Web Application Developer - Temporary

Location: Boston, MA (Main Campus)

Time Type: Full time

Job Description

About the Opportunity

Job Summary

Northeastern University is seeking a Temporary Web Application Developer to support ongoing development work for Northeastern Global News (NGN), the university’s award-winning news platform.

This role is focused on maintaining momentum and supporting defined needs within an existing application architecture. The position is part of a collaborative development team responsible for building and maintaining shared application components used across NGN and other high-visibility university initiatives.

The developer will work within a PHP-based application architecture that uses WordPress as an editorial and interface layer, extending existing components and implementing scoped functionalities that follow established patterns and practices.

This role works closely with the Digital Solutions Architect within the Communications team and works cross-collaboratively with UX and editorial teams to deliver defined feature work.

The position is temporary and requires in-person work on Northeastern’s Boston campus.

Key Responsibilities

• Contribute to the development and extension of shared, PHP-based application components.
• Support feature development for Northeastern Global News and other high-visibility university initiatives.
• Work within an existing component-based architecture to ensure consistency, maintainability, and reuse.
• Develop and integrate custom WordPress blocks that serve as configuration interfaces for shared components.
• Work cross-collaboratively to implement features aligned with documented design requirements.
• Identify edge cases and participate in technical discussions to resolve functional or structural issues.
• Write clear, maintainable code intended for iteration within an existing codebase.
• Participate in code reviews and follow established development practices.

Minimum Qualifications

• Strong experience with object-oriented PHP, including designing and extending reusable application logic.
• Experience implementing business logic in PHP applications beyond templating or presentation layers.
• Familiarity with component-based development and working within established systems.
• Experience with custom WordPress development, including:
  • Custom blocks
  • PHP-based block rendering
  • Using WordPress as an editorial or interface layer
• Proficiency with JavaScript (ES6+) and familiarity with TypeScript.
• Experience integrating PHP-driven logic with front-end functionality.
• Familiarity with React, particularly for editor tooling or interactive components.
• Ability to work effectively within an existing codebase and development workflow.
• Clear communication skills and ability to collaborate across disciplines.
• Ability to work hybrid schedule in-person in Boston
   

Preferred Experience

• Experience with public-facing publishing platforms or content-driven applications.
• Experience maintaining or extending shared component libraries or design systems.
• Familiarity with editorial workflows or high-visibility, event-driven sites.
• Experience collaborating closely with UX or design teams.

How the Team Works

• The Temporary Web Application Developer will work within an existing development team and architecture.
• Technical direction, requirements, and priorities are provided by the development team.
• This role will collaborate with UX, editorial, and engineering partners as needed to complete scoped work.
• Emphasis is placed on clear, maintainable code provided in a timely manner that supports continuity and future iteration.
   

Position Type

Additional Information

Northeastern University considers factors such as candidate work experience, education and skills when extending an offer.  

Northeastern has a comprehensive benefits package for benefit eligible employees. This includes medical, vision, dental, paid time off, tuition assistance, wellness & life, retirement- as well as commuting & transportation. Visit https://hr.northeastern.edu/benefits/ for more information.  

All qualified applicants are encouraged to apply and will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, religion, color, national origin, age, sex, sexual orientation, disability status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law.

This job is for a current or anticipated job vacancy.

Pay Rate: