The Australia Institute is seeking an experienced full stack WordPress developer who can maintain and improve our suite of websites to showcase the Australia Institute’s research.

About the role

Reporting to the Deputy Director, you will be responsible for:

• Improving our (non-block editor) WordPress website, including:
  • Designing and building new features (e.g. Coal Mine Tracker) and improving existing features (e.g. re-designing the homepage)
  • Improving admin UX (reducing opportunity for user errors when adding posts/pages)
  • Optimising user experience, mobile friendliness and overall performance
  • Reviewing code to ensure reliability and maintainability of the codebase
  • Recommending and integrating third-party plugins and APIs to extend website capabilities and enhance functionality

• Improving our NationBuilder website, including optimising our donate, subscribe, event and petition pages
• Suggesting improvements to the user experience on both frontend and backend
• Maintaining, troubleshooting and bug fixing:
  • Dealing with our web host and NationBuilder support
  • Regular PHP, MySQL and WordPress updates
  • Miscellaneous maintenance tasks (e.g. migrating from UA to GA4 or updating Bitbucket SSH keys)
• Tracking and reporting monthly and annual metrics
• Updating website content
• Training staff to use the websites and add content

About You

We are seeking a passionate WordPress Developer with at least two years of relevant experience and who has:

• Proficiency in PHP, HTML, CSS/SASS, JavaScript (jQuery and vanilla JavaScript), AJAX
• A deep understanding of the WordPress core and its functions at the code level
• Demonstrated experience with WordPress plugin and theme development, and ability to build custom WordPress plugins and themes from scratch
• Highly developed design sensibilities
• A solid understanding of responsive web design principles, cross-browser compatibility, and web accessibility standards
• Understanding of SEO principles
• Command of version control systems, particularly Git (we use Bitbucket and Bitbucket Pipelines for deployment).
• Proficiency in using Google Analytics, Google Tag Manager and Google Search Console
• The ability to work independently with minimal supervision
• Strong problem-solving abilities, exceptional attention to detail and commitment to quality, and a proactive approach to addressing challenges

Desirable skills

• Ability to design for the web (design web page layouts and components)
• Adobe Illustrator & Photoshop and/or Canva skills
• Experience with using NationBuilder
• Ability to build NationBuilder website themes
• Ability to design and build HTML email templates
• Experience with payment systems (Stripe, PayPal)
• Experience with digital and email marketing

About Us

The Australia Institute is an independent public policy think tank that conducts research and advocates for progressive policies across a range of social, economic, and environmental issues. With a focus on evidence-based research and impactful advocacy, we aim to shape public discourse and drive positive change for a better Australia.

What We Offer

• The opportunity to make a significant impact on important social and environmental issues.
• A supportive and inclusive work environment that values creativity, innovation, and collaboration.
• Competitive salary commensurate with experience.