AI tools to assist with troubleshooting, drafting documentation, and issue analysis, ensuring the final work is reviewed and validated before implementation.

• Support third-party, backend, and API integrations and widgets, ensuring responsive behavior and alignment with Santa Clara's branding.

• Write internal and external documentation to support ongoing development and user implementation.

3. Web accessibility and performance

• Write semantic, accessible frontend code that supports inclusive user experiences across websites, applications, HTML emails, and a shared digital design system.

• Build and test interfaces to meet WCAG 2.2 AA, including keyboard navigation, visible focus states, logical focus order, appropriate input modalities, form labels and instructions, error messaging, and responsive behavior.

• Apply appropriate ARIA attributes, roles, states, and properties when native HTML alone does not fully communicate meaning, interaction, or status to assistive technologies.

• Remediate accessibility issues identified through the Level Access platform, Axe DevTools, browser-based testing tools, manual review, or stakeholder feedback; ensure code and interfaces support ADA, Section 504, and university accessibility expectations.

• Test frontend work using established accessibility practices, including keyboard-only navigation, screen reader considerations, browser inspection tools, and validation against accessibility success criteria.

• Use AI tools to help identify, explain, or remediate potential accessibility and performance issues, while confirming results through established testing methods and accessibility standards.

• Collaborate with backend, UI/UX, design, and accessibility partners to assess and resolve interrelated accessibility and performance issues.

• Use accessibility validation, page speed, SEO, and traffic reporting tools to support web quality and continuous improvement.

4. Collaboration and project contribution

• Independently manage development timelines, technical requirements, and deliverables from initiation through deployment.

• Communicate progress and technical considerations with supervisor, internal stakeholders, clients, and collaborators.

• Collaborate with the university Webmaster on coding strategies, backend development, and shared governance of university-wide tools and infrastructure.

• Coordinate or support large-scale CMS and platform upgrades, ensuring testing, continuity checks, and stakeholder alignment.

• Identify new technologies that can add visual display capabilities and enhance site usability.

• Mentor student developers and peers; provide guidance on frontend practices.

• Participate in stakeholder meetings, workshops, and training sessions.

Other duties as assigned

C. PROVIDES WORK DIRECTION

This position provides formal work direction to shared student employees.

D. GENERAL GUIDELINES

• Recommend initiatives and implement changes to improve quality and services.

• Identify the causes of problems and present recommendations to improve established processes and practices.

• Maintain contact with campus partners and solicit feedback for improved services.

• Maximize productivity through appropriate tools, planned training, and performance initiatives.

• Prepare progress reports and keep the supervisor informed of project status and deviations from goals.

• Prepare and submit reports as requested and required.

• Develop and implement guidelines to support the functions of the unit.

E. QUALIFICATIONS

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The items below are representative of the knowledge, skills, abilities, education, and experience required or preferred.

This position requires the ability to effectively establish and maintain cooperative working relationships within a diverse multicultural environment and to promote and contribute to an inclusive and respectful workplace.

1. Knowledge

• Proficient knowledge of HTML, CSS, JavaScript, and modern frontend frameworks and libraries such as Bootstrap, React, and Node.js.

• Experience using Git, component-based architecture, and design-to-code implementation workflows such as Figma Dev Mode and DevTools.

• Proficient knowledge of web accessibility standards and practices, including WCAG 2.2 AA, Section 508 ICT Standards, semantic HTML, keyboard accessibility, focus management, ARIA attributes, color contrast, accessible forms, headings, links, and assistive technology considerations.

• Experience with QA methodologies, responsive design, frontend performance optimization, and building resilient interfaces using progressive enhancement and graceful degradation techniques.

• Familiarity with CSS pre-processors such as Sass/SCSS and frontend build tools.

• Experience working in enterprise CMS platforms such as Terminalfour, Livewhale, and WordPress, including integration with social media and third-party tools.

• Experience translating design mockups and wireframes into usable frontend code.

• Understanding of how generative AI can support frontend development workflows.

• Understanding of digital project management tools and workflows.

• Understanding and appreciation of the vision and values of a Jesuit Catholic educational mission.

2. Skills

• Strong analytical, problem-solving, and debugging skills.

• Attention to detail and a quality-focused mindset.

• Effective communicator, both verbally and in writing, with the ability to document work and engage stakeholders.

• Collaborative team player with the ability to contribute constructively in cross-functional settings.

• Ability to receive direction, ask clarifying questions, and incorporate feedback.

3. Abilities

• Build quality, cross-browser compatible websites using Santa Clara's content management systems and design standards.

• Translate visual designs into polished interfaces in collaboration with UI/UX Designers and technical partners.

• Use tools for accessibility validation, page speed optimization, SEO analysis, and traffic reporting.

• Evaluate AI-generated code for accuracy, accessibility, security, maintainability, and alignment with established standards.

• Apply accessibility best practices during frontend development, including semantic structure, keyboard navigability, appropriate ARIA usage, visible focus states, accessible interactive components, and validation of common WCAG success criteria.

• Manage multiple projects and shifting priorities independently.

• Provide training, support, and documentation for technical and non-technical users.

• Learn and apply institutional policies and technical standards efficiently.

• Maintain confidentiality and handle sensitive communications with discretion.

4. Education and Experience

Required:

• Bachelor's degree in Computer Science or Information Technology

• 3 years of relevant experience in Frontend Web Development or information technology

• Knowledge of HTML, CSS, and JavaScript

Preferred:

• Experience implementing accessibility best practices, including semantic code, ARIA, o...