Powerful Pathways

Job Description

About the position: We are developing a web app and tool to track gentrification and displacement. This is a comprehensive website and open-source GIS mapping platform associated with a research initiative. We seek a civic technologist to serve as the Technical Lead with a strong software engineering background who can support the launch of the product in 2022. As the lead developer, you will sit at the intersection of product, technology, design, urban planning for social justice and user experience. We’re looking for someone who has led multiple teams, built successful GIS or similar multilayer products and strives to solve complex problems. The person will work closely with our core partner, the community, and the volunteer team with Code for Boston, a chapter of Code for America. We’re based in Boston although work can be remote. Who you are: You’re a process-oriented and design-minded team member: You will set the road map and lead the charge on new features, testing their performance and iterating effectively. You’re a strategic systems thinker who considers problems from multiple angles: Given a clear goal and a defined set of user problems, you seek many inputs -- including user research, quantitative data, business priorities, time and budget constraints, technical feasibility, and more -- to define and prioritize product features. You are able to execute and deliver results: You’re always up to date on the status of the work and know what’s coming next. You’re focused and productive, identify blockers, and adjust plans to achieve the goal. You know how to escalate when a project is going off track. You have strong communication skills: You’re able to deliver the right message with the right level of detail to the right audience. You can translate business and user needs into technical requirements and vice versa and share them with clients, designers, and engineers alike. You document goals, objectives, and decisions so that your team and the client stay on the same page. You ask questions before making assumptions. You thrive on cross-discipline collaboration: Great products are built by multi-faceted teams. You build strong relationships with your design and engineering counterparts. You rely on the expertise of your teammates to deliver the best product. You collaborate with others and can manifest ideas and visions into tangible results and products. You have a passion for community co-design and social justice: You are making a tangible effort to educate yourself about structural issues and their impact on land use, policy, and social mobility. You believe in the equitable power of working with, not for or on communities. What you’ll be doing: This role consists of two core web projects: 1) Managing and working on a gentrification mapping website • Leading the design, technical development, and launch of our 2.0 digital product (and beyond!), a digital land-use mapping tool with open-source entry components available in desktop and mobile formats. • Providing enhancements such as interactive and e-commerce features to our website. • Communicating regularly with our team, Code for Boston and community leads to gather feedback and incorporate changes to the tool • Collaborating with the project manager and team to prioritize tasks for specific features, build consensus, and coordinate product schedules • Developing a product to reach at least 40,000 residents, with the potential to scale widely 2) Work on important improvements to our organization's website • Correct backend interface areas with Word Press web builder platform • Providing enhancements such as interactive and e-commerce features to our website. • Streamlining engineering activities across Android and IOS apps, 2 website products, and CMS Qualifications: • Values in social justice and impact • Front-end and back-end experience developing web and app-based products and technologies • Working knowledge UI/UX in driving product vision, go-to-market strategy, and design discussions • Background education in computer science, similar technical study or equivalent practical experience • Strong communication skills • Lead and operate within the current tech stack: o Backend API o GIS Mapping o Database: MYSQL o Front End: CMS, Subscriber Portal, User Website: React JS o App Android and IOS Preferred Qualifications (Nice to have): • A background in or knowledge of urban planning, land use, real estate, civic design or urban design. • Knowledge or training in social justice, cultural competency and equity concepts and terms • Experience working with diverse populations, especially in urban communities • Experience with UI/UX design tools such as Figma, Webflow, Moqups or similar tools Compensation: This is a part-time contract position of 20 hours per week through Dec 2022. The contract award is $40,000 (equivalent to $90,000 if full-time for one year) and is expected to commence immediately. Location: Remote – We are based in the Boston, MA area, but our team members are throughout the country. We use Google Suite. Our team requires constant, clear communication and coordination via Slack, email, and video conferences. Benefits: You are eligible for a financial bonus to support healthcare, a professional development budget for skill-building and training and a travel budget to attend conferences and events. You also will have access to our ongoing social equity and business development training and onboarding. This is a flexible schedule. This is an ideal position for a computer science and/or web development professional who wants to work in urban development, social impact, or anyone who meets the criteria who seeks to work part-time. To apply: Send a cover letter, resume, and link to your portfolio to Allentza Michel, Director at powerfulpathwaysinc@gmail.com. Interviews will be conducted on an ongoing basis until the position is filled. You may send us an email if you want more information. No calls, please. Powerful Pathways is an equal opportunity employer. Women, people of color, LGBTQ individuals, and immigrants are encouraged to apply