[Hiring] Web Developer @VaVa Virtual Assistants

Role Description

This is an independent contractor (1099) position. VaVa contractors are responsible for managing their own taxes, benefits, and business expenses.

We are looking for an experienced Web Developer who is already freelancing or running their own web development practice and wants to supplement that work with additional client projects through VaVa. This role calls for both front end and backend expertise, along with the technical range to move between quick maintenance requests, full site builds, and ecommerce or security work as each project demands.

Beyond your client work, you will be part of a contractor community that genuinely invests in one another's success. Regular calls with clients and fellow contractors keep you connected to the broader VaVa team, and every interaction is an opportunity to reflect our mission, vision, and values.

Expectations

• Represent VaVa Virtual Assistants in a Positive and Professional Manner
• Demonstrate strong technical judgment and professionalism in every client interaction.
• Ensure all communication reflects VaVa's values and standard of quality.
• Contribute to a collaborative culture among fellow VaVa contractors, including designers or other specialists who may support your projects.
• Take Ownership of Client Satisfaction
• Manage client website projects and ongoing support requests with reliability and follow-through.
• Anticipate technical needs before they become urgent issues, and communicate proactively about progress and timelines.
• Deliver work that meets each client's brand, functionality, and performance goals.
• Adjust availability and scope as project demands shift, from routine maintenance to full site builds or migrations.

Responsibilities

• Design, develop, and maintain websites for multiple clients across a range of industries, primarily using WordPress.
• Build and customize front end interfaces using HTML, CSS, and JavaScript that align with each client's brand and goals.
• Develop, troubleshoot, and maintain backend functionality using PHP, resolving issues promptly to minimize downtime and disruption to client business.
• Manage e-commerce site builds and ongoing maintenance on platforms such as WooCommerce, Shopify, or ThriveCart.
• Execute website migrations, domain transfers, and hosting changes with minimal disruption to client operations.
• Configure and maintain website security measures to protect client sites from vulnerabilities, downtime, and unauthorized access.
• Build landing pages and set up automations and system integrations, using tools such as Zapier, Make, or n8n, and email marketing platforms such as ConvertKit or Klaviyo, when a client's project calls for it.
• Monitor website analytics and traffic, and optimize client sites for search engines and answer engines using current SEO and AEO practices, reporting on client-defined performance metrics.
• Use AI tools such as Claude or ChatGPT to support development work, troubleshoot issues, and build custom workflows for clients, staying current on emerging web development tools and AI-assisted practices.
• Collaborate with designers, including VaVa contractors supporting brand, graphic design, or content writing needs, when a project calls for additional creative support.
• Gather and refine project requirements directly from clients, and communicate timelines, progress, and technical concepts in accessible, non-technical language.
• Provide ongoing maintenance and ad hoc support for existing client sites, managing multiple concurrent projects and balancing routine work with new builds and migrations.
• Maintain clear documentation of site structure, credentials, and technical decisions for each client project.
• Complete additional web development tasks as requested, within the scope of the contractor engagement.

Qualifications

• Must reside and be authorized to work in the United States.
• At least 3 years of demonstrated experience in front end and backend web development.
• At least 2 years of experience working full-time in a virtual or remote capacity.
• Demonstrated experience supporting multiple clients across different industries; candidates who are actively running their own web development practice or taking on independent freelance engagements are strongly preferred.
• Available a minimum of 10 hours per week, with flexibility to take on additional ad hoc client projects as they arise.

Technical Qualifications

• Proficiency in HTML, CSS, and JavaScript, with backend development experience in PHP.
• Proficiency in WordPress, including theme customization, plugin management, site migrations, and troubleshooting, along with experience on at least one ecommerce platform such as WooCommerce, Shopify, or ThriveCart.
• Experience with SEO and answer engine optimization (AEO), including Google Analytics, Search Console, and Tag Manager.
• Experience with automation and systems integration tools such as Zapier, Make, or n8n, and email marketing or landing page platforms such as ConvertKit or Klaviyo.
• Experience implementing website security best practices to protect client sites from vulnerabilities and downtime.
• AI literacy, including experience using tools such as Claude or ChatGPT to support development work and improve workflow efficiency.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office, Google Workspace, Slack, and Zoom.
• Experience with at least one project management tool and one CRM tool.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with alternate website builder platforms such as Webflow, Wix, or Squarespace, or with AI-assisted builders such as Showit, Loveable, or Durable.
• Graphic design and UX/UI experience, including wireframing in Figma or Adobe Illustrator.
• Familiarity with Git/GitHub, SQL, or Python.

Education

• A degree is not required. Demonstrated competency and a strong portfolio of front end work always outweigh credentials.
• A degree or certificate in web development, computer science, or a related field is a plus, but not required.
• Candidates without a degree should hold at least one relevant certification. Examples include: WordPress certification, AWS Certified Developer, a Google Analytics certification, or a foundational security certification like CompTIA Security+.
• A commitment to continued learning is an expectation of this role. New technology and software capabilities shift regularly; staying current is part of the job.