Backend Developer

The City University of New York; New York (NY); Hybrid; USD 90,000 - 102,000; Full time

Job summary

The City University of New York (CUNY) is seeking a Backend Developer to support the backend of CUNY websites and applications. You will work on APIs, data integrations, and CMS server-side components, focusing on reliability, performance, and security.

The role emphasizes collaboration with senior staff and adherence to coding standards. You will maintain WordPress plugins, implement RESTful APIs, and help troubleshoot server environments within a hybrid work model in New York.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree and four years' related experience required.
• Experience supporting and optimizing websites built on WordPress or similar CMS.
• Familiarity with Linux-based server environments (RHEL) and common hosting configurations.
• Awareness of WCAG accessibility standards and applying them in work.
• Experience with backend code maintenance, updates, and troubleshooting.
• Familiarity with Git and collaborative development workflows.
• Experience supporting server environments, including file permissions, configuration updates and deployments.
• Experience in Agile or similar methodologies; participation in sprint meetings or stand-ups.
• Ability to review code changes, follow documentation, work independently, and communicate effectively.

Responsibilities

• Develops and maintains backend functionality for CUNY sites using PHP, Apache, NGINX, MySQL.
• Monitors system logs, database performance, API usage, and backend workflows to identify issues.
• Implements backend solutions, integrations and updates under guidance of senior staff.
• Maintains CMS backend components, including WordPress plugins and server-side logic.
• Implements RESTful APIs and integrations with third-party data sources and auth systems.
• Works with server admins and senior devs to troubleshoot hosting configurations and performance.
• Follows security, accessibility, and compliance requirements in backend systems.
• Participates in backend code reviews and maintains technical documentation.
• Supports digital projects, migrations, and system upgrades; performs assigned tasks.

Skills

WordPress

Linux servers

WCAG

Backend maintenance

Agile

Communication

Education

Bachelor's degree

Tools

Git

WordPress plugins

Job description

The CUNY Office of Communications and Marketing (OCM) works in partnership with the University’s academic and administrative offices and the 26 colleges to promote CUNY’s unique mission and transformative role as an engine of social mobility. The office includes eight divisions: Communications, Creative, Marketing, Social Media, Multimedia, University Events, CUNY TV and Citizenship Now! Together, the teams manage all aspects of press and public relations, editorial content, art design, publishing, social media, advertisement, web development, TV, video and podcast production to tell the story of the premier urban public university in the United States.

The Creative Team is responsible for overseeing the University’s visual identity and includes both Web and Design Teams. The Web Team manages the entire CUNY.edu website and maintains the content management system, while providing support to several CUNY campuses and other University entities. Additionally, the team supports the online components of the Communications and Marketing (OCM) department, encompassing social media, electronic communications, and multimedia.

Reporting to the Web Director, the Backend Developer, supports the development, maintenance, and operation of backend web applications, APIs, data integrations, and CMS server-side components. This position focuses exclusively on backend implementation and support tasks and does not involve design, graphics, layouts or visual materials.

The Backend Developer assists in evaluating backend systems and workflows, identifying inefficiencies, and implementing approved code changes and configuration improvements under the guidance of senior developers or supervisors to enhance performance, reliability, and security.

Key duties include, but are not limited to the following:

• Develops and maintains assigned backend functionality for CUNY websites and applications using PHP, Apache, NGINX, MySQL/MariaDB, APIs, and Linux-based hosting environments.
• Assists with monitoring system logs, database performance, API usage, and backend workflows to help identify issues and resolve issues.
• Implements backend solutions, integrations, and updates as directed by senior technical staff.
• Assists with the customization and maintenance of CMS backend components, including WordPress plugins and server-side logic.
• Implements and maintains RESTful APIs and integrations with third- party data sources and authentication systems under supervision.
• Works with server administrators and senior developers to help troubleshoot server environments, hosting configurations, and backend performance issues.
• Follows established security, accessibility, and compliance requirements in backend systems.
• Participates in backend code reviews and maintains technical documentation as assigned.
• Supports digital projects, backend migrations, and system upgrades, by performing assigned technical tasks.
• Performs related backend development and support duties as assigned.

NOTE:

Until further notice, this position is eligible for a hybrid work schedule.

CUNY TITLE OVERVIEW

Provides expertise in digital and visual communications to support and advance the College's multimedia presence.

- Researches and identifies new multimedia platforms that advance College programs and initiatives

- Works closely with management to understand and produce effective message elements

- Creates and aligns various communication work products such as video, digital formats, layouts, graphics, web pages, and microsites to ensure consistency and effective messaging

- Assesses, enhances and manages the user experience on digital platforms including social media

- Collaborates with graphic designers, webmasters, and other information technology professionals to create comprehensive broadcast and multimedia communications

- Procures required internal and external resources and services and manages their utilization

- Performs related duties as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS

Minimum:

Bachelor's degree and four years' related experience required.

Preferred:

• Experience supporting and optimizing websites built on WordPress or similar content management systems.
• Familiarity with Linux-based server environments (RHEL) and common web hosting configurations.
• Awareness of web accessibility standards (WCAG) and the ability to apply established accessibility requirements in assigned work.
• Experience assisting with backend code maintenance, updates, and troubleshooting under established coding standards.
• Familiarity with version control tools such as Git and collaborative development workflows.
• Experience supporting server environments, including basic file permissions, configuration updates and deployments under supervision.
• Experience working within Agile or similar project methodologies, including participation in sprint meetings or daily stand-ups.
• Ability to:

review code changes with guidance and participate in technical discussions with colleagues.

follow technical documentation, procedures, and best practices.

work independently on assigned tasks while seeking guidance as needed.

establish and maintain effective working relationships with technical and non-technical staff.

• Effective written and verbal communication skills appropriate for a collaborative technical environment.

FLSA

Exempt

COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS

The salary range is $89,777 - 102,460, commensurate with credentials, education, and experience.

CUNY's benefits contribute significantly to total compensation, supporting health and wellness, financial well-being, and professional development. We offer a range of health plans, competitive retirement/pension benefits and savings plans, tuition waivers for CUNY graduate study and generous paid time off. Our staff also benefits from the extensive academic, arts, and athletic programs on our campuses and the opportunity to participate in a lively, diverse academic community in one of the greatest cities in the world.

CLOSING DATE

JOB SEARCH CATEGORY

CUNY Job Posting: Managerial/Professional

EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY

CUNY encourages people with disabilities, minorities, veterans and women to apply. At CUNY, Italian Americans are also included among our protected groups. Applicants and employees will not be discriminated against on the basis of any legally protected category, including sexual orientation or gender identity. EEO/AA/Vet/Disability Employer.