Senior Web Architect, Freedom Rings Partnership

Posted by on November 13, 2011

Senior Web Architect, Drexel University

Posted on: October 31, 2011

Drexel is ranked one of the best national universities in the category of Best National Universities in “America’s Best Colleges” for 2011 by U.S. News & World Report for the eighth consecutive year and in the top 100 for the third straight time. Drexel is also ranked second among national universities in the US News list of “Up-and-Comers”, along with schools most often cited by university administrators nationwide as making “the most promising and innovative changes in the areas of academics, faculty, student life, campus, or facilities.”

With more than 8,200 employees and nearly 23,000 students, Drexel is the fifth largest private-sector employer in Philadelphia and has a vibrant community of students, faculty and professional staff, and encourages the richness diversity brings to the workplace. Like its students, Drexel’s employees are known for being passionate, entrepreneurial and innovative.

Position Title: Senior Web Architect

Job Overview: The Freedom Rings Sustainable Broadband Adoption (SBA) Project or “Freedom Rings Partnership” (FRP) is a collaboration of grassroots, government and non-profit organizations with the mission to increase broadband technology access among Philadelphia residents. Drexel University co-leads this two-year project along with the City of Philadelphia’s Office of Innovation and Technology and the Urban Affairs Coalition through a grant from the National Telecommunications and Information Administration’s Broadband Technology Opportunities Project. FRP aims to increase technology access by: establishing 77 public computer centers; generating 5,000 new broadband household subscribers and 50 small business subscribers¬; distributing 5,000 computers to public housing residents who complete required training; and promoting the benefits of digital literacy through a viral campaign reaching 100,000 residents. In addition, Drexel is charged with raising community awareness about broadband technology and access in Philadelphia through a grassroots campaign involving community events and an integrated social media and social marketing approach to promote the benefits of the internet to improve access to job opportunities, and information on government and social services, health and education. FRP’s long-term goals include creating an exciting and sustainable, innovative portal, incorporating resources, information and a learning management system.

The Senior Web Architect will be a key member of the Drexel Freedom Rings team, overseeing the development and maintenance of the server-based digital infrastructure for the project.

Qualifications: Bachelor’s degree required. Graduate degree preferred. Technical skills required: 2+ years of web development experience using open-source (LAMP-based, Drupal) platforms. Proficiency with development using open web standards (HTML5, CSS, AJAX). Well-versed in one or more scripting languages (PHP, Perl, Python, shell scripting) and SQL database management.

Other skills required: Ability to effectively articulate technical challenges and solutions to non-technical audience. Ability to resolve ambiguous/undefined problems. Ability to think abstractly and holistically, beyond purely technical requirements and solutions.

Highly desirable: Experience with server-based virtual machines and distributed computing systems and algorithms. Strong object-oriented design and coding skills (C/C++ and/or Java) and algorithm optimization.

Essential Functions: The Senior Web Architect will be a key member of the Drexel Freedom Rings team, overseeing the development and maintenance of the server-based digital infrastructure for the project. The primary responsibility for the Senior Web Architect will be the development and implementation of new features and capabilities for the SBA project’s existing public web portal.

The Senior Web Architect will also be responsible for managing several student web developers. The design of the SBA portal is guided by the principles of a highly accessible, user-centered approach. The goal of the portal is to provide targeted content and resource links relevant to the unique needs of the FRP partners and Philadelphia residents, in order to facilitate digital literacy and sustainable broadband adoption.

The Senior Web Architect also will lead the selection and integration of a Learning Management System with the portal, so that individuals progressing through learning objectives and skill development can track their progress and access supplemental resources.

The portal will be installed as the homepage in all of the Public Computer Centers throughout the city and on the laptops given out through the Freedom Rings Laptop Program.

Key Responsibilities of the Portal Developer include but are not limited to:
Technical architecture, design, and maintenance of the portal
Work with the leadership team to develop the portal and ways to improve it.
Support the outreach program of SBA.
Assist in the planning of public awareness/outreach events.

The Senior Web Architect will have the opportunity to work closely with project participants from Drexel University, and non-profit and civic organizations. Applicants must be highly organized, detail-oriented, adaptable to change, able to work well with others, and must possess strong writing and analytical skills. This position will work on a variety of long-term and short-term sub-projects, so the ability to multitask and prioritize is crucial. The position requires 40 hours a week and is a two-year project.

Supplementary Posting Information: Drexel University’s mission is to serve students and society through comprehensive integrated academic offerings enhanced by technology, co-operative education, and clinical practice in an urban setting, with global outreach embracing research, scholarly activities, and community initiatives.

Drexel University offers an attractive benefits package including tuition remission, a generous retirement package with matching funds (up to 11%) and an opportunity to join a talented team of professionals directly helping the University achieve its record growth and quality reputation

This position is supported fully or partially by external funds; continuation of employment are contingent on receipt of those external funds.

Background investigations are required for all new hires as a condition of employment, after the job offer is made. Employment will be contingent upon the University’s acceptance of the results of the background investigation.

Drexel University is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer. The Office of the Dean of College of Engineering is especially interested in qualified candidates who can contribute to the diversity and excellence of our academic community.

To apply for this position, please apply online at: http://www.drexeljobs.com/applicants/Central?quickFind=75216

or visit http://www.drexeljobs.com and search for Executive Director Office of the Bursar. The requisition number is 4415.

For more information about Drexel University, please visit http://www.drexel.edu