Front End Web Developer Contract Jobs in Minnesota

Position Summary
The Front End Web Developer is responsible for building and maintaining high-quality, accessible, and performant front-end experiences for the Libraries web platforms. This role focuses on developing thoughtful, well-crafted interfaces using modern web technologies (HTML, CSS, and JavaScript), and applying established design patterns and frameworks, to create cohesive and user-centered experiences that support key user tasks and journeys.
Working as part of a collaborative web development team, the Front End Web Developer partners closely with colleagues to translate requirements and shared patterns into polished, usable interfaces. The role exercises strong judgment in implementation details, contributing to usability, accessibility, and consistency while working within established standards and systems.
This position contributes to the ongoing evolution of the Libraries front-end ecosystem, including maintaining and improving codebases, supporting sustainable and maintainable approaches to development, and evaluating tools and practices as technologies and needs evolve. The developer builds an understanding of the Libraries services and user needs and applies that context to their work.
The Front End Web Developer is part of Libraries IT and collaborates with stakeholders across the organization, including the Web Advisory Group and other governance groups, to support the Libraries mission in research, learning, and outreach. This role shares responsibility for the availability of critical systems and services and may participate in support as needed.
Service Unit Summary
The Libraries IT unit is responsible for supporting the programs and services of the Libraries with information technology resources, including but not limited to website and web application development and maintenance, hardware and software purchasing and maintenance, digital preservation, digital accessibility and content strategy, and coordination with the Universitys Office of Information Technology.

The University of Minnesota is committed to fostering local talent through employment opportunities. While this position utilizes a hybrid work modality, with occasional on-site work on the Twin Cities campus, prospective applicants must be located near a University of Minnesota campus, or be willing to relocate. Relocation assistance is not offered for this role. 
Please note that this position is not eligible for H-1B or Green Card sponsorship. This position does not offer a STEM OPT training program.

Responsibilities
Front end web development (50%)

Collaborates with CMS, application, and server administrators to implement user interfaces, drawing upon appropriate web technologies, including HTML, CSS, and JavaScript..
Works closely with colleagues in the Web Development department, Libraries Communications, and University Marketing and Communications to ensure alignment with University standards, design systems, and best practices. 
Applies strong UX judgment when implementing features, ensuring clarity, usability,  accessibility, and consistency across interfaces.
Makes thoughtful implementation decisions that balance design, technical and brand standards, and user needs.
Develops, tests, and maintains front-end code using modern development workflows and tools, including version control (e.g., Git), local development environments, and CSS/Javascript build tools.
Contributes to the maintainability and sustainability of codebases through clear structure, documentation, and adherence to shared standards and practices.
Stays current with evolving web technologies, standards, and approaches, and evaluates their applicability to the Libraries web ecosystem.
Design and user experience (30%)

Participates in the ongoing design and evolution of the University Libraries web presence, including the main website, unit sites, applications, and integrations. Contributes to interface and interaction design by applying user-centered thinking and established design patterns to support clear, usable, and consistent experiences.
Applies and extends the Universitys design system and branding guidelines in day-to-day work, ensuring consistency while adapting to meet Libraries use cases.
In partnership with application support staff and other collaborators, helps coordinate and refine interfaces for enterprise systems and services, contributing to cohesive user experiences across platforms.
Maintains awareness of evolving UX practices, accessibility considerations, and institutional design standards, and incorporates them appropriately into design and implementation work.
 

User interface consultation (20%)

Provides expertise on user interface and user experience projects, including coordination of staff, communications, and reporting.
Consults on library committees, initiatives, and projects, promoting consistency and alignment of user experience across services and platforms. 
 

Required qualifications:

• BA/BS plus at least two years experience, or masters degree.
• Demonstrated experience developing front-end web interfaces using modern web technologies, including HTML, CSS, and JavaScript.
• Demonstrated experience implementing responsive, accessible, and user-centered interfaces across a variety of devices and browsers.
• Working knowledge of web accessibility standards (e.g., WCAG) and experience incorporating accessibility considerations into front-end development.
• Experience translating specifications and design concepts into clean, working interfaces.
• Experience using modern development workflows and tools, such as version control (e.g., Git), local development environments, and front-end build processes.

Preferred qualifications:

• Experience working with Drupal, other content management systems (CMS), or component-based web platforms.
• Familiarity with higher education, library, or similarly complex service-oriented, non-profit environments.
• Experience working within and extending established design systems or style guidelines.
• Experience supporting or integrating with enterprise systems or large-scale web applications.
• Experience applying strong UX judgment in implementation, with attention to usability, clarity, consistency, and accessibility.
• Experience writing clean, maintainable, and well-structured code, with attention to long-term sustainability and shared standards.
• Experience collaborating with cross-functional partners, such as developers, designers, content creators, or stakeholders.
• Experience learning and applying new technologies, tools, and standards in a changing technical environment.

Pay Range: $75,000 - $90,000; depending on education/qualifications/experience 

Time Appointment: 100% Appointment - Annual Renewal

Position Type: P&A Staff 

Please visit the Office of Human Resources website for more information regarding benefit eligibility.

The University offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes:

• Competitive wages, paid holidays, and generous time off
• Continuous learning opportunities through professional training and degree-seeking programs supported by the Regents Tuition Benefit Program
• Low-cost medical, dental, and pharmacy plans
• Healthcare and dependent care flexible spending accounts
• University HSA contributions
• Disability and employer-paid life insurance
• Employee wellbeing program
• Excellent retirement plans with employer contribution
• Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) opportunity
• Financial counseling services 
• Employee Assistance Program with eight sessions of counseling at no cost
• Employee Transit Pass with free or reduced rates in the Twin Cities metro area

While our salary ranges provide a framework, it is important to note that most of the
time, the initial pay may not reach the maximum of the range. This approach ensures
that compensation reflects the value and unique contributions of each candidate while
maintaining equity within our organization. As part of our commitment to fair and
equitable compensation, please be aware that the salary offered to incoming candidates
will be based on their individual credentials and experience.

Applications must be submitted online.  To be considered for this position, please click the Apply button and follow the instructions.  You will be given the opportunity to complete an online application for the position and attach a cover letter and resume.

Additional documents may be attached after application by accessing your "My Job Applications" page and uploading documents in the "My Cover Letters and Attachments" section.

Please attach the following documents in Word of PDF Format in order to be considered for this position (DO NOT copy and paste).

• Resume
• Cover Letter (identify cover letter with UL491)
• Work Examples or Portfolio (optional)

To request an accommodation during the application process, please e-mail employ@umn.edu or call (612) 624-8647.

The University recognizes and values the importance of diversity and inclusion in enriching the employment experience of its employees and in supporting the academic mission.  The University is committed to attracting and retaining employees with varying identities and backgrounds.

The University of Minnesota provides equal access to and opportunity in its programs, facilities, and employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, gender, age, marital status, disability, public assistance status, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression.  To learn more about diversity at the U:  http://diversity.umn.edu

Any offer of employment is contingent upon the successful completion of a background check. Our presumption is that prospective employees are eligible to work here. Criminal convictions do not automatically disqualify finalists from employment.

The University of Minnesota, Twin Cities (UMTC)

The University of Minnesota, Twin Cities (UMTC), is among the largest public research universities in the country, offering undergraduate, graduate, and professional students a multitude of opportunities for study and research. Located at the heart of one of the nation's most vibrant, diverse metropolitan communities, students on the campuses in Minneapolis and St. Paul benefit from extensive partnerships with world-renowned hea...