Job Details

Director of Web Development - Digital Learning at UT - UTK

Position Number: 6476111
Location: Chattanooga, TN
Position Type: Computing - Web Development

Director of Web Development - Digital Learning at UT - UTK
Knoxville, TN, United States

Job Identification: 4634
Job Category: Info Technology
Posting Date: 08/18/2025
Job Schedule: Full Time
Locations: 1331 Circle Park, Knoxville, TN, 37996, US

Job Description
This position will play a critical role within the Digital Learning Solutions Engineering team by serving as the technical leader of web development. Oversees the planning, design, development, and deployment of web solutions, ensuring they align with Digital Learning's (DL) business objectives and drive innovation. This role leads a team of developers that deliver accessible, secure, and high-performing websites that meets the needs of a diverse academic institution and supports organizational goals.

Responsibilities
Website Development and Delivery

Oversees full lifecycle of web development projects including discovery, planning, design, development, testing, deployment, and ongoing support
Architect and maintain scalable, secure, and accessible WordPress environments
Implement standards for accessibility, responsible design, and performance optimization
Manage and optimize development pipelines using Git, CI/CD tools, and staging environments
Ensure projects are delivered on time, within scope, and meet quality standards
Develop and enforce web governance policies for WordPress implementations

Leadership and Strategy

Lead the development and execution of Digital Learning's web development strategy, aligning with Marketing, Tech, and operational goals
Provide expert-level guidance on WordPress architecture, customization, scalability, and security
Serve as the principal advisor on web technology trends, standards, and best practices
Foster an inclusive, high-performing team culture through mentoring, coaching, and professional development
Serve as a member of the DL's Technology leadership team

Operations and Engagement

Collaborate with Tech, Marketing, and Campus departments to ensure compliance with institutional policies and define needs across multiple functional areas
Represent the Web Development team in cross-functional initiatives and meetings
Manage relationships with campus partners and external vendors related to WordPress services or infrastructure

Qualifications
Knowledge, Skills, & Abilities

Required

Proven work experience leading and understanding web development, specifically WordPress
Expert leadership and project management skills within a fast-paced work environment
Expert knowledge of web service integration (REST, JSON)
Expert knowledge of HTML5, JavaScript, jQuery, Ajax, and PHP
Good understanding of OO programming and design patterns
Strategic thinker with excellent problem-solving and decision-making abilities
Excellent oral and written communication skills and attention to detail
Exceptional customer service skills

Preferred

Progressively responsible experience leading a web development team in higher education
Creative design skills
Experience with responsive and adaptive design is strongly preferred
PHP frameworks

Qualifications

Required Qualifications

Education: Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Information Technology, Digital Media, or related field
Experience:
- Seven or more years of professional experience in web development, with at least 3 years in a leadership role managing web teams and cross-functional projects
- In-depth experience with WordPress development, including configurations, custom theme and plugin development, WP-CLI, and REST API
- Strong knowledge of PHP, JavaScript, HTML5, CSS3, MySQL, and Git
- Applicants must be legally authorized to work in the United States on a full-time basis without need now or in the future for sponsorship for employment visa status.

Preferred Qualifications

Experience:
- Experience in higher education environment
- Familiarity with cloud-based hosting environment (e.g. WP Engine, AWS, etc)
- Familiarity with Google Tag Manager, GA4, and SEO tools
- Experience with DevOps practices and CI/CD workflows

Work Location

Knoxville, TN. This position does have the potential for a hybrid working capacity.

Compensation and Benefits

UT market range: MR 16
Find more information on the UT Market Range structure here
Find more information on UT Benefits here

Application Instructions

For full consideration, applicants must attach a letter of interest, resume, and the name, address, email, and phone number of three professional references, in addition to completing the applicant file to the Human Resources online application system, Taleo. This position does have the potential for a hybrid working capacity.
Screening of applicants will begin immediately and continue until the position has been filled. DL_UT

About The College/Department/Division

Digital Learning at UT, is a unit charged with advancing UT's commitment to discovery, creativity, learning, and engagement, specifically for online learners. Using advanced and innovative technologies, Digital Learning at UT will provide scalable solutions that enhance the online learning experience and reduce barriers to student access and success, providing a tremendous impact to online learners across the state and the nation. At Digital Learning, we want to be bold and impactful, transforming the future of online education through innovative thinking and collaborative problem-solving. Join our dynamic and inclusive Digital Learning team where we take pride in teamwork, excellence, and a shared commitment to shaping the future through education and innovation.

About Us
The University of Tennessee, Knoxville, has shaped leaders, changemakers, and innovative thinkers since its founding in 1794. The university is home to more than 38,000 students and 10,000 statewide employees-the Volunteers-who uphold the university's tradition of lighting the way for others through leadership and service.

UT Knoxville offers over 900 programs of study across 14 degree-granting colleges and schools. As Tennessee's flagship land-grant university, its footprint spans the entire state. The university holds the highest Carnegie classification for research activity and has deep partnerships with industry leaders and the US Department of Energy's largest multidisciplinary laboratory, Oak Ridge National Laboratory.

The Knoxville campus serves and recruits for UT Knoxville, including the Institute of Agriculture and the Space Institute, as well as the UT Institute of Public Service.

UT Knoxville considers its employees its number one asset. With values that focus on work-life balance, compensation, and innovation leadership, all Vols are supported to advance professionally. Employees have access to career development and coaching, continued education, and an extensive list of development and training possibilities. The Volunteer employee experience implements structures and practices that attract and retain a diverse community and that support a culture where everyone matters and belongs.

The university holds a strong commitment to its land-grant mission of learning and engagement, with a tradition of service and leadership that carries that Volunteer spirit throughout the state and around the world. It has been ranked nationally as "Best Employer for New Graduates," "One of America's Best Large Employers," and "Best Workplace for Women," and has been designated as "Best Place for Working Parents" by Forbes Magazine.

Apply today and join the Tennessee Volunteer community!

To apply, visit https://fa-ewlq-saasfaprod1.fa.ocs.oraclecloud.com/hcmUI/CandidateExperience/en/sites/CX_1/job/4634/?mode=location