Web Developer at Independent Institute

Job Description

For 40 years, The Independent Institute has shaped ideas into lasting impact through publications, conferences, and effective multimedia programs. We are a nonprofit, nonpartisan, public-policy research and educational organization with a mission to boldly advance peaceful, prosperous, and free societies grounded in a commitment to human worth and dignity. Applying independent thinking to issues that matter, we create transformational ideas for today’s most pressing social and economic challenges.

About the Role

We are seeking a creative, detail-oriented Web Developer to oversee the design, maintenance, and day-to-day management of our website and related digital content. In this role, you will lead the visual design, user experience (UX), and frontend development of our website and related digital products, turning complex research and digital content into beautiful, intuitive, and highly engaging web experiences.

This role combines technical web development responsibilities with content creation, publishing, and website administration to ensure an engaging, user-friendly, and high-performing online presence. The ideal candidate is technically skilled, well organized, and creative, with the ability to manage website functionality while maintaining accurate, compelling, and brand-consistent digital content.

This is a full-time role that can be based in Independent’s Oakland, CA office or anywhere in the US. The estimated salary range for this role is $85,000-95,000, depending on skills and experience.

Key Responsibilities

Design and execute engaging, responsive, and accessible web layouts and interactive content
Manage website content, including publishing and editing text, images, videos, content sliders, landing pages, and other multimedia assets
Collaborate with research and editorial teams to transform complex policy reports into engaging digital experiences and multimedia assets
Collaborate with marketing, publicity, sales, and events teams to prototype and build high-conversion online campaigns and product launches
Ensure content aligns with organizational branding, messaging, and accessibility standards
Optimize content and structure for SEO, AI, usability, and mobile responsiveness
Monitor website analytics and provide recommendations to improve user engagement and site performance
Maintain frontend website functionality, integrations, and performance optimization
Troubleshoot website issues, bugs, and technical errors

Qualifications

3+ years of web development or relevant experience
Strong portfolio demonstrating beautiful web layout, UI/UX design principles with intuitive user journeys, and live frontend execution
Experience with HTML, CSS, PHP, and publishing content on WordPress sites
Graphic design or multimedia editing experience, including familiarity with Adobe Creative Suite/Cloud
Understanding of SEO/GEO best practices and website optimization
Strong organizational, communication, and project management skills
Ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines independently
Strong attention to detail and problem-solving abilities
Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Communications, Marketing, or related field preferred (additional coursework or a certificate in Web Development or Digital Media is a plus)

Preferred Skills

Familiarity with Shopify, Foxycart, Woocommerce, or similar online sales platforms
Familiarity with Google Analytics or other analytics platforms
Familiarity with WordPress page builder plugins like Avada
Knowledge of website hosting, security, and maintenance

To Apply

Qualified candidates should submit the following application materials (in order) in one PDF document:
Cover letter including:
-An introductory paragraph describing three distinct reasons you are drawn to the Independent Institute’s mission and how you came to those beliefs
-Salary requirements
Your resume
Portfolio demonstrating web layout, UI/UX design principles, and live frontend execution

Applications should be submitted to Talent Market via this link: talentmarket.org/apply-for-your-dream-job/.

Questions can be directed to Savannah Murphy, Project Manager at Talent Market, who is managing the search: savannah@talentmarket.org.

There is no application deadline for this position. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis. This job will remain posted on our site until it is filled.

While we thank all applicants in advance for their interest in this position, we are only able to contact those to whom we can offer an interview. Only direct applications will be considered. No phone calls, please.

Talent Market, the liberty movement’s talent agency, is a nonprofit that connects liberty-minded professionals with free-market nonprofit jobs at no cost to candidates or organizations. We work with 501(c)(3) organizations that clearly and directly focus on advancing the principles of economic freedom, free enterprise, free trade, free speech, property rights, rule of law, and limited regulation. Visit Talent Market to explore open roles, join our talent network, or work with us on your next hire.