Director of Web Development Digital Learning at UT UTK

This position will play a critical role within the Digital Learning Solutions Engineering team by serving as the technical leader of web development. Oversees the planning design development and deployment of web solutions ensuring they align with Digital Learnings (DL) business objectives and drive innovation. This role leads a team of developers that deliver accessible secure and high-performing websites that meets the needs of a diverse academic institution and supports organizational goals.

Website Development and Delivery

• Oversees full lifecycle of web development projects including discovery planning design development testing deployment and ongoing support
• Architect and maintain scalable secure and accessible WordPress environments
• Implement standards for accessibility responsible design and performance optimization
• Manage and optimize development pipelines using Git CI/CD tools and staging environments
• Ensure projects are delivered on time within scope and meet quality standards
• Develop and enforce web governance policies for WordPress implementations

Leadership and Strategy

• Lead the development and execution of Digital Learnings web development strategy aligning with Marketing Tech and operational goals
• Provide expert-level guidance on WordPress architecture customization scalability and security
• Serve as the principal advisor on web technology trends standards and best practices
• Foster an inclusive high-performing team culture through mentoring coaching and professional development
• Serve as a member of the DLs Technology leadership team

Operations and Engagement

• Collaborate with Tech Marketing and Campus departments to ensure compliance with institutional policies and define needs across multiple functional areas
• Represent the Web Development team in cross-functional initiatives and meetings
• Manage relationships with campus partners and external vendors related to WordPress services or infrastructure

Knowledge Skills & Abilities

Required

• Proven work experience leading and understanding web development specifically WordPress
• Expert leadership and project management skills within a fast-paced work environment
• Expert knowledge of web service integration (REST JSON)
• Expert knowledge of HTML5 JavaScript jQuery Ajax and PHP
• Good understanding of OO programming and design patterns
• Strategic thinker with excellent problem-solving and decision-making abilities
• Excellent oral and written communication skills and attention to detail
• Exceptional customer service skills

Preferred

• Progressively responsible experience leading a web development team in higher education
• Creative design skills
• Experience with responsive and adaptive design is strongly preferred
• PHP frameworks

Qualifications

Required Qualifications

• Education:Bachelors degree in Computer Science Information Technology Digital Media or related field
• Experience:
  • Seven or more years of professional experience in web development with at least 3 years in a leadership role managing web teams and cross-functional projects
  • In-depth experience with WordPress development including configurations custom theme and plugin development WP-CLI and REST API
  • Strong knowledge of PHP JavaScript HTML5 CSS3 MySQL and Git

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience:
  • Experience in higher education environment
  • Familiarity with cloud-based hosting environment (e.g. WP Engine AWS etc)
  • Familiarity with Google Tag Manager GA4 and SEO tools
  • Experience with DevOps practices and CI/CD workflows

Work Location

• Knoxville TN. This position does have the potential for a hybrid working capacity.

Compensation and Benefits

• UT market range: MR 16
• Find more information on the UT Market Range structurehere
• Find more information on UT Benefitshere

Application Instructions

• For full consideration applicants must attach a letter of interest resume and the name address email and phone number of three professional references in addition to completing the applicant file to the Human Resources online application system Taleo. This position does have the potential for a hybrid working capacity.
• Screening of applicants will begin immediately and continue until the position has been filled. DLUT

About The College/Department/Division

Digital Learning at UT is a unit charged with advancing UTs commitment to discovery creativity learning and engagement specifically for online learners. Using advanced and innovative technologies Digital Learning at UT will provide scalable solutions that enhance the online learning experience and reduce barriers to student access and success providing a tremendous impact to online learners across the state and the nation. At Digital Learning we want to be bold and impactful transforming the future of online education through innovative thinking and collaborative problem-solving. Join our dynamic and inclusive Digital Learning team where we take pride in teamwork excellence and a shared commitment to shaping the future through education and innovation.