Front-End UI Developer

SUMMARY OF POSITION:

We are seeking a highly skilled and experienced Front-End UI Developer to join our growing technology team. In this role, you will be responsible for designing, building, and maintaining intuitive, mobile-friendly, and visually consistent user interfaces across the YMCA’s Core platform and redesigned public-facing website. This position is critical to ensuring that our members, parents, and staff enjoy a seamless digital experience when registering for programs, managing childcare services, and engaging with YMCA resources.

PURPOSE OF POSITION:

The ideal candidate will bring deep expertise in front-end technologies, responsive design, accessibility, and modern development practices, along with the ability to collaborate closely with backend engineers, designers, and business stakeholders.

This position supports the work of the Y, a leading nonprofit committed to strengthening community through youth development, healthy living and social responsibility.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

UI/UX Development & Design

• Build and maintain responsive, mobile-first web applications using modern frameworks (Vue.js preferred)
• Collaborate with product owner(s) to translate requirements and wireframes into elegant, user-friendly interfaces.
• Create reusable UI components and design systems for consistency across Core and website projects.
• Ensure accessibility compliance (WCAG 2.1 AA) and cross-browser/device compatibility.

Website Modernization

• Lead development of the YMCA’s redesigned website, replacing legacy CMS with modern, flexible architecture.
• Integrate front-end with APIs and backend services for membership, childcare, and donation systems.
• Optimize for SEO, performance (s), and security.

Collaboration & Delivery

• Work closely with backend developers, product owners, and business leaders to define and deliver features.
• Participate in Agile development cycles, sprint planning, and design reviews.
• Contribute to documentation and training for internal teams.

YMCA LEADERSHIP COMPETENCIES:

Mission Advancement: Accepts and demonstrates the Y’s values. Demonstrates a desire to serve others and fulfill community needs. Recruits volunteers and builds effective, supportive working relationships with them. Supports fund-raising.

Collaboration: Works effectively with people of different backgrounds, abilities, opinions, and perceptions. Builds rapport and relates well to others. Seeks first to understand the other person’s point of view, and remains calm in challenging situations. Listens for understanding and meaning; speaks and writes effectively. Takes initiative to assist in developing others.

Operational Effectiveness: Makes sound judgments, and transfers learning from one situation to another. Embraces new approaches and discovers ideas to create a better member experience. Establishes goals, clarifies tasks, plans work and actively participates in meetings. Follows budgeting policies and procedures, and reports all financial irregularities immediately. Strives to meet or exceed goals and deliver a high-value experience for members.

Personal Growth: Pursues self-development that enhances job performance. Demonstrates an openness to change, and seeks opportunities in the change process. Accurately assesses personal feelings, strengths and limitations and how they impact relationships. Has the functional and technical knowledge and skills required to perform well; uses best practices and demonstrates up-to-date knowledge and skills in technology.

QUALIFICATIONS, KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS & ABILITIES:

Required:

• Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Software Engineering, or related field.
• 5 years of professional front-end development experience.
• Proficiency in modern JavaScript frameworks (Vue.js, React, or Angular).
• Strong expertise with HTML5, CSS3 (including preprocessors like SASS/LESS), and responsive design.
• Experience with state management (Vuex, Redux, or equivalent).
• Familiarity with RESTful APIs, GraphQL, and API integration.
• Experience building design systems or component libraries.
• Solid understanding of accessibility standards and usability best practices.
• Strong debugging, testing, and performance optimization skills.
• Ability to work in Agile environments (Jira, Git, CI/CD pipelines).

Preferred:

• Experience with Vue 3 and Tailwind CSS.
• Familiarity with AWS or other cloud hosting services.
• Experience with headless CMS platforms (e.g., Strapi, Sanity).
• Knowledge of SEO, analytics, and web performance monitoring tools.
• Prior experience with nonprofit or multi-location organizations.

WORK SCHEDULE:

General work schedule is M-F from 8a-5p

WORK ENVIRONMENT AND PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

• Ability to sit and work at a computer for extended periods.
• Must be able to communicate clearly in person and virtually.
• Occasional lifting of up to 25 lbs. for equipment setup.