Full-stack Application Developer and Delivery Manager - Princeton University

The Full-stack Application Developer and Delivery Manager role is crucial in providing hands-on Application and Web development support across multiple offices within the Office of the Dean of the College (ODOC). This position emphasizes expertise in the Laravel framework, excellent technical proficiency, customer service acumen, effective project management skills, and familiarity with version control systems like GitHub.

The Application Development and Delivery Manager reports to the Senior IT Manager; this role has no direct report.

Please submit a cover letter along with your resume for full consideration.

Creation, Development, Maintenance, and Delivery of Custom Web Applications

Manage all phases of the development of custom applications, including requirements gathering, analysis, design, testing, and deployment. Research, identify, recommend, and implement new technologies and solutions to improve workflow and business processes while maintaining and supporting about ten units within the college dean's office.

• Manage software projects by developing project scopes and planning delivery timelines.
• Lead all phases of custom application development using PHP and Laravel framework: requirements gathering, analysis, design, testing, and deployment.
• Collaborate with client groups (Dean's administration, residential college staff) to understand needs, time frames, and design requirements to deliver high-quality solutions.
• Communicate project plans and progress updates and effectively consult with the user to ensure software development aligns with the business objectives. This will involve occasionally leading one-on-one or group meetings and relaying technical ideas clearly through concise written and verbal communication.
• Design and develop applications. That includes efficient, robust, and maintainable code, testing, debugging, and writing detailed documentation within the Laravel environment.
• Develop solutions leveraging programming languages like PHP, JavaScript (Angular, React, Node), HTML/CSS, Java, open-source frameworks like Laravel, RESTful web services, and work on cross-browser and cross-device solutions.
• Enable content integration between multiple internal enterprise and vendor applications; ensure mobile platform compatibility, plugin/module adjustments, and overall site functionality.
• Maintain applications; conduct content updates; identify and rectify outdated application processes and tools. Support and maintain legacy software applications using PHP, MySQL, Drupal, HTML5, XML, CSS, and associated technologies.
• Utilize GitHub for logging issues and enhancement requests related to developed custom applications.
• Provide application-specific end-user documentation and training when appropriate, including facilitation of training classes specifically on how to use newly developed and delivered applications. 
   

Reports and Documentation Delivery

• Creates custom queries and reports from different data sources utilizing Cognos and Tableau that leverage data stored in custom-developed applications and legacy data sources such as PeopleSoft.
• Manages multiple technology projects using current project management methodologies and producing timely and concise written and verbal status reports.
• Maintain comprehensive documentation for all applications and systems.
• Maintains internal and external technical documentation with other Client Systems Support staff utilizing Microsoft Teams/SharePoint.
   

Information Technology Support

• Assists in the recommendation and selection of new systems or technology tools.
• Attends training/meetings opportunities provided by OIT, including SCAD meetings, to be aware of changes that may impact systems.
• Manage other special projects or duties as assigned.
   

COMPLEX TASKS, KEY DECISION-MAKING, SPECIAL DEMANDS

The Application Development and Delivery Manager must balance a demanding workload and work effectively under pressure.  The successful candidate must be flexible and adaptive to the evolving needs of the Office of the Dean of the College, able to collaborate, establish credibility, and build relationships with all constituents. This position is charged with analyzing and developing IT solutions and improving business operations. This individual will champion operational excellence in alignment with the needs of ODOC and must possess:

• Excellent analytical and customer service skills
• Ability to complete complex assignments quickly and with a high degree of quality and accuracy, respond with appropriate urgency to situations that arise, and solve difficult problems proactively and efficiently
• Solid and confident decision-making skills and outstanding judgment
• Ability to empathize with the client to understand issues and business needs
• Ability to write and communicate clearly
• Ability to anticipate demands, make quick decisions, and act with poise under pressure
• Ability to meet deadlines
• Ability to work with OIT, consultants, University partners, and process owners as directed by the supervisor
   

CORE COMPETENCIES

Customer Focus:  Advanced level

• Commits to meeting the expectations and requirements of internal and external stakeholders
• Gets firsthand information and assesses it to measure stakeholder satisfaction
• Builds and maintains effective relationships with stakeholders and gains their trust and respect

Functional/Technical Skills: Advanced level

• Has and uses the required functional and technical knowledge and skills to do the job at a high level of accomplishment
• Chooses appropriate tools or technology for tasks; experiments with new processes, tools, or technologies to determine applicability
• Provides opportunities for others to learn technical skills and concepts
• Write clean, maintainable, and efficient code
• Drive continuous adoption and integration of relevant new technologies

Peer Relationships & Collaboration: Intermediate level

• Responds and relates well to people in all positions, inside and outside the organization or field of expertise
• Quickly finds common ground and tries to solve problems
• Values experience and likes to learn from those who have been there before
• Encourages collaboration and quickly gains the trust and support of others

Problem Solving: Advanced level

• Uses a combination of logic, analysis, experience, wisdom, and methods to make sound, timely decisions and to solve problems
• Probes appropriate sources for relevant information and answers to key questions; demonstrates persistence and skill in gathering information; understands levels of inclusion necessary for ownership and effective action
• Has solutions and suggestions that are effective and turn out to be correct and accurate when judged over time
• Is sought out by others for input and process support

Effective Communication: Intermediate level

• Eloquently composes clear, concise, and crisp messages to a variety of audiences
• Appropriately incorporates wit and humor into his/her writing
• Has a good reputation for patiently and politely listening to others
• Takes time to digest what he/she hears before responding
• Ability to articulate questions for non-technical users to understand or clarify needs
• Refrains from interrupting or correcting the speaker, allowing the person to make their point
• Develop and deliver user-facing classes on how to use any developed or delivered applications. Training may take a variety of formats, including in-person, recorded, online, or written manuals

Action Oriented/Drive for Results: Advanced level

• Demonstrated ability to take initiative and seize an opportunity when success is attainable
• Willingness to undertake both mundane and complex tasks with enthusiasm, energy, and a drive to finish
• Considers planning important but will readily jump into an urgent situation without a plan rather than lose the moment
• Does not give up before finishing, even in the face of resistance or setbacks
• Continuously pushes self for results and consistently meets goals

Essential Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree or equivalent related experience
• Minimum of 5 years of relevant IT experience, preferably as an application delivery or web application developer/database administrator
• Experience in website development and maintenance in Drupal
• Excellent programming skills, including database and system integration experience using HTML, PHP, MySQL, XML, Laravel, and JavaScript
• Ability to write source code and automation scripts
• Proficiency with software and systems listed under position responsibilities. Proficiency with data manipulation/query writing/systems solutions/process improvement
• Experience using browser debugging tools
• Good understanding of web standards
• Exemplary customer service, attitude, and strong initiative
• Excellent organization, interpersonal, and communication skills
• Proven ability to manage multiple priorities simultaneously
• Ability to work independently while also interacting with other IT colleagues in Client Systems Support and SCAD/DCS areas

Preferred Qualifications:

• Certification in Windows and Mac
• Web application developer certification in specialized coding
• Web development and software application experience
• Experience in system administration, custom application development, and application delivery methodologies
• Knowledge of Drupal and experience with PeopleSoft ERP
• Familiarity with ITIL or similar practices for managing IT services
• Expertise with service request tracking systems such as ServiceNow
• Web 2.0 skills centered around social media such as Twitter, RSS Feed, Kaltura videos, podcasts, and other technologies which may be embedded in local applications                     
• Familiarity and use of cPanel as a hosting platform for legacy web applications
   

The final candidate will be required to complete a background check.  

Princeton University is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law. KNOW YOUR RIGHTS