Web Developer

WABE is Atlanta's choice for NPR, PBS, and local news and storytelling. We inform, inspire, reflect, and empower greater Atlanta to drive community belonging, stoke civic participation, and advance equity. WABE is a non-profit, public media service broadcasting and streaming via WABE90.1FM, WABE TV, WABE.org, and numerous podcasts and digital offerings.

For more information on the broadcast service, programming and opportunities, please visit www.wabe.org

Web Developer

WABE is seeking a versatile Web Developer with expertise in WordPress, PHP, and custom plugin / theme development to design, build, and maintain our primary website and supporting digital infrastructure. This role is central to WABE's digital presence and ensures editors, reporters, and podcast teams have a reliable, efficient publishing experience.

In addition to WordPress development, the ideal candidate brings a broad skill set across front-end and back-end programming, modern frameworks, and infrastructure management. As WABE evolves, this role may also lead or support transitions to new CMS platforms, integrations, and other digital systems. The Web Developer will collaborate with cross-functional teams and external partners, manage technical projects, and help deliver user-friendly, secure, and high-performing digital experiences across multiple products, including websites, newsletters, mobile apps, and digital marketing initiatives.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

WordPress & PHP Development

Develop and maintain custom WordPress plugins and themes.

Write clean, efficient, reusable PHP code.

Implement API and third-party integrations.

Ensure adherence to WordPress development best practices.

User Interface & Front-End Development

Implement responsive, engaging UIs with HTML, CSS, JavaScript, and frameworks (e.g., React, Vue, Angular).

Translate UX / UI designs into functional, accessible code.

Ensure compatibility across browsers and devices.

Apply SEO and WCAG accessibility best practices.

Back-End & Infrastructure

Build and maintain server-side components, APIs, and databases (MySQL, PostgreSQL).

Manage Pantheon hosting workflows and optimize performance / security with Cloudflare.

Implement caching, CDN, DNS, and security configurations.

Ensure uptime, monitoring, and scalability.

Publishing Workflow & Internal Users

Maintain and improve the publishing interface for non-technical staff.

Troubleshoot workflow issues and resolve them quickly.

Build tools / features that improve efficiency for content teams.

Future Platform Adaptability

Support potential CMS migrations or platform changes.

Learn and apply new programming languages, frameworks, or tools as organizational needs evolve.

Provide technical guidance during platform transitions.

Testing & Optimization

Conduct QA, debugging, and troubleshooting across browsers, devices, and platforms.

Monitor and optimize site performance, security, and reliability.

Enhance interactivity through animations, intuitive navigation, and user experience improvements.

Project Management & Collaboration

Manage development projects from planning through deployment.

Work closely with product managers, designers, developers, and external vendors.

Clearly communicate technical concepts to both technical and non-technical stakeholders.

Continuous Learning

Stay up to date with industry trends, frameworks, and best practices.

Experiment with new tools and approaches to improve WABE's digital ecosystem.

Other duties as assigned.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, & ABILITIES

Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Web Development, or related field (or equivalent experience).

Strong proficiency in WordPress and PHP (themes, custom plugins).

Experience with Pantheon hosting and Cloudflare configuration.

Proficiency in HTML, CSS, JavaScript, and front-end frameworks (VueJS, React, Angular).

Familiarity with Node.js, Python, Ruby, or other back-end languages.

Experience with relational databases (MySQL, PostgreSQL).

Strong debugging, problem-solving, and troubleshooting skills.

Experience with Git and deployment workflows.

Understanding of SEO principles, accessibility standards, and responsive design.

Ability to manage projects and collaborate across distributed teams.

Excellent communication skills for technical and non-technical stakeholders.

Portfolio showcasing custom WordPress / PHP projects and broader web development work.

This job description provides a general overview of the responsibilities and qualifications for the Web Developer (WordPress / PHP) role at WABE. Responsibilities may evolve as WABE's digital platforms and technologies change.

Work Environment & Physical Demands :

The physical demands and work environment described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. Individuals may need to sit or stand as needed. May require walking primarily on a level surface for periodic periods throughout the day. Reaching above shoulder heights, below the waist or lifting as required (up to 5 lbs.), filing documents or store materials throughout the workday. Proper lifting techniques required. For the most part ambient room temperatures, lighting and traditional office equipment as found in a typical office environment.

WABE is an Equal Opportunity Employer