The MIT Free Speech Alliance (MFSA) seeks a contractor to provide assistance maintaining and furthering the development of its website, in addition to enhancing its web presence.
As an independent contractor, the webmaster will not be considered an employee of MFSA. The webmaster will report directly to MFSA’s Executive Director, and will work most closely with the Executive Director and members of MFSA’s Communications Committee.
This position is fully remote, and can be performed from anywhere, though preferably from within the continental United States. The webmaster will be expected to provide their own equipment for performing their duties, including laptop or desktop computer, though certain minor or incidental expenses may be eligible for reimbursement.
MFSA expects that the webmaster’s duties will require roughly 20 to 30 hours per month, with the webmaster setting their hours generally at their discretion.
More information on the duties of the webmaster and the requirements for hiring are listed below. While MFSA is happy to consider applications from qualified persons at all career levels, this part-time webmaster position might particularly suit an early-career college graduate or a current undergraduate.
About the MIT Free Speech Alliance
MFSA is a nonprofit organization, founded by alumni of the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, that exists to promote free expression, viewpoint diversity, academic freedom, and open scientific inquiry in the MIT community. MFSA is independent of MIT and its alumni association. More information about MFSA may be found at
https://mitfreespeech.org.
The webmaster’s role is expected to be substantially project-based, with the webmaster focusing their efforts around fulfilling needs designated by MFSA’s Communications Committee. The webmaster may additionally suggest projects and specialized areas of focused based on their own expertise and assessment of MFSA’s web functionality and organizational needs.
Duties of Webmaster:
The webmaster’s role is expected to be substantially project-based, with the webmaster focusing their efforts around fulfilling needs designated by MFSA’s Communications Committee. The webmaster may additionally suggest projects and specialized areas of focused based on their own expertise and assessment of MFSA’s web functionality and organizational needs.
While the webmaster position is project-oriented in nature, the webmaster should expect it will at various times cover the following areas:
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Familiarizing self with operation and management interface of MFSA’s website and member relationship management (MRM) systems (see
https://www.memberleap.com)
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Ensuring the overall well-being of the organization’s website by employing best practices, security enhancements, performance optimizations, and ADA requirements
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Coding new pages, templates, functions, or modules, as needed
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Creating scripts to upload data into MRM system
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Updating and enhancing existing content and reviewing SEO
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Testing and debugging any website problems, coordinating efforts with web developers as needed
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Researching and updating knowledge base and adhere to current web development best practices and standards
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Researching and testing additional features and capabilities of MFSA website and advising on their implementation to enhance website functionality
Candidate Requirements:
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Demonstrated prior experience in web development/web hosting
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Proficiency in core programming languages (Python, PHP, HTML/CSS, XML, Javascript, etc.)
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Familiarity with web analytics and SEO tools
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Strong organizational and troubleshooting skills
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Ability to work independently
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Strong communication skills
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Familiarity with organization’s mission and understanding of website’s role in carrying out that mission
To apply for the position, please send a brief cover letter and resume to
admin@mitfreespeech.org. Please don’t hesitate to email as well should you have any questions or comments.