Want to build a web app that will help pull people out of poverty, strengthen our education system, promote public health, and protect the environment all at once? The Taproot Foundation is currently seeking a qualified candidate to join the Web Development team at the national headquarters as an AmeriCorps*VISTA fellow.

Use your software development chops to strengthen the core operations of the Taproot Foundation, which in turn supports hundreds of nonprofits in communities across the country. This opportunity is ideal for skilled web developers who want to give back to the community, gain technical experience in a start-up environment, and be part of an innovative organization at the intersection of the nonprofit and business communities.

Key Responsibilities

The Taproot Foundation Fellow in Web Development will play a critical role in the overall success of the organization by helping to design, develop, integrate and improve web-based applications for the Taproot Foundation intranet that allow staff, volunteers and nonprofit clients to work together productively. One likely area of responsibility will involve the development of applications and infrastructure to foster a sense of community, encourage social networking, and share knowledge among the thousands of volunteers who work with us.

Responsibilities will revolve around developing PHP/MySQL back-end applications. Depending on experience and interest, the work may also involve integration with external web services and design of clean, engaging HTML/CSS-based user interfaces. Specific responsibilities may include the following:

• Help define project scope and gather requirements
• Design normalized MySQL database schemas
• Write database-intensive PHP application code in a short-iteration development cycle
• Research and evaluate third-party software and services to inform build/buy decisions
• Integrate in-house systems with external systems or web services
• Design web user interfaces, from wireframes to HTML mockups
• Perform usability testing
• Write clean HTML/CSS/JavaScript code that integrates with a PHP back-end

Experience/Skills

• Server-side web application design and development, using PHP (or similar) and SQL
• Familiarity with software design principles and methodologies

Additional preferred skills:

• Versed in user interface design, information architecture, and usability issues
• Web user interface implementation using cross-browser-compatible HTML and CSS
• Familiarity with UNIX (any flavor)
• JavaScript
• Bachelor's degree or foreign equivalent in Computer Science

Required Qualities

• Genuine interest in public service and the nonprofit sector
• Desire to take initiative and ability to identify opportunities to improve systems and processes
• Excellent communication skills (written & verbal)
• Flexible personality to adapt to a small environment and fast-paced organization
• Ability to maintain a professional demeanor at all times, work gracefully under pressure and maintain a strong work ethic

Reporting Relationship

This position reports to the Extranet and Web Developer.

Location

San Francisco (near Union Square)

Start Date

Summer 2008

Compensation

This position is offered through the AmeriCorps*VISTA program, which includes a modest annual living stipend (approximately $11,000) plus an education award and generous health and vacation benefits. Compensation is outlined on the AmeriCorps website.

Training

This position is required to attend an AmeriCorps*VISTA training session.

Application Process

Please send your resume and a cover letter that explains your interest and fit for the position to vista-web@taprootfoundation.org [1] with the title "VISTA Web Developer" as the subject of your email.

THE TAPROOT FOUNDATION IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER. The Taproot Foundation strives to reflect the diverse community it serves. Applicants who contribute to this diversity are strongly encouraged to apply.

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