Varsity Publications Inc
University of Toronto
Job Posting: 2020–2021 Web Developer (Back End)
The Varsity is Canada’s largest student newspaper and U of T’s tri-campus newspaper of record since 1880. The Varsity launched a new website in 2011, which was created by former U of T students. Four years ago, we launched a redesigned website and magazine microsite, having moved web development in-house the year before. This past year, we began a new website redesign, which is set to be launched for the 2020–2021 volume of The Varsity.
For the upcoming year, we will be looking for a back end web developer who will be tasked with maintaining our website (thevarsity.ca) and improving or upgrading the software it uses. The back end web developer, who will be paired with a front end web developer, will work under the direction of the managing online editor. This is an exciting opportunity to get involved in the online team at a major campus newspaper!
Varsity Publications Inc. is an incorporated not-for-profit corporation entirely managed and
operated by students. It publishes The Varsity , which puts out 18,000 copies each week during the academic year and maintains a strong online presence through its website (thevarsity.ca) and social media.
Responsibilities
The back end web developer will:
● Maintain and improve The Varsity’s website and its related properties (e.g. magazine.thevarsity.ca);
● Manage services on DigitalOcean;
● Collaborate with the managing online editor to update software and implement new web
features;
● Work in-office when appropriate and attending regular meetings;
● Be on-call for website-related emergencies;
● Monitor the website’s server performance.
Experience and Qualifications
The ideal candidate is:
● A current post-secondary student at U of T;
● Interested in journalism and digital media;
● Experienced or has working knowledge with LEMP stack;
● Experienced working with WordPress;
● Experienced working in Linux command line environment and basic shell scripting;
● Experienced or has a background in user interface design;
● Self-reliant and confident in troubleshooting issues as they arise;
● Able to be a team player in a fast-paced environment;
● A strong communicator and detail oriented;
● And hardworking, self-motivated, organized, and punctual.
Terms of the position
The hired candidate will:
● Work 10 hours per week;
● Occupy their position from June 1, 2020–April 30, 2021;
● And receive a salary of $7,730.20 for their term.
Application Information
Please submit a resume, cover letter, and examples of your work to hiring@thevarsity.ca
addressed to Ibnul Chowdhury, Editor-in-Chief, and Silas Le Blanc, Managing Online Editor, by 5:00 pm on May 14. Examples can include links to websites you have worked on, your GitHub profile, and/or relevant attachments. Please specify the position for which you are applying in the ‘subject’ field.
Varsity Publications Inc. is committed to providing its members with equal opportunity and a
workplace that is free from harrassment and discrimination. We encourage and welcome
applications from candidates who reflect the U of T community’s diversity, as defined by, but not limited to, race, colour, sexual orientation, disability, age, marital status, political or religious affiliations, place of origin, class, and gender.