Application Developer

About The Company

The University of Illinois Foundation is the official fundraising and private gift-receiving organization for the University of Illinois. As a vital partner in supporting the university's mission, the Foundation works closely with alumni, donors, faculty, staff, corporations, foundations, and campus development professionals to create impactful fundraising programs and initiatives. Its primary goal is to generate resources that enhance educational opportunities, research, and community engagement across the university system. The Foundation is committed to fostering a collaborative environment that promotes innovation, integrity, and excellence in all its endeavors. With a focus on strategic philanthropy, the organization plays a crucial role in securing financial support that advances the university's strategic priorities and enriches the student experience.

About The Role

The University of Illinois Foundation is seeking an Applications Developer to join its dynamic technology team. This role is integral to delivering, supporting, and maintaining application and integration software that underpin the university's advancement efforts. The successful candidate will be responsible for developing custom features within supported applications, creating seamless integrations between various software platforms, and ensuring a consistent and efficient user experience for the UI advancement community. The position offers an exciting opportunity to work on innovative projects that leverage cutting-edge technologies, including AI tools, to enhance application functionality and operational efficiency. The Applications Developer will collaborate with stakeholders across the organization, translating their needs into scalable technical solutions that support the Foundation's strategic goals.

Qualifications

The ideal candidate will possess a bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Management Information Systems, or a related field. A minimum of two years of experience in designing and developing applications using object-oriented programming languages such as Java or C# (.NET) is required. Proficiency in SQL for relational databases is essential. Familiarity with AI-assisted development tools like GitHub Copilot, Claude, or similar platforms is highly desirable, along with a willingness to adopt responsible AI practices. Excellent organizational skills, along with strong written and verbal communication abilities, are necessary to effectively collaborate with both technical and non-technical audiences. The candidate should demonstrate the capability to work independently and as part of a team in a fast-paced environment, maintaining professionalism and productivity at all times.

Responsibilities

• Partner with stakeholders throughout the project lifecycle to recommend and develop scalable application and integration solutions, utilizing innovative thinking and AI tools to enhance design and delivery.
• Author comprehensive Technical Designs (TDs) that specify how functional requirements will be technically enabled, including API development, data flows, and system integrations.
• Develop and execute Unit Test Plans to verify programs, ensure adherence to standards, and promote best practices in testing and code quality.
• Design, develop, and unit test application programs based on Technical Designs, ensuring compliance with programming standards and policies. This includes creating integration components such as APIs, services, and data transformations, with support from AI-assisted development tools to improve efficiency and code quality.
• Provide production support by troubleshooting issues, identifying root causes, and developing fixes that prioritize long-term stability and maintainability, leveraging AI-assisted diagnostics where applicable.
• Prioritize work assignments effectively, exercise independent judgment, and operate with minimal supervision to meet project deadlines and objectives.
• Perform additional duties as assigned by the Lead, Application Development, to support team goals and organizational needs.

Benefits

The University of Illinois Foundation offers a competitive salary range of $70,000 to $80,000 annually, commensurate with experience and qualifications. Employees benefit from a comprehensive package that includes medical, vision, and dental coverage, as well as company-paid life insurance. The organization provides generous vacation time, totaling 24 days annually, along with other paid time off benefits. Additionally, employees have access to a robust pension plan, supporting long-term financial security. The Foundation fosters a stimulating work environment within a state-of-the-art, environmentally friendly LEED-certified building that features contemporary amenities such as an on-site wellness center and a cafeteria offering healthy dining options. The organization promotes work-life balance through a hybrid work schedule, combining in-office collaboration with up to two days of remote work flexibility, enabling employees to maintain a healthy work environment and personal life.

Equal Opportunity

The University of Illinois Foundation is committed to fostering an inclusive and diverse workplace. We are an equal opportunity employer and welcome applications from individuals of all backgrounds, regardless of race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, disability, or veteran status. We believe that a diverse workforce enhances our ability to serve our community and achieve our organizational goals. We encourage qualified candidates to apply and join our mission to support the University of Illinois through innovation, collaboration, and integrity.